What is interdisciplinary learning and why is it important?

One way universities can introduce interdisciplinary learning to their programmes is by integrating real-world projects into the curriculum, so students will be working directly with industry partners during their degree.  

As part of their degree at Zayed University, students will spend time participating in corporate challenges with local and international companies. Throughout their degree, students will work on integrated structured projects which will give them the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge from their classes to real-world problems. 

This strong integration of practical industry learning into the educational experience is what makes Zayed University’s learning model unique and effective, giving students the practical experience needed to thrive in their career.   

Interdisciplinary programmes can help you gain the skills needed to adapt to a rapidly changing workplace, combining theory with practice to help students develop valuable transferable skills. 

Dr Allen says there are several skills interdisciplinary students are more likely to develop: 

• Effective cognitive skills 
• Reading, writing, speaking and thinking skills 
• A higher curiosity for learning 
• More creativity and originality in thought processes 
• An ability to integrate traditional ideas with innovative ideas 
• Problem Solving techniques 

During their first year at Zayed University, new students undertake a suite of innovative general education courses. These are the first of their kind in the UAE and are carefully designed and integrated to develop the soft skills students need for their future careers. Students will then move on to take core programmes in their chosen areas, before specialising in a subject of their choice. 

Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, President of Zayed University said: “This is an enormously exciting time for Zayed University. By changing the way we teach, we can give students the best possible preparation for the workplace.  

“The workplace is evolving fast and higher education must evolve with it. Sheikh Zayed taught us to embrace innovation and these new degree programs are a continuation of his spirit. Our degrees will open the eyes of our students to the opportunities available to them in the private sector, and develop our future thinkers, doers, and leaders.”  

By working directly with international and local companies on real business projects, students will not only gain transferable skills but will also build valuable relationships with industry connections, early on in their career journeys. 

Students at Zayed University get the opportunity to work with a wide range of corporate partners in the UAE, which has included: Emirates Development Bank, G42, Cisco, Etisalat and Injazat. 

Dr Allen said: “From day one, alongside their chosen degree subjects, students partake in real-world work experience alongside industry mentors and dedicated career coaches. These mentors come from leading industries and are experts in their fields.  

“The practical experience opens students’ eyes to the opportunities available to them when they graduate and, from the get-go, establishes and builds valuable professional networks.”