BA Icelandic
About this course
BA in Icelandic, a German degree focusing on the study of the Icelandic language, culture, and Nordic history. Core topics include Research Methods. This four-year undergraduate programme includes a mandatory year abroad spent studying in Reykjavik. The first year establishes language foundations through Introduction to Icelandic Language and Culture, Introduction to Old Norse, Introduction to Nordic Studies 1, and Introduction to Nordic Studies 2, with options to study linguistics or other Scandinavian languages. The second year progresses with Intermediate Icelandic Language and Culture and Intermediate Old Norse alongside optional modules covering European thought, geography, and literature. The third year consists of SELCS Year Abroad Term 1 and SELCS Year Abroad Term 2. The fourth year concludes the degree with Advanced Icelandic Language and Culture and Advanced Old Norse, while optional choices allow students to explore Nordic cinema, regional literature, or undertake a Dissertation in Scandinavian Studies.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: ABB (Foreign language preferred.) IB: 34 points (A total of 16 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5. Foreign language preferred.)
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What students say
Based on about 17 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 87%
- Learning opportunities: 76%
- Assessment and feedback: 78%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 62%
- Learning resources: 79%
- Student voice: 58%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 70%
- Left higher education: 25%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 215 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 67%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 85%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- A degree: 5%
- Other qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to Icelandic Language and Culture
- Introduction to Old Norse
- Introduction to Nordic Studies 1
- Introduction to Nordic Studies 2
- Understanding History: Facts, Interpretations, Stories
- Introduction to the Study of Language and Linguistics
- Theories and Methods in Film and Media Studies
- Mediatising Dissent
- Introduction to Danish Language and Culture
- Introduction to Swedish Language and Culture
- Introduction to Norwegian Language and Culture
- Intermediate Icelandic Language and Culture
- Intermediate Old Norse
- The Power of Maps
- Nationalism and Ethnicity in Contemporary Europe
- Utopias and Dystopias in Literature
- Theatre Translations and Adaptations
- Introduction to Film Genre
- Topics in Popular Film and Media
- Aspects of European Thought
- Cultures of Conflict
- Topics in Linguistics I
- Topics in Linguistics II
- SELCS Year Abroad Term 1
- SELCS Year Abroad Term 2
- Advanced Icelandic Language and Culture
- Advanced Old Norse
- Northern Sites and Cities: Perspectives of Urban and Cultural Geographies of the Nordic Region
- Advanced Danish Language and Culture
- Advanced Swedish Language and Culture
- Advanced Norwegian Language and Culture
- Advanced Project Work in Danish, Norwegian or Swedish
- Translation from the Scandinavian Languages
- Dissertation in Scandinavian Studies
- Crime and Small Communities in Nordic Literature
- The Vikings in Europe
- Nordic Cinema
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Icelandic at University College London earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £31,000 after 3 years, £42,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,500 and £57,000. The £42,500 median after five years is £10,000 more than the UK median for German and Scandinavian studies.
What do graduates of BA Icelandic at University College London do next?
70% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Icelandic at University College London?
87% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Icelandic at University College London?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 153 UCAS points.
Does BA Icelandic at University College London include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Icelandic at University College London?
70% of students continued into their second year, and 25% left higher education.