Language skills
Programme length
Part time studies for three semesters.
Study mode
Distance learning
Application status
International students:
Students with Icelandic or Nordic citizenship:
- Are you a case worker for Icelandic Child Protection Services?
- Do you want a programme that will make you better at your job?
- Do you have three years of work experience in child protection?
- Would you like a leadership role in child protection?
The graduate diploma in child protection is a 30 ECTS programme for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in the social, health or educational sciences.
Emphasis is placed on working with children and their families, as well as the complex legal environment with which child protection workers must be familiar. Throughout the programme, consideration is given to the latest research, as well as evidence-based methods used in the field.
Students should grow as professionals and develop the skills required to take on leadership roles in child protection.
Programme structure
The programme is 30 ECTS and is organised as one and a half years of part-time study, which can be completed alongside employment.
Mandatory courses:
- Children and families, 10 ECTS
- The professional and the leader in child protection work, 10 ECTS
- The law, procedures and cooperation, 10 ECTS
Organisation of teaching
This programme is taught in Icelandic but most textbooks are in English.
Each semester, students must attend three two-day blocks of teaching as well as two remote discussion periods.
Main objectives
The programme aims to meet the demand for improved knowledge in the field of child protection, including subjects such as child development and the consequences of neglect and violence.
Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree in social, health or educational sciences with a first class grade (7.25). Applicants must work at a child protection service during the course of study and have at least three years of work experience in that field. Applicants must be supervised by their workplace, for at least 4 hours per semester, during the duration of the program.
The application must be accompanied by the supervisor's approval stating that it is the joint conclusion of the supervisor and the applicant that the applicant can complete a 10-ECTS course during the semester during working hours, and also state that the applicant has the opportunity to receive guidance during the study period and is allowed to work on a project in the study related to his work. The supervisor's approval must be sent by e-mail to umsokn@hi.is
30 ECTS credits have to be completed for the qualification. All courses are compulsory.
The following documents must accompany an application for this programme:
- CV
- Statement of purpose
- Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts
Further information on supporting documents can be found here
Programme structure
Check below to see how the programme is structured.
This programme does not offer specialisations.
- First year
- Fall
- Not taught this semesterChildren and families
- Spring 1
- Not taught this semesterThe law, procedures and cooperation
Not taught this semester
First year | Fall
Children and families (FRG123F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The aim of the course is for students to gain a deeper knowledge of work with children and families where child welfare committees are involved. The current policies and trends in child protection work will be reviewed. Students will receive training and teaching in interviewing techniques that can be used in working with children and families, and the emphasis will be on presenting various aids in such work.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Distance learning
Prerequisites
Attendance required in class
Not taught this semester
First year | Spring 1
The law, procedures and cooperation (FRG236F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The aim of the course is to deepen students' knowledge of the Child Protection Act, their role and interaction with other laws such as the Children's Act, Primary and Secondary Education Law, Social Services Law, the Law on Disabled People and their connection to international law and agreements. Efforts will be made to present the perspectives of those working on child protection issues at other levels such as judges, lawyers, prosecutors and chairmen of child protection committees.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Distance learning
Prerequisites
Attendance required in class
Not taught this semester
Second year | Fall
The professional and the leader in child protection work (FRG311F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The aim of the course is to strengthen the leading and professional role of the child protection worker within his own workplace and in the field. Emphasis will be placed on presenting methods that are likely to maintain interest and passion for the job, such as mentoring, present awareness and compassion. Emphasis will be placed on research and how they are useful in work, professional development, job development and in evaluating child welfare issues.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Prerequisites
Attendance required in class
First year
- Fall
- Not taught this semesterFRG123FChildren and familiesMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
The aim of the course is for students to gain a deeper knowledge of work with children and families where child welfare committees are involved. The current policies and trends in child protection work will be reviewed. Students will receive training and teaching in interviewing techniques that can be used in working with children and families, and the emphasis will be on presenting various aids in such work.
Distance learningPrerequisitesAttendance required in class- Spring 2
Not taught this semesterFRG236FThe law, procedures and cooperationMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aim of the course is to deepen students' knowledge of the Child Protection Act, their role and interaction with other laws such as the Children's Act, Primary and Secondary Education Law, Social Services Law, the Law on Disabled People and their connection to international law and agreements. Efforts will be made to present the perspectives of those working on child protection issues at other levels such as judges, lawyers, prosecutors and chairmen of child protection committees.
Distance learningPrerequisitesAttendance required in class- Fall
- Not taught this semesterFRG311FThe professional and the leader in child protection workMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
The aim of the course is to strengthen the leading and professional role of the child protection worker within his own workplace and in the field. Emphasis will be placed on presenting methods that are likely to maintain interest and passion for the job, such as mentoring, present awareness and compassion. Emphasis will be placed on research and how they are useful in work, professional development, job development and in evaluating child welfare issues.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisitesAttendance required in class
Second year- Fall
- Not taught this semesterFRG123FChildren and familiesMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
The aim of the course is for students to gain a deeper knowledge of work with children and families where child welfare committees are involved. The current policies and trends in child protection work will be reviewed. Students will receive training and teaching in interviewing techniques that can be used in working with children and families, and the emphasis will be on presenting various aids in such work.
Distance learningPrerequisitesAttendance required in class- Spring 2
Not taught this semesterFRG236FThe law, procedures and cooperationMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aim of the course is to deepen students' knowledge of the Child Protection Act, their role and interaction with other laws such as the Children's Act, Primary and Secondary Education Law, Social Services Law, the Law on Disabled People and their connection to international law and agreements. Efforts will be made to present the perspectives of those working on child protection issues at other levels such as judges, lawyers, prosecutors and chairmen of child protection committees.
Distance learningPrerequisitesAttendance required in class- Fall
- Not taught this semesterFRG311FThe professional and the leader in child protection workMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
The aim of the course is to strengthen the leading and professional role of the child protection worker within his own workplace and in the field. Emphasis will be placed on presenting methods that are likely to maintain interest and passion for the job, such as mentoring, present awareness and compassion. Emphasis will be placed on research and how they are useful in work, professional development, job development and in evaluating child welfare issues.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisitesAttendance required in class
The University of Iceland collaborates with over 400 universities worldwide. This provides a unique opportunity to pursue part of your studies at an international university thus gaining added experience and fresh insight into your field of study.
Students generally have the opportunity to join an exchange programme, internship, or summer courses. However, exchanges are always subject to faculty approval.
Students have the opportunity to have courses evaluated as part of their studies at the University of Iceland, so their stay does not have to affect the duration of their studies.
This programme is designed for professionals working with children and their families for Icelandic Child Protection Services.
Faró is the organisation for social work students at the University of Iceland.
Students appreciate the University of Iceland for its strong academic reputation, modern campus facilities, close-knit community, and affordable tuition.
Study wheel
What interests you?
How to apply
Follow the path
If you still have questions, feel free to contact us.
School of Social Sciences
Weekdays 9 am - 3 pm
Student and Teaching Service
The School office offers support to students and lecturers, providing guidance, counselling, and assistance with various matters.
You are welcome to drop by at the office in Gimli or you can book an online meeting in Teams with the staff.
