Where does the programme belong?

School of Social Sciences Faculty of Social Work

Children's Wellbeing, Postgraduate Diploma

Language skills

required, minimum level of B2

Programme length

Part time studies for two semesters.

Study mode

Distance learning

Application status

International students:

Students with Icelandic or Nordic citizenship:

Do you work with children?
Are you interested in children’s rights?
Do you want to acquire practical knowledge of the new legislation on integrated services for children and its implementation?
Do you want to acquire specialist knowledge of children’s rights?

The programme aims to meet the demand for specialised knowledge and skills in accordance with new legislation on integrated services for children, which entered into force on 1 January 2022.

The programme is designed to support implementation of the new legislation by providing knowledge of child-centred approaches, integrated services, the roles of contact people and case managers, and how to measure outcomes. Emphasis is also placed on teamwork and cross-disciplinary cooperation, as well as the importance of first-level services.

The programme is open to any applicant who has completed a BA/BEd/BS degree and works with children in the healthcare services, schools, welfare services or another setting.

The programme was established on the basis of a cooperative agreement between the Ministry of Education and Children and the University of Iceland, stating that UI will support implementation of the new legislation.

Programme structure

This is a one-year 30 ECTS programme that can be completed through real-time distance learning sessions. The programme can be completed alongside employment.

The programme is made up of three 10 ECTS courses, taught consecutively.

Children and wellbeing: Children’s rights and participation
- Taught in the autumn semester
Integrated services for children: Legislation on wellbeing
- Taught at the end of the autumn semester and beginning of the spring semester
Case management and interdisciplinary collaboration: A new way of working for children
- Taught in the spring semester

Organisation of teaching

Lectures and discussion periods are taught through real-time distance learning sessions (not recordings) once a week.
Students are required to attend two two-day face-to-face blocks each semester.
The programme starts with a two-day face-to-face block in the autumn semester.

Programme coordinators

Ragnheiður Hergeirsdóttir, lecturer (ragher@hi.is)
Herdís Steingrímsdóttir, lecturer (herdisst@hi.is)

For more information, please contact one of the programme coordinators. Representatives of the National Agency for Children and Families also sit on the committee for the programme.

Other

Credits from this programme may be transferred to the MA programme in social work, on the condition that admission requirements are met.

Applicants must have completed undergraduate studies at the university level (BA, BS, or B.Ed. degree) and work in services for children and their families. As a rule, a first grade is required. The application must be accompanied by the approval of the supervisor to pursue the studies in parallel with the work. The approval should be sent to umskon@hi.is

Students must complete 30 ECTS. The programme is organised as part-time studies for two semesters.

The following documents must accompany an application for this programme:

CV
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

First year
Whole year courses
Integrated services for children: Legislation on wellbeing
Fall
Children and wellbeing: Children’s rights and participation
Spring 1
Case management and interdisciplinary collaboration: A new way of working for children

First year | Whole year courses

Integrated services for children: Legislation on wellbeing (FRG240F)

A mandatory (required) course for the programme

10 ECTS, credits

Course Description

The course offers a basic understanding of legislation on services for children, with emphasis on the new law on Integration of Services in the Interest of Children’s Prosperity. The course will also cover the Convention on the Rights of the Child and international obligations in the field of children’s rights. In the course we discuss how the new legislation emphasizes first-level services for children and how it can be applied to prevent situations that threaten children’s wellbeing.

The first part focuses on gaining knowledge and understanding of the legislation, while the second part emphasizes application of knowledge and practical examples from the field (cases). Finally, the course will discuss tools to evaluate and assess whether the objectives of the legislation have been achieved, with an emphasis on methods of cost-benefit analysis.

Language of instruction: Icelandic

Distance learning

Prerequisites

Attendance required in class

Further information about the course

First year | Fall

Children and wellbeing: Children’s rights and participation (FRG128F)

A mandatory (required) course for the programme

10 ECTS, credits

Course Description

The course offers a basic understanding of childhood studies and examines child-centered approaches, with a focus on challenges faced by more vulnerable children. The course focusses on children’s interests, issues of protection and threats to children’s well-being. Emphasis will be on how first-level services for children adds opportunities for early intervention and prevents situations that threaten children´s wellbeing. Practical examples will be discussed, and students will gain an insight into them using evidence-based work methods to form decisions.

Language of instruction: Icelandic

Distance learning

Prerequisites

Attendance required in class

Further information about the course

First year | Spring 1

Case management and interdisciplinary collaboration: A new way of working for children (FRG238F)

A mandatory (required) course for the programme

10 ECTS, credits

Course Description

The course offers a basic understanding of collaboration, interdisciplinary teamwork and coordination of services. Key aspects of interdisciplinary teamwork within and outside the institutions will also be covered as well as the emphasis will be on introducing practical methods for the benefit of children's success.Students are given the opportunity to review and analyze their strengths and related weaknesses. They will also get the opportunity to learn from feedback to develop professionally in collaborations and teamwork.

Language of instruction: Icelandic

Distance learning

Prerequisites

Attendance required in class

Further information about the course

Programme in Course Catalogue

First year

Whole year courses
FRG240F
Integrated services for children: Legislation on wellbeing
Mandatory (required) course
10
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The course offers a basic understanding of legislation on services for children, with emphasis on the new law on Integration of Services in the Interest of Children’s Prosperity. The course will also cover the Convention on the Rights of the Child and international obligations in the field of children’s rights. In the course we discuss how the new legislation emphasizes first-level services for children and how it can be applied to prevent situations that threaten children’s wellbeing.

The first part focuses on gaining knowledge and understanding of the legislation, while the second part emphasizes application of knowledge and practical examples from the field (cases). Finally, the course will discuss tools to evaluate and assess whether the objectives of the legislation have been achieved, with an emphasis on methods of cost-benefit analysis.
Distance learning
Prerequisites
Attendance required in class
Further information
Fall
FRG128F
Children and wellbeing: Children’s rights and participation
Mandatory (required) course
10
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The course offers a basic understanding of childhood studies and examines child-centered approaches, with a focus on challenges faced by more vulnerable children. The course focusses on children’s interests, issues of protection and threats to children’s well-being. Emphasis will be on how first-level services for children adds opportunities for early intervention and prevents situations that threaten children´s wellbeing. Practical examples will be discussed, and students will gain an insight into them using evidence-based work methods to form decisions.
Distance learning
Prerequisites
Attendance required in class
Further information
Spring 2
FRG238F
Case management and interdisciplinary collaboration: A new way of working for children
Mandatory (required) course
10
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The course offers a basic understanding of collaboration, interdisciplinary teamwork and coordination of services. Key aspects of interdisciplinary teamwork within and outside the institutions will also be covered as well as the emphasis will be on introducing practical methods for the benefit of children's success.Students are given the opportunity to review and analyze their strengths and related weaknesses. They will also get the opportunity to learn from feedback to develop professionally in collaborations and teamwork.
Distance learning
Prerequisites
Attendance required in class
Further information

Programme in Course Catalogue

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.