Language skills
Programme length
One year.
Study mode
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Application status
International students:
Students with Icelandic or Nordic citizenship:
- Are you interested in disability rights?
- Do you want to improve your theoretical knowledge and understanding of disability?
- Do you want a short programme that is both academic and practical?
- Are you passionate about human rights?
The micro-credential programme in disability studies is designed for people who want to improve their theoretical knowledge of disability and disability rights.
Programme structure
The programme is 30 ECTS and is organised as one year of part-time study.
The programme is made up of:
- Mandatory courses, 26 - 30 ECTS
- Restricted electives, 0 - 6 ECTS
Specialisations
Students choose between the following specialisations:
- Disability studies
- Disability studies and public administration
Organisation of teaching
This programme is taught in Icelandic but most textbooks are in English.
The programme is taught through distance learning.
Main objectives
After completing the programme, students should, for example:
- be familiar with the history, development and theoretical foundation of disability studies.
- be familiar with the main theories and perspectives in disability studies and be able to distinguish between them.
- be able to distinguish between cultural manifestations of disability and the main challenges that disabled people face in their lifetimes, from the critical perspective of disability studies.
Other
Students who complete the programme with a first-class grade may apply for the Master's programme.
BA, BS, B.Ed degree or equivalent.
Disability studies: 30 ECTS credits have to be completed for the qualification. The micro-credential consists of 30 ECTS credits in core courses in Disability Studies.
Disability studies and public administration: 32 ECTS credits have to be completed. The micro-credential consists of 26 ECTS credits in core courses and 6 ECTS credits in restrictive elective courses.
The following documents must accompany an application for this programme:
- Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts
Further information on supporting documents can be found here
Please note that from 1 July 2026, the Disability Studies programme will move from the School of Social Sciences to the School of Education.
Programme structure
Check below to see how the programme is structured.
- Year unspecified
- Fall
- Theories and Perspectives in Disability Studies
- The Life Span, Self and Society
- Spring 1
- Disability and Culture
Year unspecified | Fall
Theories and Perspectives in Disability Studies (FFR102F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The aim of the course is to provide students with a deep understanding of the development of ideas and theories in disability studies, and to enable them to analyse their influence on policymaking, service provision, and the everyday lives of disabled people. The course is grounded in interdisciplinary and critical perspectives, linking theoretical discussion to activism and international human rights obligations, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The course covers social and cultural perspectives, key theoretical approaches, and recent research in disability studies. Emphasis is placed on active student participation in discussions and assignments that strengthen critical thinking and the ability to apply theory in research and professional practice.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Year unspecified | Fall
The Life Span, Self and Society (FFR302M)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The conditions and experiences of disabled people will be a central focus of this course with emphasis on the lifespan and main areas of everyday life such as family, education, employment and housing/homes. New Icelandic and international disability research will be explored as well as the forces which influence the identity formation of disabled children, youth and adults. Different theoretical approaches will be used to examine policy, law, services, the welfare system and disabled people's status and social situation in contemporary societies.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Prerequisites
Year unspecified | Spring 1
Disability and Culture (FFR201M)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The aim of the course is to provide students with an understanding of the position and representation of disabled people in culture and the arts, and to enable them to analyse cultural expressions of disability in both historical and contemporary contexts. The course examines images and roles of disabled people in popular culture, the media, literature, the arts, and public discourse. Emphasis is placed on the (artistic) culture of disabled people and on how disability is positioned as part of societal diversity. The course also explores external and internal accessibility in relation to culture and the arts, and how accessibility shapes the participation of disabled people.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Prerequisites
Year unspecified
- Fall
- FFR102FTheories and Perspectives in Disability StudiesMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
The aim of the course is to provide students with a deep understanding of the development of ideas and theories in disability studies, and to enable them to analyse their influence on policymaking, service provision, and the everyday lives of disabled people. The course is grounded in interdisciplinary and critical perspectives, linking theoretical discussion to activism and international human rights obligations, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The course covers social and cultural perspectives, key theoretical approaches, and recent research in disability studies. Emphasis is placed on active student participation in discussions and assignments that strengthen critical thinking and the ability to apply theory in research and professional practice.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisitesFFR302MThe Life Span, Self and SocietyMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe conditions and experiences of disabled people will be a central focus of this course with emphasis on the lifespan and main areas of everyday life such as family, education, employment and housing/homes. New Icelandic and international disability research will be explored as well as the forces which influence the identity formation of disabled children, youth and adults. Different theoretical approaches will be used to examine policy, law, services, the welfare system and disabled people's status and social situation in contemporary societies.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
FFR201MDisability and CultureMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aim of the course is to provide students with an understanding of the position and representation of disabled people in culture and the arts, and to enable them to analyse cultural expressions of disability in both historical and contemporary contexts. The course examines images and roles of disabled people in popular culture, the media, literature, the arts, and public discourse. Emphasis is placed on the (artistic) culture of disabled people and on how disability is positioned as part of societal diversity. The course also explores external and internal accessibility in relation to culture and the arts, and how accessibility shapes the participation of disabled people.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisites
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.
People with degrees in disability studies can be found working in a range of careers within the service and education systems, as disability rights campaigners and other jobs.
An education in this area can open up opportunities in:
- Rights advocacy
- Project management
- Teaching
- Care work
- Leadership
- Policy making
- Research
This list is not exhaustive.
There is no specific student organisation for this programme, but students meet frequently in the Student Cellar.
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.
