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Language skills
required, minimum level of B2
Programme length
2 years.
Study mode
Face-to-face learning
Application status
International students:
Students with Icelandic or Nordic citizenship:
Overview

  • Are you interested in issues affecting older people?
  • Do you want to learn more about how our environment, social connections and health affect our wellbeing as we age?
  • Are you aiming at a career in the field of gerontology?
  • Are you looking for a programme that you can tailor to suit your interests?

Ageing is a subject that is relevant to most people. 

Gerontology is an interdisciplinary subject that explores ageing from various perspectives, although the main focus is on the social aspect of ageing. The programme introduces students to the principles of the discipline, the most significant research and main research methods.

Programme structure

The programme is 120 ECTS and is organised as two years of full-time study.

The programme is made up of:

  • Theoretical courses, 20 ECTS
  • Methodology courses, 10 ECTS
  • Elective courses, 30-50 ECTS
  • Final thesis, 40-60 ECTS
  • Organisation of teaching

Students choose elective courses to suit their own interests, in consultation with their academic supervisor.

This programme is taught in Icelandic but most textbooks are in English.

Main objectives

This programme aims to introduce students to the main factors that affect the wellbeing of older people, services for older people, policy development, legislation and implementation in social and health services.

Other

Completing the programme allows you to apply for doctoral studies.

BA- or BS-degree in Social Sciences or Health Sciences with first grade (7.25)

120 ECTS credits must be completed for the qualification. The MA programme consists of theoretical courses, methods and statistics. Students complete their studies with MA thesis which carries the weight of 40-60 ECTS credits.

The following documents must accompany an application for this programme:
  • CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • Research proposal
  • Reference 1, Name and email
  • Reference 2, Name and email
  • Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts
  • Proof of English proficiency

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
Gerontology: Policymaking and Services (ÖLD102F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

The course will present gerontology as a multi-professional discipline with an emphasis on social gerontology. The main concepts and research methods will be introduced. Formal and informal care will be discussed. Personal meaning and well-being in the social contexts of later adulthood and old age will be explored and methods to enhance personal meaning will be introduced. Emphasis is placed on deepening student’s understanding by helping them become more adept at working with other professions on elderly welfare issues.

The course is taught an intensive session.

Attendance in the intensive session is required.

Language of instruction: Icelandic
Distance learning
Attendance required in class
First year | Spring 1
Factors of Influence in Ageing: Environment, Social Relationships and Health (ÖLD201F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

The goal of this course is to deepen students' knowledge of gerontology and geriatrics. The social, biological and psychological aspects of aging will be discussed. Services for older adults  will be discussed in general as well as caring for special needs. Icelandic and international research will be presented. Various theories in gerontology will be examined and their effects on attitudes towards and services for older people. Cross discipline teamwork will be discussed with emphasis placed on working with various professions.

Language of instruction: Icelandic
Distance learning
Attendance required in class
Year unspecified | Whole year courses
Research Work Shop, Faculty of Social Work (FRG003F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
0 ECTS, credits
Course Description

Preparation for an MA research project. Here, the composition of academic writing will be covered. Research proposals, research methods, and how research is connected to the theoretical and practical basis of social work is discussed amongst other factors in research. Students present their research proposals, receive constructive criticism, and participate in group discussions beneficial to all participants.

Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Attendance required in class
Year unspecified | Fall
MA Thesis in Gerontology (ÖLD441L)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
0 ECTS, credits
Course Description

The aim of the master's project is to provide the student with training in designing, planning, developing and carrying out research projects in social work, learning to take into account the limitations resulting from the use of methods, technology, scientific ethics and rules for personal protection. Students must independently and in written language be able to define their research topic, formulate research questions and hypotheses.

Language of instruction: Icelandic
Self-study
Part of the total project/thesis credits
Year unspecified | Fall
Introduction to quantitative research (FMÞ001F)
Free elective course within the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

The main subject of the course is quantitative methods and statistics used in social sciences. The focus will be on research design, sample methods and designing questionnaires. The statistical part will cover descriptive and inferential statistics. Special emphasis will be on factorial ANOVA and multiple regression. Students will get practical training in data analysis using jamovi. Students can use their own data.

Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Year unspecified | Fall
Introduction to Qualitative Research (FMÞ103F)
Free elective course within the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

The course’s objective is to introduce students to the diverse, academic criteria of qualitative research in social sciences and secondly that student’s gain experience in using qualitative methods. Furthermore, the course is practical in nature where each student works on an independent research assignment, which consists of designing and preparing a research project, collecting and analyzing data, and writing the main findings with guidance from the teacher. Research preparation, the creation of a research plan, data collection and analysis along with academic writing will be extensively covered during the course.

Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Year unspecified | Spring 1
MA Thesis in Gerontology (ÖLD441L)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
0 ECTS, credits
Course Description

The aim of the master's project is to provide the student with training in designing, planning, developing and carrying out research projects in social work, learning to take into account the limitations resulting from the use of methods, technology, scientific ethics and rules for personal protection. Students must independently and in written language be able to define their research topic, formulate research questions and hypotheses.

Language of instruction: Icelandic
Self-study
Part of the total project/thesis credits
Year unspecified | Spring 1
Advanced Seminar in Qualitative Research (FMÞ201F)
Free elective course within the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

This course focuses on the variety of approaches and methods found within  research. Five qualitative approaches to inquiry are mainly in focus, namely; case study, narrative research, ethnography, phenomenology and grounded theory. Students gain a deeper experiences in data collection and in use of different methods for analyzing their qualitative data. They also gain experience in presenting their findings in written form. Additionally, students have the opportunity to reflect on their own research practices and on themselves as qualitative researchers.

Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Prerequisites
First year
  • Fall
  • ÖLD102F
    Gerontology: Policymaking and Services
    Mandatory (required) course
    10
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The course will present gerontology as a multi-professional discipline with an emphasis on social gerontology. The main concepts and research methods will be introduced. Formal and informal care will be discussed. Personal meaning and well-being in the social contexts of later adulthood and old age will be explored and methods to enhance personal meaning will be introduced. Emphasis is placed on deepening student’s understanding by helping them become more adept at working with other professions on elderly welfare issues.

    The course is taught an intensive session.

    Attendance in the intensive session is required.

    Distance learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • Spring 2
  • ÖLD201F
    Factors of Influence in Ageing: Environment, Social Relationships and Health
    Mandatory (required) course
    10
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The goal of this course is to deepen students' knowledge of gerontology and geriatrics. The social, biological and psychological aspects of aging will be discussed. Services for older adults  will be discussed in general as well as caring for special needs. Icelandic and international research will be presented. Various theories in gerontology will be examined and their effects on attitudes towards and services for older people. Cross discipline teamwork will be discussed with emphasis placed on working with various professions.

    Distance learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • Whole year courses
  • FRG003F
    Research Work Shop, Faculty of Social Work
    Mandatory (required) course
    0
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    0 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Preparation for an MA research project. Here, the composition of academic writing will be covered. Research proposals, research methods, and how research is connected to the theoretical and practical basis of social work is discussed amongst other factors in research. Students present their research proposals, receive constructive criticism, and participate in group discussions beneficial to all participants.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • Fall
  • ÖLD441L
    MA Thesis in Gerontology
    Mandatory (required) course
    0
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    0 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The aim of the master's project is to provide the student with training in designing, planning, developing and carrying out research projects in social work, learning to take into account the limitations resulting from the use of methods, technology, scientific ethics and rules for personal protection. Students must independently and in written language be able to define their research topic, formulate research questions and hypotheses.

    Self-study
    Prerequisites
    Part of the total project/thesis credits
  • FMÞ001F
    Introduction to quantitative research
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The main subject of the course is quantitative methods and statistics used in social sciences. The focus will be on research design, sample methods and designing questionnaires. The statistical part will cover descriptive and inferential statistics. Special emphasis will be on factorial ANOVA and multiple regression. Students will get practical training in data analysis using jamovi. Students can use their own data.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • FMÞ103F
    Introduction to Qualitative Research
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The course’s objective is to introduce students to the diverse, academic criteria of qualitative research in social sciences and secondly that student’s gain experience in using qualitative methods. Furthermore, the course is practical in nature where each student works on an independent research assignment, which consists of designing and preparing a research project, collecting and analyzing data, and writing the main findings with guidance from the teacher. Research preparation, the creation of a research plan, data collection and analysis along with academic writing will be extensively covered during the course.

    Face-to-face learning
    Distance learning
    Prerequisites
  • Spring 2
  • ÖLD441L
    MA Thesis in Gerontology
    Mandatory (required) course
    0
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    0 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The aim of the master's project is to provide the student with training in designing, planning, developing and carrying out research projects in social work, learning to take into account the limitations resulting from the use of methods, technology, scientific ethics and rules for personal protection. Students must independently and in written language be able to define their research topic, formulate research questions and hypotheses.

    Self-study
    Prerequisites
    Part of the total project/thesis credits
  • FMÞ201F
    Advanced Seminar in Qualitative Research
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    This course focuses on the variety of approaches and methods found within  research. Five qualitative approaches to inquiry are mainly in focus, namely; case study, narrative research, ethnography, phenomenology and grounded theory. Students gain a deeper experiences in data collection and in use of different methods for analyzing their qualitative data. They also gain experience in presenting their findings in written form. Additionally, students have the opportunity to reflect on their own research practices and on themselves as qualitative researchers.

