Language skills
Programme length
One year - 60 ECTS
Study mode
Face-to-face learning
Application status
International students:
Students with Icelandic or Nordic citizenship:
- Would you like to learn Polish?
- Are you interested in learning more about Poland?
- Would you like to explore Polish culture and society?
- Do you want a programme made up of a major and a minor?
A full-time student can complete the programme in one year, but it is also possible to study part-time and take two years. The programme is designed to suit students with no prior knowledge of Polish.
Course topics include
- Practical Polish
- Grammar, reading and writing
Icelandic matriculation examination (stúdentspróf) or equivalent qualification.
To complete the diploma in Polish Studies the student must complete all the courses specified in the programme structure.
Programme structure
Check below to see how the programme is structured.
This programme does not offer specialisations.
- First year
- Fall
- Polish Grammar, Reading and Writing I
- Polish Culture and History
- Polish: Practical Language I
- Spring 1
- Polish Grammar, Reading and Writing II
- Poland Today
- Polish: Practical Language II
First year | Fall
Polish Grammar, Reading and Writing I (POL104G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This is an elementary Polish language course designed for beginners with no prior knowledge of Polish. The languages of instruction are English and Polish.
The course introduces the fundamental structures of Polish grammar, including inflection, syntax, and spelling. Students engage in practical exercises to develop reading comprehension and writing skills.
The course includes additional practical sessions designed to support the development of pronunciation, spelling, and essential vocabulary for reading, writing, and communication.
Students who wish to develop all language skills comprehensively and gain a deeper understanding of the structure of the Polish language are recommended to take POL106G Polish: Practical Language I concurrently.
Active participation is an essential component of this course.
Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
First year | Fall
Polish Culture and History (POL105G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course provides an overview of the history of Poland up to WWII. Special attention is given to the historical events that have defined Polish culture, and students are introduced to the main artistic works that have shaped the Polish national spirit throughout the centuries. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary and the course is taught in English.
Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
First year | Fall
Polish: Practical Language I (POL106G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This is an elementary Polish language course designed for beginners with no prior knowledge of Polish. The languages of instruction are English and Polish.
The course aims to develop pronunciation, build essential vocabulary, improve listening skills, and engage students in real-life communication in Polish. Simple written and spoken texts are used to illustrate the use of vocabulary and phrases in authentic communicative contexts.
The course includes additional practical sessions designed to help students understand and apply essential Polish grammatical rules necessary for effective written and spoken communication.
Students who wish to develop all language skills comprehensively are recommended to take the course POL104G Polish Grammar, Reading and Writing I concurrently.
Active participation is an essential component of this course.
Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
First year | Spring 1
Polish Grammar, Reading and Writing II (POL205G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course is intended for students who have completed POL104G Polish Grammar, Reading and Writing I or equivalent (subject to the instructor’s approval). The languages of instruction are English and Polish.
This course further develops students’ knowledge of Polish grammar and provides extended practice in reading and writing. Additional aspects of inflection, syntax, and spelling are introduced and practised.
The course includes additional practical sessions designed to support the development of pronunciation, spelling, and essential vocabulary for reading, writing, and communication.
Students who wish to develop all language skills comprehensively and deepen their understanding of the structure of the Polish language are recommended to take POL207G Polish: Practical Language II concurrently.
Active participation is an essential component of this course.
Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
First year | Spring 1
Poland Today (POL206G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course covers the history of Poland from WWII to the present day. Subjects discussed include history, politics and culture (with an emphasis on literature, film and music). The course is taught in English.
Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
First year | Spring 1
Polish: Practical Language II (POL207G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course is intended for students who have completed Polish: Practical Language I or equivalent (subject to the instructor’s approval). The languages of instruction are English and Polish.
The course further develops pronunciation, expands essential vocabulary, strengthens listening skills, and promotes active participation in real-life communication in Polish. Simple written and spoken texts are used to illustrate vocabulary and structures in authentic communicative contexts.
The course includes additional practical sessions designed to support students in understanding and applying key grammatical structures necessary for effective written and spoken communication.
Students who wish to develop all language skills comprehensively are recommended to take the course POL205G Polish Grammar, Reading and Writing II concurrently.
