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Language skills
required
Programme length
Full time study for two academic years.
Study mode
Face-to-face learning
Application status
International students:
Students with Icelandic or Nordic citizenship:
Overview

  • Are you interested in issues affecting the elderly?
  • Would it suit you to access most of your studies remotely, but attend face-to-face blocks in Reykjavík, Finland and Sweden?
  • Do you want to learn more about how environments, social connections and health affect well-being in old age?
  • Are you interested in learning about services for the elderly in the Nordic countries?

The programme focuses on introducing students to services for the elderly in the Nordic countries and equipping them for Nordic research collaboration.

Students learn about topics related to the ageing of individuals and populations, the consequences of ageing, as well as factors that underline the processes of ageing. They will explore key issues affecting well-being in old age and ways to promote healthy ageing.

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
  • Courses in methodology, 10 ECTS
  • Elective courses, 30-50 ECTS
  • Final thesis, 40-60 ECTS

Organisation of teaching

Students learn remotely and through face-to-face blocks in Reykjavík, Jyväskylä in Finland and Lund in Sweden.

The programme is taught in English.

Main objectives

The programme aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of the issues affecting the elderly, introducing them to the field of gerontology, theories and methods, and equipping them to work together with people in other professions to promote well-being in old age.

Other

Completing the programme allows a student to apply for doctoral studies.

BA- or BS-degree in Social Sciences or Health Sciences.

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.

The following documents must accompany an application for this programme:
  • CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • 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: English
Distance learning
Attendance required in class
Not taught this semester
First year | Fall
Introduction to Interdisciplinary Gerontology (ÖLD103F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description

Scientific study on ageing, processes of biological, psychological and social ageing and how they affect an individual, dissemination of results obtained in gerontology.

The goal is to familiarise the student with the basics in gerontology (definitions, concepts, research methods and dissemination of results) and to prepare the student for the further studies in the programme.

Web based.

Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
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 (ÖLD442L)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
0 ECTS, credits
Course Description

,

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 (ÖLD442L)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
0 ECTS, credits
Course Description

,

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
  • Not taught this semester
    ÖLD103F
    Introduction to Interdisciplinary Gerontology
    Mandatory (required) course
    5
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Scientific study on ageing, processes of biological, psychological and social ageing and how they affect an individual, dissemination of results obtained in gerontology.

    The goal is to familiarise the student with the basics in gerontology (definitions, concepts, research methods and dissemination of results) and to prepare the student for the further studies in the programme.

    Web based.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • 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
  • ÖLD442L
    MA Thesis in Gerontology
    Mandatory (required) course
    0
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    0 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    ,

    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
  • ÖLD442L
    MA Thesis in Gerontology
    Mandatory (required) course
    0
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    0 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    ,

    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
  • Not taught this semester
    ÖLD103F
    Introduction to Interdisciplinary Gerontology
    Mandatory (required) course
    5
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Scientific study on ageing, processes of biological, psychological and social ageing and how they affect an individual, dissemination of results obtained in gerontology.

    The goal is to familiarise the student with the basics in gerontology (definitions, concepts, research methods and dissemination of results) and to prepare the student for the further studies in the programme.

    Web based.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • 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
  • ÖLD442L
    MA Thesis in Gerontology
    Mandatory (required) course
    0
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    0 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    ,

    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
  • ÖLD442L
    MA Thesis in Gerontology
    Mandatory (required) course
    0
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    0 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    ,

    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
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.

After completing a degree in gerontology, students will be equipped with theoretical and practical knowledge of issues affecting the elderly, which is a valuable asset on the job market.

Gerontology attracts students from a range of professional backgrounds, generally with links to:

  • The welfare of elderly people
  • Services for elderly people
  • Policy making, legislation and action in social and health services.

This list is not exhaustive

Students' comments
""
Fate led me to work within the field of gerontology at the City of Reykjavik after completing a BA degree in Sociology from the University of Iceland, along with teaching credentials. From the outset, it became clear to me that gaining insight into the underlying philosophy of elderly care services, and being able to address varied emphases and challenges in the profession required me to acquire additional knowledge. Upon discovering the interdisciplinary studies in gerontology at the Faculty of Social Work at UI, I found my calling. Initially, I viewed this as further education and pursued a diploma programme. As the programme fit well with full-time work and proved to be extremely enjoyable and professionally enriching, I eventually completed a master's degree in gerontology. It's truly one of the best decisions I've made for myself! What I found most enjoyable was interacting and collaborating with professionals from various fields in the programme, such as nurses, physiotherapists, social workers, psychologists, and theologians, as well as having the opportunity to attend courses in other Nordic countries.
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The School office offers support to students and lecturers, providing guidance, counselling, and assistance with various matters. 

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