University of Iceland

The University of Iceland was founded on 17 June 1911, on the centenary of 19th century Icelandic statesman Jón Sigurðsson, usually referred to as "president". The University was located in the Parliament House at Austurvöllur for the first 29 years. The University of Iceland was formed in a merger of the Seminary, the School of Medicine, and the School of Law, which each formed a faculty, in addition to the newly-established Faculty of Philosophy.

Only 45 students, one of which was female, were enrolled during the 1911-1912 academic year; by comparison, the 2023-2024 academic year saw almost fourteen thousand students, around two thirds of which were female, studying at the University of Iceland. The University offers a variety of academic programmes on the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.

The University relocated to the Main Building (Aðalbygging) at Suðurgata in 1940. The University's facilities have grown considerably since then; the newest addition to the campus is the University Centre, which was taken into use on 1 December 2007, Veröld - House of Vigdís 2017 and Edda 2023.

A new structure and governance system for the University of Iceland entered into force on 1 July 2008. At the same time the University merged with Iceland University of Education on its centenary. The new University of Iceland has five academic schools, each comprised of a number of faculties. The academic schools are the School of Education, the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, the School of Health Sciences, the School of Humanities, and the School of Social Sciences. In addition the University operates a number of research and service institutions.

The Rector of the University of Iceland is Jón Atli Benediktsson, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

School of Business Administration

History and Vision

The School of Business Administration is part of the School of Social Sciences at the University of Iceland and is committed to high standards in both teaching and research. The School of Business has a distinguished tradition of excellence, established in response to the growing need for structured business education in Iceland. It has become one of the country’s most respected academic institutions.

The vision is to create knowledge and skills that contribute to Iceland’s prosperity while maintaining a solid connection to the national and international business community to solidify its position as a leading business education and research institution in the Nordic region, thereby ensuring Iceland remains competitive and forward-thinking in an increasingly interconnected world.

Teaching

The School of Business Administration offers a comprehensive and dynamic curriculum tailored to meet the evolving needs of students and the business sector. Programs range from undergraduate to postgraduate levels, strongly emphasizing bridging theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world business skills. The School of Business continually updates its course offerings to align with developments in the business environment, ensuring students receive a relevant and current education.

Professionalism is one of the Schools of Business Administration core values, underpinned by academic independence and critical thinking. Instructors are encouraged to foster an engaging and interactive learning environment, using diverse teaching methods emphasizing active student participation. In addition, the department focuses on assessment methods that prioritize continuous evaluation over traditional final exams, further enriching the learning experience.

In response to the demands of an increasingly globalized world, the School of Business Administration has expanded its offerings in English and introduced visiting professors to bring international perspectives into the classrooms. This emphasis on global business knowledge is crucial as the School of Business prepares its students for Icelandic and international business roles.

Research

The School of Business Administration research focuses on generating internationally recognized knowledge, emphasizing the Icelandic business landscape. The School of Business has a strong tradition of integrating research and teaching, fostering a research-driven learning environment that benefits students and the academic community.

The research strategy emphasizes innovation, practical applications of research outcomes, and collaboration, but faculty members of the School of Business are encouraged to engage in international research partnerships and actively pursue funding from competitive research grants. Additionally, there is a concerted effort to support new academic employees by providing resources and mentorship to help them establish their research careers.

Aligned with the University of Iceland’s broader research goals, the School of Business focuses on advancing research that contributes to the development of Icelandic society. Research is designed to be innovative and applicable and is maintained through strong connections to the needs of Iceland’s business community. This approach ensures that the School of Business Administration remains a leading force in driving economic and social progress, reinforcing its position as a leader in academic inquiry and societal impact.

The School of Business has been at the forefront of business education and research in Iceland for nearly 80 years. It is recognized for its robust academic foundation and commitment to high-quality education, significantly contributing to the Icelandic economy and society.