• Do you have a basic knowledge of political science?
• Are you interested in specialising in one of the main branches of political science?
• Are you looking for a flexible programme that you can tailor to suit your interests?
• Do you want a more theoretical programme?

This is a theoretical programme that aims to provide students with research skills that will equip them for further study or a diverse range of careers. Students can tailor the programme to suit their own interests, but there is a common core aimed at ensuring that all students develop a certain foundation in the methodology of the social sciences.

This is a wide-ranging programme and there are diverse career opportunities for graduates. Political scientists can be found working in many different sectors beyond teaching and research.

Programme structure

The programme is 120 ECTS and is organised as two years of full-time study.

The programme is flexible and designed to allow students to focus on their particular interests. A common core ensures that all students develop a certain foundation in the methodology of the social sciences, but otherwise students select courses that are relevant to their proposed thesis project.

Organisation of teaching

This programme is taught in Icelandic and most textbooks are in English.

The study programme can be completed through distance learning or face-to-face learning. The structure of the programme depends on course selection.

Main objectives

Students will:

• broaden and deepen their knowledge of a selected area within political science.
• learn to independently and professionally define a research subject, put forth research questions and hypotheses.
• be able to clearly present complex academic idea and/or scientifically reasoned conclusions, alone or in collaboration with others, to scientific or lay audiences.

Other

Students are encouraged to look into their options for exchange studies at UI’s partner universities abroad. The Faculty of Political Science has exchange study agreements with other universities all over the world.

Completing the programme allows you to apply for doctoral studies

• See the PhD in political science
• See all doctoral programmes at the School of Social Sciences

120 ECTS credits have to be completed for the qualification. Students can to a certain extent customise their studies to their field of interest. Core courses are 30 ECTS credits. The aim of the core courses is to provide the student with basic training in using Social Sciences research methods and statistics. Students complete their studies with a MA thesis which as a general rule carries the weight of 40-60 ECTS credits. Courses are selected in an agreement with the supervisor. Students can, in an agreement with the Faculty chair study abroad and have their credits transferred as part of their studies at the University of Iceland.

• CV
• Statement of purpose
• Research proposal
• 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

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.

• More about the possibility of exchange studies abroad.

• Media and communication
• Consultancy
• International affairs and international organisations
• Administration in the public or private sectors
• NGOs and lobbying groups

This list is not exhaustive.

There is no specific student organisation for this programme, but students meet frequently in the Student Cellar.

• More about the UI student's social life.