Course offerings at the masters level are in constant development, as attempts are made to offer studies that meet the needs of the economy at any time. Today, Bifröst University offers diverse masters studies in all of the University’s schools.
Seven courses of study are offered at the masters level, all are taught in Icelandic.
MSc/MIB degrees in International Business on site and in distance learning in the School of Business
MSc/MIF degrees in International Finance and Banking in distance learning in the School of Business
MS/MHA degrees in Health Services Management in distance learning in the School of Business
ML degree in law on site in the School of Law
MA degree in tax law in distance learning in the School of Law
MA degree in cultural management in distance learning and on site in the School of Sociology
MA degree in European Studies in distance learning and on site in the School of Sociology
Distance studies are organised so as to permit part-time studies concurrently with employment or full-time studies. The studies begin with four to six weeks of on-site studies at Bifröst, where two or three courses are fast-tracked. At the beginning of September, the studies continue in the form of distance learning with two working week-ends at Bifröst. The autumn semester ends in December. The spring semester consists entirely of distance learning. There are also two working week-ends in the spring semester. Coursework then concludes with a second six weeks of on-site studies at Bifröst just over one year after the start of studies for those who complete their studies with a paper. Those who prefer to take courses instead of doing papers can attend the courses in the autumn and spring semesters. These arrangements have been well received, as they make it easier for people to study concurrently with their employment.
Applicants and students in the masters programme should observe that the working week-ends are an integral part of masters studies, as attendance and active participation in the working week-ends count as part of the grade for each respective course. It is therefore extremely important for students to ensure full attendance at the working week-ends and that they organise their studies accordingly.
The on-site studies are traditional in form with lectures and assignments at Bifröst. The studies are divided into three semesters over the year: the autumn semester, spring semester and summer semester. Work then continues in the autumn semester until 90 credits are completed.
Masters studies in the School of Business
The choice of courses is organised in co-operation with the business sector and individual lines of study are supported by professional councils. Masters studies are offered as summer courses and distance studies, which allow students to remain employed during their studies; two thirds of the studies consist in distance learning. There is also one line of studies offered on site.
All courses are taught annually, so that if students need to reduce their course load as a result of their employment, or if they see possibilities of increasing their course load, they have the option of doing so.
Students can select courses in other lines of study which are better suited to their employment and interests, and they can also select courses at Bifröst University's partner universities.
The focus is on flexibility in the organisation of coursework; students can elect to take 10 courses and complete their studies with a 30 ECTS credit paper, or they can select five additional courses.
Instructors are from foreign universities, they are working professionals in the business sector, each in their own field of expertise, or they are members of the teaching staff of Bifröst University.
Through their personal distance learning equipment, students in distance learning can pursue their studies whenever and wherever it suits them, including on their travels in Iceland and abroad. Students who are posted abroad by their companies can pursue distance studies concurrently with their employment, since the Internet imposes no limitations.
During the course of studies, students have the option of travelling abroad on a learning tour to acquaint themselves in greater detail with matters relating to their studies.
There will also be close co-operation with Icelandic companies and organisations, which students will have an opportunity to get to know thoroughly through their studies.
Admission requirements
It is assumed that students admitted to masters studies will have completed either a B.Sc. or B.A. degree in business, engineering or other similar degree. Also, students possessing other university degrees may be admitted, provided that they can demonstrate years of professional experience in business.
Tuition
The Icelandic Student Loan Fund will grant loans for tuition fees in distance studies and for tuition fees and sustenance in on-site studies.
All further information will be supplied by Kristín Ólafsdóttir, masters studies supervisor, kristin@bifrost.is, tel. +354-433-3000.