The role of interdisciplinary programmes in higher education: advantages and challenges

Abstract

Like many European countries, higher education in Ukraine has undergone significant changes within the framework of the Bologna Process of European diploma harmonization. Teaching methods have been improved, the "professionalization" of the educational process has been prohibited, and the development of new pedagogical methods and practices is being encouraged. However, only a minority of scholars are interested in the content of education and the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in structuring educational programs. The concept of an "educational program" includes a curriculum and progress plan that involves studying specific material in a set order within a particular educational cycle. The relevance of this work lies in the increasing interest in studying educational programs in higher education in recent years. Methods: based on the literature review method, this article proposes to combine the advantages and disadvantages of non-disciplinary curricula in higher education institutions on the examples of medical and humanitarian disciplines. The aim of the study is, first and foremost, to increase awareness of research conducted on this topic in Ukraine and internationally. The research results showed that studies of educational programs in higher education are related to different disciplinary traditions, approaches, and goals. In addition to various focal points and empirical objects, the work highlights some more general theoretical issues that have allowed the study of educational programs. The work demonstrates the value of an interdisciplinary approach, respectful knowledge construction, for analyzing the social, institutional, and political dynamics that structure higher education. Conclusion: Considering the above, there is a need for further research in the field of higher education aimed at further developing and refining interdisciplinary approaches that will lead to more effective and innovative educational practices. In the future, studying the interaction between different disciplines and developing new teaching methods that take into account this interdisciplinary approach can be explored. It is also important to consider how educational programs can impact social, institutional, and political processes. Studying these aspects will help create more flexible and adaptive educational programs that meet the needs of modern society.