Language skills
Programme length
Part time studies for one academic year.
Study mode
Face-to-face learning
Online learning
Application status
International students:
Students with Icelandic or Nordic citizenship:
- Are you interested in equality and justice?
- Would you like to learn more about women's liberation and the fight for equality in Iceland and internationally?
- Would you like to explore the status of women and men in Icelandic society in the private and public spheres and in an international context?
- Do you want to learn about the main areas of gender studies?
- Are you looking for a short and practical programme?
The 30 ECTS diploma in applied gender studies provides students with a general foundation in gender studies, exploring the status of women and men in Icelandic society as well as official gender equality policy and how it is implemented.
Equality and diversity education is legally required at all levels of the Icelandic education system, since it is essential for so many groups of people in our society. It is also interesting and helpful for anyone who wants to work towards justice, equality and engagement in our democracy.
One of the aims of the programme is to support work to advance equality in Iceland and meet the standards set by Icelandic law.
Please note that students can complete this programme online without real-time participation.
Programme structure
The programme is 30 ECTS and is organised as one year of part-time study.
Mandatory courses:
- General gender studies, 10 ECTS
- Theories in gender studies, 10 ECTS
- Gender studies for practical purposes, 10 ECTS
Course topics include
- Human diversity
- Influencing social factors
- Equality and justice.
- The status of women and men in Icelandic society.
- Official equality policy.
Organisation of teaching
Most courses on the programme are taught through distance learning online.
This programme is taught in Icelandic but textbooks are in English.
Main objectives
The programme is designed to provide students with a general foundation in gender studies and an understanding of interdisciplinary approaches and their main benefits and drawbacks.
Other
After completing the diploma, students may apply for the MA in gender studies. All credits from the diploma may be transferred to the MA programme in gender studies.
BA, BS or B.Ed. degree or equivalent.
30 ECTS have to be completed for the qualification. The program consists of three coure courses. Students who have completed gender studies as a minor and completed Introducation to Gender Studies and Theoris in Gender Studies, select other courses at the MA-level in collaboration with the program supervisor.
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
Programme structure
Check below to see how the programme is structured.
This programme does not offer specialisations.
- Year unspecified
- Fall
- General Gender Studies
- Spring 1
- Theories in Gender Studies
- Gender Studies for Practical Purposes
Year unspecified | Fall
General Gender Studies (KYN101F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The course addresses the main issues in gender studies through the lens of diversity in modern societies. The gender perspective is applied to provide an overview of the status and condition of men and women. The origins and development of the fight for women’s rights and gender studies as an academic field. The main concepts of gender studies are introduced, including sex, gender, essentialism and constructivism. Finally, the course looks into how gender necessarily intersects with other social factors.
Teaching Arrangement: The course is based on flipped learning, which means that all lectures will be available on Canvas. On-campus and distance students attend weekly discussion sessions at the university or on Teams, and online students participate in weekly discussions on Canvas
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Online learning
Year unspecified | Spring 1
Theories in Gender Studies (KYN211F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The course discusses the philosophical and theoretical foundations of gender studies, and the critical and interdisciplinary content of the field. The representation and meaning of sex and gender in language, culture, history, science, and society is explored. The analytical perspective of the field is presented, as is its relationship with methodology. Students are trained in applying theoretical concepts and methods independently and critically.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Online learning
Year unspecified | Spring 1
Gender Studies for Practical Purposes (KYN202F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The course provides practical preparation for jobs in management, public administration, training, education, media, and other specialized fields. The objective of the course is to introduce students to the basic concepts of practical work for gender equality and provide them with practical training in the field. The course covers the history and meaning of the concept of gender equality, with a special emphasis on gender mainstreaming and gender budgeting. It addresses the representation of gender and the importance of gender responsiveness in social discourse and policy. It also introduces ideas on diversity mainstreaming and intersectionality. Modern societies make ever increasing demands for knowledge on gender equality. Iceland is party to numerous international agreements on gender equality, and the Act on Equal Status and Equal Rights of Women and Men calls for gender mainstreaming in policymaking and public decision making at all levels. That kind of mainstreaming requires knowledge of gender equality, and the Act calls for education in that field at all levels of education.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Online learning
Year unspecified
- Fall
- KYN101FGeneral Gender StudiesMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
The course addresses the main issues in gender studies through the lens of diversity in modern societies. The gender perspective is applied to provide an overview of the status and condition of men and women. The origins and development of the fight for women’s rights and gender studies as an academic field. The main concepts of gender studies are introduced, including sex, gender, essentialism and constructivism. Finally, the course looks into how gender necessarily intersects with other social factors.
Teaching Arrangement: The course is based on flipped learning, which means that all lectures will be available on Canvas. On-campus and distance students attend weekly discussion sessions at the university or on Teams, and online students participate in weekly discussions on Canvas
Face-to-face learningOnline learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
KYN211FTheories in Gender StudiesMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe course discusses the philosophical and theoretical foundations of gender studies, and the critical and interdisciplinary content of the field. The representation and meaning of sex and gender in language, culture, history, science, and society is explored. The analytical perspective of the field is presented, as is its relationship with methodology. Students are trained in applying theoretical concepts and methods independently and critically.
Face-to-face learningOnline learningPrerequisitesKYN202FGender Studies for Practical PurposesMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe course provides practical preparation for jobs in management, public administration, training, education, media, and other specialized fields. The objective of the course is to introduce students to the basic concepts of practical work for gender equality and provide them with practical training in the field. The course covers the history and meaning of the concept of gender equality, with a special emphasis on gender mainstreaming and gender budgeting. It addresses the representation of gender and the importance of gender responsiveness in social discourse and policy. It also introduces ideas on diversity mainstreaming and intersectionality. Modern societies make ever increasing demands for knowledge on gender equality. Iceland is party to numerous international agreements on gender equality, and the Act on Equal Status and Equal Rights of Women and Men calls for gender mainstreaming in policymaking and public decision making at all levels. That kind of mainstreaming requires knowledge of gender equality, and the Act calls for education in that field at all levels of education.
Face-to-face learningOnline 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.
Potential careers include:
- Teaching and education
- Media and communication
- Project and human resources management
- NGOs and interest groups
- Equality consulting
This list is not exhaustive.
Gender studies is a subject with strong connections to wider society. Current and former students are extremely active in public debates, NGOs and other democratic organisations.
The University of Iceland is home to the Feminist Association of Iceland and the Queer Students Association
Students appreciate the University of Iceland for its strong academic reputation, modern campus facilities, close-knit community, and affordable tuition.
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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.
