- Are you interested in marketing?
- Do you want to learn to understand consumers better?
- Do you want to learn how to develop a strong brand?
- Would you like to work in marketing, in Iceland or abroad?
- Do you want a more in-depth understanding of market research?
The programme aims to provide students with an in-depth and comprehensive knowledge of key areas of marketing, its theoretical foundations and the latest research. They will learn how policy making, value creation, consumer behaviour, marketing communications and brand management are connected in a competitive environment, as well as the main theories, models and research methods.
Students will develop the skills to analyse markets and consumer behaviour with a data-driven approach, collect and interpret data, and present reasoned proposals for marketing strategies and integrated marketing communications. They will learn to build a brand with a focus on long-term value creation and apply behavioural insights to shape consumer behaviour.
After completing the programme, students will be able to independently make complex and strategic decisions, integrate theory and practice, work professionally in teams and conduct research in an academically sound and ethically responsible manner.
Programme structure
The programme is made up of:
- 60 ECTS in programmes
Course topics include:
- Consumer behaviour
- Marketing management
- Affiliate marketing
- Brand management
- Integrated marketing communications
- Value creation in a digital environmentOrganisation of teaching
Organisation of teaching
Students are expected to work independently from the start of the programme, to manage their own work and time and meet all set deadlines.
Courses are taught in blocks of seven weeks. Two courses are taught during each block, one of which is a core course. Final exams are generally held in the eighth week.
This programme is taught in Icelandic but most topics and textbooks are in English.
Main objectives
The programme aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of marketing and professional marketing skills.
Other
After completing the diploma, you can apply for the MS in marketing.
A BA or BS degree from a university with first-class grade (7.25) and the student must have completed at least 12 ECTS credits in marketing subjects. Students who have not completed the required credits in marketing will take the preparatory course VIÐ0ALF Key Elements of Marketing at the beginning of the programme. The credits from this course do not count towards the degree.”
60 ECTS credits have to be completed for the qualification. The diploma consists of courses. There is no final thesis. Other general departmental requirements apply to this study programme.
- CV
- 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
- Applied Statistics
- Key elements of marketing
- Strategic marketing, value creation and relationship
- Consumer behaviour and marketing practices
- Spring 1
- Qualitative research methods
- Key elements of marketing
- Branding
- Marketing communication in a digital age
Applied Statistics (VIÐ1ADF)
The goal of this course is to strengthen the statistics and methodology knowledge of the students to enable them to better understand research methods and research findings. State-of-the-art research will be reviewed and the statistics and methodology required to conduct this research will be discussed. Students will also conduct their own research project in preparation for analytical work in their professional life and their Master’s thesis.
Key elements of marketing (VIÐ0ALF)
This course is specifically designed for individuals aspiring to pursue marketing on a graduate level, but who currently do not meet the prerequisite of having completed a minimum of 12 ECTS credits in marketing during their undergraduate studies. The primary aim of this course is to equip students with a foundational understanding of marketing principles and practices. Key elements of this objective include mastery of core marketing concepts, acquisition of market-oriented thinking, and gain insights into professional marketing practices.
Note that the preparatory course does not count towards the degree and the course is intended solely for marketing students who do not have the required foundational knowledge.
Strategic marketing, value creation and relationship (VIÐ1ACF)
The aim of the course is to provide students with a strong theoretical foundation in marketing, with an emphasis on highlighting the importance of professional marketing practice for the success of organizations. The course focuses on strategic marketing, which fundamentally encompasses market analysis, target market analysis, value creation, and the management of relationships with users of products or services. Particular emphasis is placed on market analysis, targeted marketing activities, value creation, and relationship management. Course assignments (both group-based and individual) are aligned with these core elements and may take the form of several shorter tasks or a single comprehensive real-world project.
Consumer behaviour and marketing practices (VIÐ1AEF)
Understanding consumer behaviour is a fundamental prerequisite for success in marketing practice. Knowledge of consumers’ needs, wants, and decision-making processes, as well as an understanding of how and why consumers think and behave in particular ways, is essential for the development of marketing actions grounded in theoretical and empirical insights into consumer behaviour. Such knowledge supports the development of products and services that align with the needs of target markets, facilitates the analysis and selection of target segments, and forms the basis for marketing communications that are relevant, credible, and capable of capturing consumers’ attention. In this course, students are trained to apply behavioural insights, grounded in theory, to analyse and understand consumer behaviour in a marketing context. Students also gain knowledge of how environments can be designed and leveraged to influence behaviour through choice architecture and nudging. Emphasis is placed on a critical perspective and on ethical considerations related to the application of behavioural science in marketing practice.
Qualitative research methods (VIÐ2A4F)
The goal of the course is to give students insight into qualitative research methods, and their use in gathering and analysing data on the individual and organizational level. Students will be trained in defining a research problems and presenting them in a research question. Students will further plan and execute data gathering and analysing, as well as presenting the findings in a written report. Students will learn about the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research so as to be able to choose the best method to study a given problem.
Key elements of marketing (VIÐ0ALF)
This course is specifically designed for individuals aspiring to pursue marketing on a graduate level, but who currently do not meet the prerequisite of having completed a minimum of 12 ECTS credits in marketing during their undergraduate studies. The primary aim of this course is to equip students with a foundational understanding of marketing principles and practices. Key elements of this objective include mastery of core marketing concepts, acquisition of market-oriented thinking, and gain insights into professional marketing practices.
Note that the preparatory course does not count towards the degree and the course is intended solely for marketing students who do not have the required foundational knowledge.
