The London Interdisciplinary School

History

New universities aren’t built every day — and for good reason: the process isn’t a piece of cake… But we weren’t fazed.

In 2018, we brought together a group of academics, entrepreneurs and investors to think deeply about what it would take to create a new kind of institution.

LIS was born just two years later, becoming the first UK university since the 1960s to receive Degree Awarding Powers.

Education

LIS is built on a core belief: the 21st century leader requires a broad set of interdisciplinary approaches and methods to tackle the world’s most complex problems.

The modern leader needs a new kind of knowledge. Yet too many institutions teach outdated frameworks and oversimplify context. A modern leader embraces complexity. They understand the systemic nature of business. They reject the specialist / generalist dichotomy and develop interactional expertise.

Leaders in the modern world need a richer intellectual hinterland than ever before. Organisations that succeed will be those with fewest blind spots and the best ideas. This points to leaders with range, who can take multiple perspectives.

Career

At LIS, we are dedicated to supporting and developing our students by providing the tools and opportunities they need to enhance their employability. These services include internships, dedicated 1:1 careers support, access to a range of workshops, as well as opportunities to interact with employers and outside organisations through guest talks, site visits and networking events.

Throughout your student journey, there will be multiple and continuous touch-points for you to plug into the world of work, engage with employers and outside organisations in meaningful ways, gain work experience, and develop an understanding of self in relation to a future career path.

Student services

During your time at LIS, you’ll have access to general advice and guidance on topics like nutrition, exercise, and financial management. We’re also working with partners to offer free-to-all wellbeing and enrichment activities including sessions on diversity, resilience, and and mindfulness.Additional support is available to those students with learning differences, disabilities, or other medical conditions and we will work with the student to develop an individual support plan that reflects any reasonable adjustments that might be needed.

Housing services

We know that where you live will play a key role in your university experience. Feeling safe, secure and comfortable at home will enable you to arrive on campus ready to learn.

Finding somewhere to live can be daunting. That’s why we’re here to help.

Whether you choose to live in student accommodation organised through external providers, private housing or commute from home, we will work hard to build a strong sense of community and belonging for all students, through a programme of social and community events.

Campus life

At LIS, you’ll have the opportunity to live and study in East London – one of the most vibrant areas in the country. Shoreditch will be right on your doorstep, with all the art, fashion, bars and restaurants that it has to offer. And, of course, there’s the City of London itself. One of the world’s most famous business districts, housing billion-pound organisations, purpose-driven start-ups, and everything in between.

Student clubs

We know there’s more to life than studying and that a lot of what you’ll get out of your time at LIS will happen outside the classroom.

As an LIS student, you’ll be part of the fast-paced, intensive, and fun journey of building a new university. That means you’ll have a unique opportunity to play a key role in co-creating events and establishing clubs, societies, and traditions that future students will enjoy for years to come.