Frequently asked questions

Our York Interdisciplinary Modules (YIMs) are elective modules that allow students to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams to solve local, regional and global sustainability challenges. Students are taught by academics from different departments and work in groups with students from across the University, allowing them to apply their expertise to these challenges and learn from students and staff from other disciplines.

Established by Environmental Sustainability at York (ESAY), there are currently four sustainability-related YIMs available for undergraduate and taught postgraduate students to take in 2025/26 (subject to department availability/timetabling constraints).

In 2024, our YIMs were awarded a national Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) from Advance HE. The award has been made in recognition of the ESAY-YIMs team's value-based approach to collaborative, interdisciplinary programme design, teaching and learning.

We currently have four sustainability-related YIMs available for students to take in 2025/26. They include:

• Future of Food (open to 2nd Year UGs in Semester 2)
• Climate Crisis: Advocacy and Action (open to 3rd Year UGs in Semester 2)
• Sustainability and Policy (open to 3rd Year UGs in Semester 2)
• Sustainability Clinic (open to 3rd Year UGs in Semester 1 and both 3rd year UGs and PGT in Semester 2)

York Interdisciplinary Modules (YIMs) are available to undergraduate and taught postgraduate students from all Departments and Schools (subject to timetabling availability/Department constraints).

Modules are offered to specific year groups and take place in specific semesters. You will need to check the specific module details to make sure this works for your stage of study and programme. If your department or school allows you to take elective modules, you will hear about these at the start of Semester 2 when choosing modules for the following academic year.

YIMs are elective modules that count as 20 credits towards your degree. If your department or school allows you to take elective modules, you will hear about these at the start of Semester 2 when choosing modules for the following academic year.

While each YIM varies in teaching style, they typically include a mix of lectures, interactive workshops, group discussions, and project-based learning. YIMs feature guest speakers, real-world case studies, and interdisciplinary teamwork.

YIMs are predominantly project based and require you to work in multi-disciplinary teams with students from different disciplines. They have been designed to allow you to draw upon your own skills, knowledge and experiences to address a particular challenge.

In some YIMs, students also have the opportunity to work with external organisations. This could include community groups, small businesses, government bodies and/or NGOs.

Yes! A key feature of YIMs is their interdisciplinary approach, meaning you'll collaborate with students from different degree programmes, gaining new perspectives and bringing your own subject expertise to the conversation.

You don’t need any prior knowledge or experience in sustainability-related topics to participate in a YIM. These modules are available to all students and we welcome those with different disciplinary backgrounds.

You don’t have to be studying a sustainability-related course to study on an YIM. The modules are open to students from all subject backgrounds but you will need to complete an elective modules application form (on e-vision) in order to gain approval from your Department.

YIMs equip students to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams to solve local, regional and global sustainability challenges. Each module is project-based, providing students with opportunities and experiences that can be used to enhance your CV.

Absolutely! Employers value interdisciplinary knowledge and sustainability expertise. YIMs can enhance your CV by showing that you can think critically and work across disciplines to solve global issues.

There are no prior requirements to take a YIM but most students are interested in learning more about what they can do to help achieve a more sustainable and more just future.

Assessment methods vary for each YIM and may include essays, coursework, or reflective reports. Please refer to the module catalogue for specific assessment details.

The workload is equivalent to any other 20 credit module.

No. YIMs are currently available to students at the appropriate stage only. You can take Future of Food if you are a 2nd Year undergraduate. You can take the Climate Crisis: Advocacy and Action, Sustainability and Policy and the Sustainability Clinic if you are a 3rd Year undergraduate. You can also take the Sustainability Clinic if you are studying for an MA or MSc.

No, our YIMs can only be taken for credit as part of your degree.

Yes. Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students can take the Sustainability Clinic in Semester 2.

Please express your interest as soon as possible so that we can ensure we have enough projects. To express interest, email esay@york.ac.uk.

Our YIMs are now available to choose as elective modules in Semester 2, 2025/26. 

Undergraduate students: To apply for a YIM in Semester 2, please email esay@york.ac.uk, stating which YIM you are interested in (Future of Food, Sustainability and Policy, Sustainability Clinic, or Climate Crisis: Advocacy and Action).

Taught Postgraduate students: Applications are now open to choose the Sustainability Clinic as an elective module in Semester 2, 2025/26. To apply, email us via esay@york.ac.uk.

We can accept late applications, but applying early increases the chance of securing a place within the timetable. If you're interested in submitting a late application, please email ESAY (esay@york.ac.uk), and we’ll review it on a case-by-case basis.

Visit our YIMs web page to find out more about each of our sustainability-related elective modules. You can also visit the module catalogue for full details of each YIM and how to apply.

Have a question that hasn’t been answered here? Contact Environmental Sustainability at York (ESAY) via esay@york.ac.uk.