Icelandic

UCL's four-year Icelandic BA is the only degree programme of its kind outside Iceland. The programme aims to develop your interest in, and knowledge and understanding of Iceland and the Nordic world, in areas including other Scandinavian languages, literature, culture and history. Your third year is spent abroad at the University of Iceland.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

In your first year, you will embark on an intensive study of modern Icelandic at beginner's level, study a mainland Scandinavian language (normally Danish) as well as Old Norse, and have the option of studying Scandinavian literary studies and linguistics. In your second year you will continue with language studies and select optional modules.

You will spend year three at the University of Iceland, taking a course in Icelandic for foreign students. If you are given permission to transfer to Icelandic with Danish, Norwegian or Swedish at the end of year one, you will also take a course in your mainland Scandinavian language while at Reykjavik.

The final year is spent at UCL, where you will take advanced modules in modern Icelandic and Old Norse, study Icelandic literature, and take further optional modules. If you have transferred to Icelandic with Danish, Norwegian or Swedish you will also take advanced modules in your mainland Scandinavian language.

The programme involves modules offered by SELCS, allowing students to study literature, film, art and culture from a wider and more interdisciplinary perspective. You will be exposed to broad cultural movements, issues and approaches and be able to draw on the full range of specialisms within the school.

A levels

Grades

ABB

Subjects

Foreign language preferred.

GCSEs

English Language at grade B, plus Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

34

Subjects

A score of 16 points in three higher level subjects, preferably including a foreign language, with no score lower than 5.

Funding options for the Icelandic language program at University College London include a variety of scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the UCL Scholarships and Funding webpage, which details available awards such as departmental scholarships, graduate research fellowships, and external funding sources. International students may also consider applying for scholarships offered by the Icelandic government or international organizations supporting language studies. UCL participates in the Chelsea Foundation's funding schemes, which support students from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, students may seek funding through private foundations, cultural exchange programs, and language-specific grants that promote Icelandic language and culture. Some students finance their studies through Erasmus+ or other European mobility programs, which provide financial assistance for study abroad and exchange semesters. The university also offers information on loan opportunities, including UK government student loans, designed to assist eligible students in covering tuition fees and living expenses. It is important for applicants to review each financial aid option's eligibility criteria and application deadlines carefully. The cost of attendance may include tuition fees, accommodation, books, and living expenses, which vary depending on the student's residence and lifestyle choices. UCL provides financial planning resources and student advisory services to help applicants develop a sustainable funding strategy. Students are also advised to explore part-time work opportunities on or near campus to supplement their finances during the academic year. It is recommended to start the funding search early, ideally before application submission, to ensure the availability of financial support. Overall, UCL offers a comprehensive range of funding options to support students pursuing Icelandic language studies, making it accessible for those demonstrating academic merit and financial need.