MS / MLM in Leadership and Management

The Master’s programme in Leadership and Management is a 90-ECTS study programme at Bifröst University that leads either to an MS degree or an MLM degree (Master of Leadership and Management).

The MS in Leadership and Management comprises 10 subjects (60 ECTS) and a final thesis (30 ECTS).

The Master of Leadership and Management is a qualification at a Master’s level without a final thesis. Students complete 15 subjects (90 ECTS).

The Master’s programme in Leadership and Management at Bifröst University is the most popular study option at Bifröst University. In preparing and designing the programme, a needs analysis was conducted to identify which elements the programme should contain to maximise its usefulness for students, bringing together theory and practice. The Master’s programme in Leadership and Management is a well-rounded and challenging study programme, designed to prepare students for leadership and management positions. It provides students with applied knowledge in the field and deepens their theoretical foundation and understanding. The study programme underscores and supports the role of Bifröst University in preparing people for leadership positions in the working world and in the community, guided by principles of sustainability and social responsibility.

Two new options for specialisation in leadership and management are offered. Students now have a choice between Leadership and Management with emphasis in Human Resource Management or Leadership and Management with emphasis in Project Management.

• MS-MLM in Leadership and Management with emphasis in Human Resources Management
• MS-MLM in Leadership and Management with emphasis in Project Management

Leadership is a complex concept, which must be examined from many angles. Diverse course offerings form a theoretical and applied foundation for students to gain a solid grasp of the leadership concept and what being a leader entails. A special course on servant leadership is another fundamental component of the study programme, which also includes courses dealing with many different leadership theories. The study programme places special emphasis on communication and communication skills.

“The objective of this study programme is strongly in keeping with the value Bifröst University places on educating independent and responsible leaders,” says Sigurður Ragnarsson, Head of the Department of Business. Ragnarsson has many years’ experience working with the concept of leadership, both as an instructor and an expert in management and leadership training for businesses, where he has experienced a strong interest in the concept. There has been a demonstrable need for vocationally oriented education of this type, which serves the needs of the market, business and society as a whole. Its strength lies in the differing points of view that converge within the study programme, which also brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds. “People learn a great deal from each other, and the network of contacts they develop is a major asset for them. What they all share in common is the desire to harness their studies at Bifröst to achieve success in their field. They want to improve their performance as leaders and managers, and to strengthen and advance themselves,” says Ragnarsson.

Servant Leadership

Servant leadership is central to the academic foundation of the programme, being a practical ethos or philosophy of integral and effective leadership. Servant leadership emphasises the central role of honest communication and strong ethics. Within this model, all employees have the opportunity to flourish and exert an influence, and there is space for differing points of view and opinions.

The programme is taught via distance learning. Bifröst University has many years’ experience of university-level distance instruction, at both undergraduate and Master’s levels. The distance learning programme is structured to allow students to access lectures and teaching materials for individual subjects through the University’s online learning platform, enabling students to organise their time as suits them best. For each course, there is one working weekend, where students and their instructors meet together at Bifröst University. Students stay in on-campus accommodation. Student housing and all campus facilities are exemplary. Distance learning sessions are taught during the period September–May. The study programme begins with an on-campus work session at the end of August at Bifröst University, strengthening students’ rapport with their peers and instructors and providing an in-depth introduction to the courses and project work ahead.

Distance learning – September to May

As a rule, distance learning courses are taught in 7-week sessions (two courses are taught over two sessions). Each course incorporates one working weekend on campus at Bifröst University. All courses have specific intended learning outcomes, defined as knowledge, skills and competences. Each week, the instructor uploads two recorded lectures to the online learning platform, in which s/he discusses the material under study for the week and introduces and explains project assignments. A steady project load provides students with training in the skills and competences defined in the intended learning outcomes for a given course. Additional project work and discussions with instructors take place during working weekends. A strong emphasis on project work characterises all courses, with group and team project work at the forefront.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements to the Master’s programme are an undergraduate university degree or education that can be deemed equivalent to an undergraduate degree. The University seeks to bring together a diverse group of applicants, with different educational backgrounds and work experience. The experience gained through participation in such a diverse group, studying and working with individuals from different backgrounds, is invaluable for all students. The student body shares the desire to optimise their knowledge and gain superior training and preparation for executive jobs in the modern business environment.

The application deadline is May 15th for the fall semester and December 10th for the spring semester.