Nordics in the global society - Unique programme in an unique community

In Norse mythology, “Bifrost” meant the bridge between heaven and earth. And today, Bifrost continues to be a bridge – between communities, between students and academics, and between our present and our hopes for a better future.

These are, of course, very challenging times for everyone, and we are all sensitive to the struggles people across Iceland and across the world are going through during these times. Bifrost was founded in 1918, as the Spanish flu swept through Iceland, and the history of the university is bound up with the resilience of the Icelandic people.

We hope to provide a safe and supportive oasis of learning during these difficult times, where all feel included and respected, strengthening Bifrost’s founding principles of fairness and justice. Bifrost – like Iceland as a whole – is a unique blend of tradition and modernity.  We were global pioneers of online learning, and now support other universities seeking to develop contemporary online teaching programmes in the face of these new challenging times.

Our courses – in business, law, and social sciences – for both undergraduate and graduate students, taught in Icelandic and English – prepare Bifrost students for the complexities of 21^st-century work and life in their chosen fields, including how to prepare for crises. Both our faculties emphasise ‘servant leadership’, and the importance of community-building and acting with a social conscience, whether in business, public policy, law or academia.

Bifrost is also a unique community, for both online and offline students. Our quiet, friendly and picturesque campus in Bord is matched by our vibrant online community around Iceland and elsewhere of students and faculty members, who enjoy our longstanding experience as pioneers in online teaching.  We are constantly growing and developing both new teaching methods and new courses.

Our latest addition is our planned Masters programme in Nordics in Global Society, launching in September 2020 and taught in English by academics from across Iceland and the wider world. This course is designed for experts and future leaders in economics, public policy, law and political science, to prepare them to tackle contemporary pressing problems from public health crises to economic challenges and political complexities. Emphasising the ‘Nordic model’ of public policy, it will anchor students in the pressing debates, academic literature, key concepts and analytical skills necessary to be effective and compassionate actors for change in an increasingly complex and globalised world. We consider ourselves lucky to be based in the country that has consistently ranked Number 1 worldwide for gender equality, and a global leader in the fight against climate change, and we draw upon the best of Iceland’s expertise and heritage to prepare our students to work effectively and engagingly as actors for positive change.

We welcome enquiries about the Nordics in Global Society and all of our established programmes. And hope that Bifrost continues its tradition of providing an oasis of calm and thoughtful learning, and a bridge to a better future.

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