As the top country in the Global Peace Index, Iceland is one of the top countries for international students to finish their education. The country boasts its stunning environmental landscapes and unique environmental conditions making it an interesting location for many students. It has an intensive tertiary education that opens many doors of opportunities among the students. There are seven universities in Iceland that are deemed reputable in providing exceptional education among their students. Most of the public universities are free, which makes studying affordable for the locals and foreign students. Let’s see the best universities for computer science in Iceland!
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in Iceland
1. Reykjavík University
Established in 1998, Reykjavík University is one of the top universities and an excellent institution for computer science in Iceland. It has seven departments across two schools and uses English and Icelandic as languages of instruction. The institution’s research focuses on business, technology, and law. Its estimated population of 3500 students enables an intensive and interactive approach in every class. Reykjavík University is located in the country’s capital, Reykjavík, a prime location for students to widen their horizons and experiences.
The school’s Department of Computer Science is known for delivering a high-quality computer science program in Iceland and offers multiple degrees in computer science. The three-year undergraduate degree is primarily taught in Icelandic, with selected modules available in English. It is accredited by the European Quality Assurance Network for Informatics Education (EQUANIE) where students earn 180 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) upon completion. Computer science students can choose between general or research-based education, and whether to minor in Business Administration. The final projects are done in groups and will depend on the student’s chosen path.
The master’s degree is a two-year full-time program conducted in English. Students can tailor their education by choosing between course-based or research-based paths. In addition, graduate students can complete selected online courses from MITx micromasters as electives. The doctorate program requires research among three research centers: the Centre for Analysis and Design of Intelligent Agents, the Centre for Research on Engineering Software Systems, and the Icelandic Centre of Excellence in Theoretical Computer Science. It can be finished within three to four years after successfully defending a Ph.D. thesis.
2. University of Iceland
The University of Iceland is the oldest and largest institution in Iceland. It is a public research university that focuses on disciplines including humanities, engineering, medicine, education, and social sciences across five schools. The institution primarily uses the Icelandic language, but English is also used in several graduate programs. More than sixty research centers handled by the university are committed to producing significant scientific contributions to society. Currently, the University of Iceland ranks among the top institutions for computer science in Iceland and is within the 401st-500th range in the Times Higher Education(THE) World University Rankings 2022.
The undergraduate program includes a three-year full-time study to complete 120 or 180 ECTS. The 120 ECTS path is composed of the core courses with an opportunity to choose 60 ECTS minor subjects among the selected courses. The 180 ECTS would entail a specialization in data science, mathematics, or general education. The program is conducted in Icelandic, with most course materials written in English. In addition, students can choose to learn a language from the offered courses.
The two-year master’s program uses both Icelandic and English as languages for teaching. It is divided into coursework and a research project under a supervisor. The program involves advanced courses that are chosen by the student and his/her supervisor. Students should have at least 120 ECTS before qualifying to take the final exam. The doctorate program involves three years of research studies, with the majority of the credits dedicated to research projects. Graduate students should have a supervisor and a proposal to qualify for the program.
We hope that this article on the Best Universities for Computer Science in Iceland was helpful. Make sure to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying Computer Science abroad.