Interdisciplinary units (IDUs) are a key part of the IB Middle Years Programme. They allow students to make connections between different subjects, helping them understand how knowledge works in the real world — where problems and ideas rarely fit into one subject alone.
In an IDU, students combine knowledge and skills from two or more subject groups to explore a shared concept, global context, or real-world issue. This encourages them to think critically, be creative, and apply their learning in new and meaningful ways.
✅ Develops deeper understanding by seeing how subjects relate to one another
✅ Promotes collaboration between students and teachers
✅ Builds real-world skills, such as problem-solving, inquiry, and communication
✅ Supports international-mindedness by exploring global issues from multiple perspectives
Each year of the MYP must include at least one interdisciplinary unit.
Units must involve collaboration between at least two subject groups.
Assessments must address the interdisciplinary objectives and criteria, not just the subject-specific ones.
Units should include a real-world issue or conceptual question that invites students to synthesize learning from both subjects.
IDU Topics