Scope of Interdisciplinary Courses Abroad: Education & Research opportunities

Our societies are metaphorically turning into a borderless world. We are living in the times of overcoming our limits and breaking rigid structures, aiming for practical flexibility. Every piece of knowledge is approached through different lenses, and thus, there is a rise in the need for knowledge of these diverse lenses.

It can’t be denied that traditional disciplines bind us, but comfort zones are meant to be escaped. This isn’t just someone’s personal opinion; there has been a legitimate increase in the scope of interdisciplinary courses both abroad and in the country itself, in terms of education & research opportunities. The following points are the reasons for this:

• Problem solvers > Problem finders: In corporate settings, ‘ Blame games’ are an unfortunately common scenario. Employees from one department tend to push the responsibility of the problem to the other department. Organizations have gauged that the solution for this lies in promoting an interdisciplinary perspective where employees from different departments are able to grasp the technicalities of each other’s departments. Employers are now looking for those who can be problem solvers with an interdisciplinary outlook.

• Personal satisfaction > Fitting in: People prefer structure because they want to fit in. But structure and fitting in don’t guarantee personal satisfaction. Life is too short to pursue all your interests, but pursuing interdisciplinary courses provides a shortcut to bring together your fields of interest.

Opportunities Abroad

There can be two pathways for acquiring interdisciplinary knowledge: either going for a dual degree or pursuing an interdisciplinary course that inherently integrates different disciplines. The latter one is still a less considered option in India in spite of it being more proper and concise in form than the former. However, there’s no lack of opportunities abroad.

The following are widely sought-after interdisciplinary courses, and where you can pursue them:

1. Data Science & Analytics: This course blends computer science, statistics, business analysis, and domain knowledge. It is highly trending worldwide with the growth of data.

• In Germany, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) offers a Master’s in Data Science/Analytics with strong research and industry ties, and Lancaster University Leipzig (Germany campus) MSc in Data Science.

• In the UK, some universities offering this program are University of Edinburgh, University of Bristol, and Queen Mary University of London.

• Going towards Asia, the National University of Singapore (NUS) offers a strong BSc in Data Science & Analytics, and Tsinghua University (China) offers Master’s programs combining Data Science and Business Analytics.

• In Hong Kong, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, City University of Hong Kong, The University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and in Taiwan, National Cheng Kung University, National Tsing Hua University offer programs in this.

2. Cognitive Science: Integrates psychology, computer science, linguistics, philosophy, and neuroscience; it is useful for careers in AI, human-computer interaction, UX design, and research.

• In Germany, University of Tübingen offers both Bachelor’s and Master’s in Cognitive Science. Technical University of Darmstadt offers a Master of Science in Cognitive Science taught in English. Osnabrück University offers Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science with topics from AI to neuroscience. 

• University of Hong Kong offers a Bachelor's in Cognitive Science taught in English.

• Tsinghua University (China),  Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), and University of Tokyo (Japan) are well known for Cognitive Science research. 

3. International Relations: It focuses on global politics, economics, cultures, and development, prepares students for careers in diplomacy, NGOs, international law, and global business.

• Sciences Po (France), Free University of Berlin (Germany), University of Groningen (Netherlands), University of Geneva (Switzerland), Utrecht University (Netherlands) are well known for their programs in international relations.

• In Asia, it is offered by Nanyang Technological University and National University of Singapore (Singapore), The University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong SAR), China Foreign Affairs University (China), and Seoul National University (South Korea).

4. Environmental & Sustainability Studies: Combines ecology, economics, social sciences, and policy to address sustainability issues.

• University of Oxford (UK), University of Cambridge (UK) and Imperial College London (UK) are known for their programs in this field.

• The University of Tokyo (Japan), Tsinghua University (China), University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong SAR) are leading in environmental and sustainability studies and research.

CONCLUSION

There is no lack of scope in interdisciplinary programs. Parallel to that, if your personal interest intersects with these programs, you should definitely consider them. Don’t limit yourself and embrace your various fields of interest.

The path to studying abroad can feel overwhelming, but need not fear, Hello Study Global is here! We are here to smoothen your road to study abroad.

Contact Us

Can students switch careers easily after completing an interdisciplinary degree?

Yes, interdisciplinary programs offer flexibility. Since students gain knowledge across fields, they can pivot into related industries such as analytics, research, policy, UX design, sustainability consulting, or business strategy.

Is a dual degree better than a single interdisciplinary program?

Not necessarily. A dual degree separates two subjects, while an interdisciplinary program integrates them intentionally. Students who prefer structured blending of subjects may benefit more from interdisciplinary programs.

Do interdisciplinary courses offer good salary prospects?

Salary prospects depend on specialization, but many interdisciplinary fields like data science, cognitive science, and sustainability analytics offer competitive pay due to high industry demand.