Tackling real-world problems through Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Course goals

Learning goals
At the end of the course, the course participants should be able to:
- Effectively collaborate across disciplinary boundaries to address real-world societal challenges.
- Clearly define and analyze interdisciplinary challenges in cooperation with societal partners.
- Engage actively in Community-Engaged Learning by integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications in societal contexts.
- Develop innovative and practical solutions aligned with specific SDGs in partnership with community stakeholders.
- Critically evaluate the feasibility and potential societal impact of proposed solutions.
- Reflect meaningfully on personal and professional growth, as well as group dynamics within interdisciplinary and community-engaged contexts.
 

Skills	Part of the course	Explicitely examined?
Career orientation
Challenge Based Learning	X	X
Co-creation and stakeholder engagementCommunity Engaged Learning	X	X
Co-operation and team work	X	X
Critical thinking and innovation	X	X
Data handling
Effective communication and presentationPresenting	X	X
General research skills
Interdisciplinary collaborationity	X	X
Personal and professional reflection	X	X
Practical research skills	X	X
Writing	x

Content

NOTE: Max 50 students (12-13/TIC) and 10 professionals can follow the course.
 
Entry requirements
Advanced Bachelor student, master student or professional with a completed Master's degree from any discipline. Participants should have sufficient disciplinary knowledge, readiness to engage in interdisciplinary teams, work closely with societal partners, and look across boundaries outside their usual ‘bubble’.

Enrolment
Each year the course offers 4 thematic interdisciplinary challenges (TICs) that match with the strategic themes and research areas of the University Utrecht. Participants will indicate their first and second preference for the challenges prior to the start of the course. A maximum of 50 students (12-13 per TIC) will follow the course together with a maximum of 10 professionals. If more students apply, selection will be based on disciplinary background (to ensure team diversity) and/or preferred topic(s). 
You can register via https://tic-to-tic.sites.uu.nl/ from June 2026. Formal registration in Osiris for UU students is open between September 15 and September 26 2025. Note that on default you will be placed on the 'waiting list' until the enrollment period is over.

Study path
This interdisciplinary and socially-engaged course is meant to broaden your horizon, experience working on real world challenges with societal partners outside the university and develop skills to enable efficient working in interdisciplinary teams.

Language
Course language and materials are in English.

Content (Course description)
Today’s world faces a lot of complex societal problems, demanding the input of multiple academic disciplines. This interdisciplinary and community-engaged course broadens your horizons by challenging you to address real-world problems in collaboration with societal partners, while emphasizing interdisciplinary teamwork. Students and professionals from various disciplines work together on thematic challenges linked to Utrecht University's strategic research areas and directly related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals include promoting human rights, equality, sustainability, and fostering a healthy environment.
Participants collaborate closely with societal partners such as NGOs, government bodies, and consultancy firms, applying theoretical knowledge and innovative thinking to develop solutions that positively impact communities. Solutions may include prototypes, digital applications, policy proposals, communication campaigns, or other creative outputs.
Another important component of the course focuses on (inter)personal and professional interdisciplinary development. The course format creates a space to reflect and discover yourself and use your curiosity, enthusiasm, and creativity to come up with innovative ideas that contribute to the needs of today’s society.
More information about the course and specific challenges (past and future) can be found on our website: https://tic-to-tic.sites.uu.nl/.

Working formats
The course includes interdisciplinary teamwork (4-5 students and, often, professionals), interactive workshops, community-engaged discussions, challenge-based learning (problem analysis and solution/implementation analysis), and personal reflection. It culminates in a symposium where teams present their projects.

Grading
To pass this course, a minimum of 5,5 is mandatory. Your grade is calculated by the following components:

• Team assignments:                               60%
• Individual development assignments:        40%
• Active participation:                               Pass/Fail

All components must be at least 5,5.

Study material
Peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and popular scientific articles, which will be distributed or gathered during the course.