

- Do you want to be part of the information society of the future?
- Are you looking for a short but useful programme?
- Are you interested in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the digital revolution and automation?
- Do you want to learn about the different systems used to organise, store, manage and share various kinds of data?
A micro-credential in Information Science is founded on three pillars: people, information, and technology. The programme is both theoretical and practical, offering not only a strong academic foundation but also the essential skills to play a key role in a variety of industries driven by information and knowledge. The focus is on developing the ability to analyse diverse information needs, manage information and data in line with workplace requirements, communicate content via social media and the web, and shape the future of libraries as cultural institutions that support social participation, democracy, and civic engagement.
A micro-credential is a short course that enables individuals to gain knowledge in a specific area. It is structured like other university-level education and adheres to the same quality standards. A micro-credential does not lead to a degree, but students receive a certificate confirming completion. The programme's 30 ECTS credits can be applied towards a Master's degree in Information Science.
Programme structure
The programme is 30 ECTS credits and is structured as part-time study over one year. Students may also choose to complete the programme over a more extended period.
Organisation of teaching
This programme is taught in Icelandic, but most books are in English or other foreign languages.
Information science courses are taught through distance learning, face-to-face learning or a mix of the two. Many students study alongside work.
Other
Students who complete the micro-credential with a first-class grade may apply for the Master's programme.
- See the MA in information science for those without a background in Information Science.
- See the MIS in information science for those with a background in Information Science."
BA, BS, B.Ed. degree or equivalent qualification.
30 ECTS credits have to be completed for the qualification. Students can select between the following areas of specialization: Information Behavior: Planning, management and dissemination of information and Information Management: Registration, access and security of information in organizations. The diploma consists of: Core courses in the field of specialization 16 ECTS credits, restricted electives 6-8 ECTS and electives 6-8 ECTS.
- 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.
- Year unspecified
- Fall
- Information and Records Management
- Practical project
- Spring 1
- Data protection and information security
- Not taught this semesterQuality Management and Knowledge Management
- Web Management
- Practical project
Information and Records Management (UPP105F)
The history and development of information and records management is covered and students learn to know the main associations and organizations in information and records management as well as their contribution to the field. Laws, regulations and rules concerning information, records and archives are introduced and the aim and methods of information and records management. The main topics of information and records management are studied, such as the records inventory, the retention and disposition schedule, classification and classification systems for records, the storage facilities needed for active and inactive records, vital records security, safety and security plans for information and records. The international standar ISO 15489 will be introduced. The emphasis is on the organization of different forms of records. Examples are given on how various software systems can be used in organizing information and records, in registration, storage and retrieval. The students go through a need analysis for information and records management program in an organization and how such a program should be implemented utilizing the latest software for information and records management. There will be an emphasis on classification of knowledge and classification theories. Students ought to be able to construct a uniform classification system for information and records and to map information and data in organizations. Students visit archives and organizations which have implemented an information and records management program and do a workshop on classification systems. Students complete group projects and an individual assignment during the course.
Practical project (UPP010F)
The course is based on students' independent work who undertake a defined project in the field of information behavior and information and media literacy, e.g. within a library or information center, or in the field of information management in cooperation with a private or public organization. The project is intended to respond to a specific need within information studies and is not part of the daily work of the students concerned. Students can initiate the project. Likewise, teachers and organizations that wish to involve students in specific projects in the subject area can propose a project. Subjects and reading materials are decided jointly by the teacher and the student. Students who initiate a project contact the desired teacher for guidance on the project.
The scope of a project is counted in units. The ECTS university credit system is based on the estimated workload of students in specific courses, so that each credit is equivalent to approx. 25-30 hours study work and includes reading, attendance, projects, processing projects and other related things. The work contribution of the students in the practical project course is in accordance with the number of units. (2 ECTS) is about 50-60 hours. (5 ECTS) is about 125-150 hours (10 ECTS) is about 250-300 hours.
Data protection and information security (UPP220F)
In this course the students will get an insight into the professional challenges that information professionals are faced with while managing information, documents and records due to GDPR. Important changes in the legislation relating to the protection of privacy and the General Data Protection Regulation that took effect in Iceland in July 2018 will be presented. The effects of the new legislation on Icelandic organizations is examined in relation to other acts. Terms and procedures related to GDPR are explained, such as the different responsibilities of data processors and data controllers, proportionality when organizing data, the right to be forgotten, informed consent, personal data and sensitive personal data, risk analysis and contracts with data processors. The role of a Data Protection Officer in organizations will be explained. The course sets focus on the role of information and records management in an environment of GDPR with the safeguarding of information, recent regulations, the use of social media, cloud computing and information and data strategies of organizations in mind. Students are expected to become familiar with the use of a processing register for personal data as well as a risk assessment for data processing. Practical assignments will be scheduled in close co-operation with various organizations.
Please note that the course is taught biannually. Next taught in spring semester of 2026, 2028, 2030 etc.
Quality Management and Knowledge Management (UPP222F)
The students learn to use computer software in records management, groupware, intranets and social media to share data, documents and knowledge. Students must know and understand theories and models in knowledge management and the similarities of human resource management and knowledge management with information management. An information system which is designed to organize, store and retrieve information and records and track the status or progress of cases within the organization is introduced. Students are familiarized with the operational security of computer systems, their legal environment and the organization of information. Quality issues, quality management and the ISO 9000 quality standards are covered, as is environment management and the ISO 14000 standards. Information security in accordance with the ISO 27001 standard is covered as well as the Equal Pay standard ÍST 85. Students must have the knowledge to create the documents in a quality system and to evaluate these documents. Digitization is discussed in a workshop with Digital Iceland. Various ways are introduced which can be used to promote the idea of modern information management to those working in and managing the organization.
