Interview with Anna Kunitsina, education expert and Director of Bruton Lloyd Academy

Intro

That’s actually good news. The world no longer works in neatly defined boxes, and education is catching up. Interdisciplinary university programmes are on the rise — and for good reason. They prepare students not just to “know things,” but to solve real-world challenges in innovative ways. We spoke with Anna Kunitsina, education expert and Director of Bruton Lloyd Academy, about what interdisciplinary programmes are, why they matter, and how parents can support their children in choosing the right one.

Anna, interdisciplinary degrees are becoming more popular — is this just a trend, or something deeper?

It’s definitely more than a trend — it’s a response to how the world is changing. Complex problems like climate change, AI ethics, or healthcare innovation can’t be solved by just one type of specialist. Employers today are looking for people who can connect the dots across disciplines — who can think critically, work in teams, and adapt quickly. That’s exactly what interdisciplinary programmes are designed to develop.

They don’t just give students knowledge — they teach them how to apply it in different contexts, combine ideas creatively, and understand the bigger picture.

What are some good examples of interdisciplinary programmes?

There are more and more each year! Let me give you a few examples that reflect how widespread this approach is — not only in the UK, but across Europe too:

• Bocconi University (Italy) offers Economics, Management and Computer Science — a unique blend that prepares students for careers in digital innovation, fintech, and data-driven strategy.
• Institut Polytechnique de Paris (France) runs a competitive programme combining Mathematics, Physics and Economics, ideal for students interested in quantitative finance, advanced research, or cutting-edge technology.
• University of Warwick (UK) has a master’s programme in Behavioural and Data Science, where students explore how psychology meets data — a vital combination for tech, marketing, and policy.

At undergraduate level, many UK universities now allow students to study combinations like Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), or Cognitive Science, which brings together psychology, AI, neuroscience, and linguistics.

These programmes are popular for a reason — they produce graduates who can think beyond the obvious and contribute to multiple fields.

How do employers view graduates from these types of programmes?

Very favourably. Interdisciplinary graduates tend to be more adaptable, better at communication, and often more creative in problem-solving. That’s exactly what companies are looking for — especially in fast-moving industries like tech, biotech, consulting, and finance.

I’ll give you a typical case: One of our students chose an interdisciplinary degree focused on technology and business. By their second year, they had already secured an internship with a European startup working on AI-driven logistics. They weren’t the most technical person on the team, but they could speak the language of engineers and understand the business model — and that’s why they stood out.

These are the kinds of skills that help young people grow faster professionally and take on leadership roles earlier.

How can parents know if this kind of programme is right for their child?

That’s the key question — and one we work closely with families to answer. Many students are “multi-passionate” — they love maths but also care about people, or they enjoy coding but are curious about biology. That’s not a weakness — it’s actually a great foundation for an interdisciplinary path.

At Bruton Lloyd, we start with a deep dive into the student’s strengths, interests and potential career directions. We then build a tailored strategy — which universities to look at, which subjects to combine, what entry requirements to plan for. It’s all very individual, and that’s why our approach works.

And how do you support the student through the process?

We take care of everything — from building the strategy to guiding the full application journey.

Our students go through our online academy, where we help them develop the academic and soft skills they’ll need for top-tier universities: critical thinking, essay writing, subject preparation, interview practice — all led by tutors with experience at top institutions.

Then we handle the practical side — helping with personal statements, gathering references, preparing portfolios or admissions tests, and managing applications to the UK, US, and European universities. With 18 years of experience, we know the nuances of each system and how to help students stand out.

What advice would you give to parents just starting to think about university for their child?

Don’t wait for your child to “figure it all out.” The world is too complex, and teenagers often need support to explore their options meaningfully. If your child is bright, curious, and open to new ideas — interdisciplinary study might be the perfect match.

And with the right guidance, they don’t just find a university place — they find a direction that excites them, plays to their strengths, and prepares them for a world that’s changing faster than ever.

At Bruton Lloyd, we’re here to help families at every stage of that journey.

---

Anna Kunitsyna is a recognised expert in the international education sector. Based in London and holding an MSc in Education Futures from the University of Edinburgh, she has been advising families on education strategies for over 18 years. She is the co-founder of Bruton Lloyd Academy, which brings the benefits of a UK private education to students worldwide through an innovative online format.