Active participation is an essential component of this course.
Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
First year
- Fall
- POL104GPolish Grammar, Reading and Writing IMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
This is an elementary Polish language course designed for beginners with no prior knowledge of Polish. The languages of instruction are English and Polish.
The course introduces the fundamental structures of Polish grammar, including inflection, syntax, and spelling. Students engage in practical exercises to develop reading comprehension and writing skills.
The course includes additional practical sessions designed to support the development of pronunciation, spelling, and essential vocabulary for reading, writing, and communication.
Students who wish to develop all language skills comprehensively and gain a deeper understanding of the structure of the Polish language are recommended to take POL106G Polish: Practical Language I concurrently.
Active participation is an essential component of this course.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesPOL105GPolish Culture and HistoryMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course provides an overview of the history of Poland up to WWII. Special attention is given to the historical events that have defined Polish culture, and students are introduced to the main artistic works that have shaped the Polish national spirit throughout the centuries. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary and the course is taught in English.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisitesPOL106GPolish: Practical Language IMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis is an elementary Polish language course designed for beginners with no prior knowledge of Polish. The languages of instruction are English and Polish.
The course aims to develop pronunciation, build essential vocabulary, improve listening skills, and engage students in real-life communication in Polish. Simple written and spoken texts are used to illustrate the use of vocabulary and phrases in authentic communicative contexts.
The course includes additional practical sessions designed to help students understand and apply essential Polish grammatical rules necessary for effective written and spoken communication.
Students who wish to develop all language skills comprehensively are recommended to take the course POL104G Polish Grammar, Reading and Writing I concurrently.
Active participation is an essential component of this course.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
POL205GPolish Grammar, Reading and Writing IIMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is intended for students who have completed POL104G Polish Grammar, Reading and Writing I or equivalent (subject to the instructor’s approval). The languages of instruction are English and Polish.
This course further develops students’ knowledge of Polish grammar and provides extended practice in reading and writing. Additional aspects of inflection, syntax, and spelling are introduced and practised.
The course includes additional practical sessions designed to support the development of pronunciation, spelling, and essential vocabulary for reading, writing, and communication.
Students who wish to develop all language skills comprehensively and deepen their understanding of the structure of the Polish language are recommended to take POL207G Polish: Practical Language II concurrently.
Active participation is an essential component of this course.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesPOL206GPoland TodayMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course covers the history of Poland from WWII to the present day. Subjects discussed include history, politics and culture (with an emphasis on literature, film and music). The course is taught in English.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisitesPOL207GPolish: Practical Language IIMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is intended for students who have completed Polish: Practical Language I or equivalent (subject to the instructor’s approval). The languages of instruction are English and Polish.
The course further develops pronunciation, expands essential vocabulary, strengthens listening skills, and promotes active participation in real-life communication in Polish. Simple written and spoken texts are used to illustrate vocabulary and structures in authentic communicative contexts.
The course includes additional practical sessions designed to support students in understanding and applying key grammatical structures necessary for effective written and spoken communication.
Students who wish to develop all language skills comprehensively are recommended to take the course POL205G Polish Grammar, Reading and Writing II concurrently.
Active participation is an essential component of this course.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites
The University of Iceland collaborates with over 400 universities all over the world. This means UI students have unique opportunities to take part of their programme at a university abroad, acquire international experience and carve out a niche for themselves.
UI students are generally able to take exchange studies, traineeships or summer courses. Study abroad must, however, always be approved by the faculty.
Students can transfer credits completed abroad to their programme at UI, meaning that going on exchange does not extend the duration of the programme.
Knowledge of the Polish language and culture is useful for working in business, international affairs and tourism, to name a few examples.
An education in this area can open up opportunities in:
- Tourism
- International affairs
- Tour guiding
- Translation
- Interpreting
- Business
- Imports and exports
This list is not exhaustive.
- Linguae is the organisation for foreign language students at UI.
- Linguae organises events for foreign language students, providing them with opportunities to take a break from their studies, socialise and relax.
- Linguae Facebook page.
Students appreciate the University of Iceland for its strong academic reputation, modern campus facilities, close-knit community, and affordable tuition.
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