Web Management (UPP110F)
The aim of the course is to introduce students to information architecture along with some basic elements of web management. The course will focus on information architecture such as designing a sitemap, route system, name system, based on the behaviour and needs of users. Other aspects of web management will also be discussed briefly, such as analysis of user needs, user tests and access to web pages.
Practical project (UPP010F)
The course is based on students' independent work who undertake a defined project in the field of information behavior and information and media literacy, e.g. within a library or information center, or in the field of information management in cooperation with a private or public organization. The project is intended to respond to a specific need within information studies and is not part of the daily work of the students concerned. Students can initiate the project. Likewise, teachers and organizations that wish to involve students in specific projects in the subject area can propose a project. Subjects and reading materials are decided jointly by the teacher and the student. Students who initiate a project contact the desired teacher for guidance on the project.
- Fall
- UPP105FInformation and Records ManagementMandatory (required) course8A mandatory (required) course for the programme8 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
The history and development of information and records management is covered and students learn to know the main associations and organizations in information and records management as well as their contribution to the field. Laws, regulations and rules concerning information, records and archives are introduced and the aim and methods of information and records management. The main topics of information and records management are studied, such as the records inventory, the retention and disposition schedule, classification and classification systems for records, the storage facilities needed for active and inactive records, vital records security, safety and security plans for information and records. The international standar ISO 15489 will be introduced. The emphasis is on the organization of different forms of records. Examples are given on how various software systems can be used in organizing information and records, in registration, storage and retrieval. The students go through a need analysis for information and records management program in an organization and how such a program should be implemented utilizing the latest software for information and records management. There will be an emphasis on classification of knowledge and classification theories. Students ought to be able to construct a uniform classification system for information and records and to map information and data in organizations. Students visit archives and organizations which have implemented an information and records management program and do a workshop on classification systems. Students complete group projects and an individual assignment during the course.
Distance learningPrerequisitesCourse DescriptionThe course is based on students' independent work who undertake a defined project in the field of information behavior and information and media literacy, e.g. within a library or information center, or in the field of information management in cooperation with a private or public organization. The project is intended to respond to a specific need within information studies and is not part of the daily work of the students concerned. Students can initiate the project. Likewise, teachers and organizations that wish to involve students in specific projects in the subject area can propose a project. Subjects and reading materials are decided jointly by the teacher and the student. Students who initiate a project contact the desired teacher for guidance on the project.
The scope of a project is counted in units. The ECTS university credit system is based on the estimated workload of students in specific courses, so that each credit is equivalent to approx. 25-30 hours study work and includes reading, attendance, projects, processing projects and other related things. The work contribution of the students in the practical project course is in accordance with the number of units. (2 ECTS) is about 50-60 hours. (5 ECTS) is about 125-150 hours (10 ECTS) is about 250-300 hours.
Self-studyPrerequisites- Spring 2
UPP220FData protection and information securityRestricted elective course6Restricted elective course, conditions apply6 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIn this course the students will get an insight into the professional challenges that information professionals are faced with while managing information, documents and records due to GDPR. Important changes in the legislation relating to the protection of privacy and the General Data Protection Regulation that took effect in Iceland in July 2018 will be presented. The effects of the new legislation on Icelandic organizations is examined in relation to other acts. Terms and procedures related to GDPR are explained, such as the different responsibilities of data processors and data controllers, proportionality when organizing data, the right to be forgotten, informed consent, personal data and sensitive personal data, risk analysis and contracts with data processors. The role of a Data Protection Officer in organizations will be explained. The course sets focus on the role of information and records management in an environment of GDPR with the safeguarding of information, recent regulations, the use of social media, cloud computing and information and data strategies of organizations in mind. Students are expected to become familiar with the use of a processing register for personal data as well as a risk assessment for data processing. Practical assignments will be scheduled in close co-operation with various organizations.
Please note that the course is taught biannually. Next taught in spring semester of 2026, 2028, 2030 etc.
Distance learningPrerequisitesNot taught this semesterUPP222FQuality Management and Knowledge ManagementRestricted elective course6Restricted elective course, conditions apply6 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe students learn to use computer software in records management, groupware, intranets and social media to share data, documents and knowledge. Students must know and understand theories and models in knowledge management and the similarities of human resource management and knowledge management with information management. An information system which is designed to organize, store and retrieve information and records and track the status or progress of cases within the organization is introduced. Students are familiarized with the operational security of computer systems, their legal environment and the organization of information. Quality issues, quality management and the ISO 9000 quality standards are covered, as is environment management and the ISO 14000 standards. Information security in accordance with the ISO 27001 standard is covered as well as the Equal Pay standard ÍST 85. Students must have the knowledge to create the documents in a quality system and to evaluate these documents. Digitization is discussed in a workshop with Digital Iceland. Various ways are introduced which can be used to promote the idea of modern information management to those working in and managing the organization.
Distance learningPrerequisitesUPP110FWeb ManagementMandatory (required) course8A mandatory (required) course for the programme8 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aim of the course is to introduce students to information architecture along with some basic elements of web management. The course will focus on information architecture such as designing a sitemap, route system, name system, based on the behaviour and needs of users. Other aspects of web management will also be discussed briefly, such as analysis of user needs, user tests and access to web pages.
Distance learningPrerequisitesCourse DescriptionThe course is based on students' independent work who undertake a defined project in the field of information behavior and information and media literacy, e.g. within a library or information center, or in the field of information management in cooperation with a private or public organization. The project is intended to respond to a specific need within information studies and is not part of the daily work of the students concerned. Students can initiate the project. Likewise, teachers and organizations that wish to involve students in specific projects in the subject area can propose a project. Subjects and reading materials are decided jointly by the teacher and the student. Students who initiate a project contact the desired teacher for guidance on the project.
Self-studyPrerequisites