    Face-to-face learning
    Distance learning
    Prerequisites
Year unspecified
  • Fall
  • ÖLD102F
    Gerontology: Policymaking and Services
    Mandatory (required) course
    10
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The course will present gerontology as a multi-professional discipline with an emphasis on social gerontology. The main concepts and research methods will be introduced. Formal and informal care will be discussed. Personal meaning and well-being in the social contexts of later adulthood and old age will be explored and methods to enhance personal meaning will be introduced. Emphasis is placed on deepening student’s understanding by helping them become more adept at working with other professions on elderly welfare issues.

    The course is taught an intensive session.

    Attendance in the intensive session is required.

    Distance learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • Spring 2
  • ÖLD201F
    Factors of Influence in Ageing: Environment, Social Relationships and Health
    Mandatory (required) course
    10
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The goal of this course is to deepen students' knowledge of gerontology and geriatrics. The social, biological and psychological aspects of aging will be discussed. Services for older adults  will be discussed in general as well as caring for special needs. Icelandic and international research will be presented. Various theories in gerontology will be examined and their effects on attitudes towards and services for older people. Cross discipline teamwork will be discussed with emphasis placed on working with various professions.

    Distance learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • Whole year courses
  • FRG003F
    Research Work Shop, Faculty of Social Work
    Mandatory (required) course
    0
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    0 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Preparation for an MA research project. Here, the composition of academic writing will be covered. Research proposals, research methods, and how research is connected to the theoretical and practical basis of social work is discussed amongst other factors in research. Students present their research proposals, receive constructive criticism, and participate in group discussions beneficial to all participants.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • Fall
  • ÖLD441L
    MA Thesis in Gerontology
    Mandatory (required) course
    0
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    0 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The aim of the master's project is to provide the student with training in designing, planning, developing and carrying out research projects in social work, learning to take into account the limitations resulting from the use of methods, technology, scientific ethics and rules for personal protection. Students must independently and in written language be able to define their research topic, formulate research questions and hypotheses.

    Self-study
    Prerequisites
    Part of the total project/thesis credits
  • FMÞ001F
    Introduction to quantitative research
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The main subject of the course is quantitative methods and statistics used in social sciences. The focus will be on research design, sample methods and designing questionnaires. The statistical part will cover descriptive and inferential statistics. Special emphasis will be on factorial ANOVA and multiple regression. Students will get practical training in data analysis using jamovi. Students can use their own data.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • FMÞ103F
    Introduction to Qualitative Research
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The course’s objective is to introduce students to the diverse, academic criteria of qualitative research in social sciences and secondly that student’s gain experience in using qualitative methods. Furthermore, the course is practical in nature where each student works on an independent research assignment, which consists of designing and preparing a research project, collecting and analyzing data, and writing the main findings with guidance from the teacher. Research preparation, the creation of a research plan, data collection and analysis along with academic writing will be extensively covered during the course.

    Face-to-face learning
    Distance learning
    Prerequisites
  • Spring 2
  • ÖLD441L
    MA Thesis in Gerontology
    Mandatory (required) course
    0
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    0 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The aim of the master's project is to provide the student with training in designing, planning, developing and carrying out research projects in social work, learning to take into account the limitations resulting from the use of methods, technology, scientific ethics and rules for personal protection. Students must independently and in written language be able to define their research topic, formulate research questions and hypotheses.

    Self-study
    Prerequisites
    Part of the total project/thesis credits
  • FMÞ201F
    Advanced Seminar in Qualitative Research
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    This course focuses on the variety of approaches and methods found within  research. Five qualitative approaches to inquiry are mainly in focus, namely; case study, narrative research, ethnography, phenomenology and grounded theory. Students gain a deeper experiences in data collection and in use of different methods for analyzing their qualitative data. They also gain experience in presenting their findings in written form. Additionally, students have the opportunity to reflect on their own research practices and on themselves as qualitative researchers.

    Face-to-face learning
    Distance learning
    Prerequisites

The timetable shown below is for the current academic year and is FOR REFERENCE ONLY.

Changes may occur for the autumn semester in August and September and for the spring semester in December and January. You will find your final timetable in Ugla when the studies start.

Note! This timetable is not suitable for planning your work schedule if you are a part-time employee.




Additional information

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.

Graduates will be attractive to employers, having developed theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of gerontology.

Gerontology graduates work in a wide range of professions.

Student´s comments
Portrait of Edda Sólveig Þórarinsdóttir
Choosing a master's in gerontology was one of my best decisions. The programme is enjoyable and practical, offering insights into various aspects of ageing. It provided a strong professional foundation and opportunities to specialise in areas of interest. The career possibilities after graduation are diverse and appealing.
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