Branding (VIÐ2A2F)
Branding is one of the most rapidly developing areas within marketing. The discipline is relatively young and dynamic, and there is no universal consensus regarding the most effective approaches to building and managing strong brands. This course introduces the fundamental principles of brand management
Marketing communication in a digital age (VIÐ2A3F)
In modern marketing, there is no clear division between offline and online media. What matters is the customer journey and how media channels are integrated along that journey. In this course, students learn to create value for customers through integrated media. They work with data to analyze barriers and opportunities and to build strategies aimed at creating competitive advantage. The course is project- and data-driven, emphasizing that students make decisions based on research and available data.
- Fall
- VIÐ1ADFApplied StatisticsRestricted elective course7,5Restricted elective course, conditions apply7,5 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
The goal of this course is to strengthen the statistics and methodology knowledge of the students to enable them to better understand research methods and research findings. State-of-the-art research will be reviewed and the statistics and methodology required to conduct this research will be discussed. Students will also conduct their own research project in preparation for analytical work in their professional life and their Master’s thesis.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesCourse taught in period IIVIÐ0ALFKey elements of marketingMandatory (required) course0A mandatory (required) course for the programme0 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is specifically designed for individuals aspiring to pursue marketing on a graduate level, but who currently do not meet the prerequisite of having completed a minimum of 12 ECTS credits in marketing during their undergraduate studies. The primary aim of this course is to equip students with a foundational understanding of marketing principles and practices. Key elements of this objective include mastery of core marketing concepts, acquisition of market-oriented thinking, and gain insights into professional marketing practices.
Note that the preparatory course does not count towards the degree and the course is intended solely for marketing students who do not have the required foundational knowledge.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisitesAttendance required in classVIÐ1ACFStrategic marketing, value creation and relationshipMandatory (required) course7,5A mandatory (required) course for the programme7,5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aim of the course is to provide students with a strong theoretical foundation in marketing, with an emphasis on highlighting the importance of professional marketing practice for the success of organizations. The course focuses on strategic marketing, which fundamentally encompasses market analysis, target market analysis, value creation, and the management of relationships with users of products or services. Particular emphasis is placed on market analysis, targeted marketing activities, value creation, and relationship management. Course assignments (both group-based and individual) are aligned with these core elements and may take the form of several shorter tasks or a single comprehensive real-world project.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesCourse taught in period IIVIÐ1AEFConsumer behaviour and marketing practicesMandatory (required) course7,5A mandatory (required) course for the programme7,5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionUnderstanding consumer behaviour is a fundamental prerequisite for success in marketing practice. Knowledge of consumers’ needs, wants, and decision-making processes, as well as an understanding of how and why consumers think and behave in particular ways, is essential for the development of marketing actions grounded in theoretical and empirical insights into consumer behaviour. Such knowledge supports the development of products and services that align with the needs of target markets, facilitates the analysis and selection of target segments, and forms the basis for marketing communications that are relevant, credible, and capable of capturing consumers’ attention. In this course, students are trained to apply behavioural insights, grounded in theory, to analyse and understand consumer behaviour in a marketing context. Students also gain knowledge of how environments can be designed and leveraged to influence behaviour through choice architecture and nudging. Emphasis is placed on a critical perspective and on ethical considerations related to the application of behavioural science in marketing practice.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesCourse taught in period I- Spring 2
VIÐ2A4FQualitative research methodsRestricted elective course7,5Restricted elective course, conditions apply7,5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe goal of the course is to give students insight into qualitative research methods, and their use in gathering and analysing data on the individual and organizational level. Students will be trained in defining a research problems and presenting them in a research question. Students will further plan and execute data gathering and analysing, as well as presenting the findings in a written report. Students will learn about the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research so as to be able to choose the best method to study a given problem.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesCourse taught in period IIIVIÐ0ALFKey elements of marketingMandatory (required) course0A mandatory (required) course for the programme0 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is specifically designed for individuals aspiring to pursue marketing on a graduate level, but who currently do not meet the prerequisite of having completed a minimum of 12 ECTS credits in marketing during their undergraduate studies. The primary aim of this course is to equip students with a foundational understanding of marketing principles and practices. Key elements of this objective include mastery of core marketing concepts, acquisition of market-oriented thinking, and gain insights into professional marketing practices.
Note that the preparatory course does not count towards the degree and the course is intended solely for marketing students who do not have the required foundational knowledge.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisitesAttendance required in classVIÐ2A2FBrandingMandatory (required) course7,5A mandatory (required) course for the programme7,5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionBranding is one of the most rapidly developing areas within marketing. The discipline is relatively young and dynamic, and there is no universal consensus regarding the most effective approaches to building and managing strong brands. This course introduces the fundamental principles of brand management
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesCourse taught in period IIIVIÐ2A3FMarketing communication in a digital ageMandatory (required) course7,5A mandatory (required) course for the programme7,5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIn modern marketing, there is no clear division between offline and online media. What matters is the customer journey and how media channels are integrated along that journey. In this course, students learn to create value for customers through integrated media. They work with data to analyze barriers and opportunities and to build strategies aimed at creating competitive advantage. The course is project- and data-driven, emphasizing that students make decisions based on research and available data.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesCourse taught in period IV
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.
- Marketing, in Iceland or abroad
- Specialist positions within marketing departments
- Management positions in large or small businesses
- Market research
- Brand management
- Advertising
This list is not exhaustive.
- MAESTRO is the organisation for Master's students at the University of Iceland Faculty of Business Administration and Faculty of Economics.
- The role and purpose of MAESTRO is to advocate for members' interests and make their time at UI more enjoyable and productive. MAESTRO provides students with useful information, maintains a good working relationship with the University and faculties, as well as encouraging students to socialise together and build connections.
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If you still have questions, feel free to contact us.
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.