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Cultural Management

MA

Curriculum for Master’s Degree Programme in Cultural Management

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Degree programme:

Master’s degree programme in Cultural Management – MA

Contact:

Head of Department of Social Sciences and Distance Learning Coordinator

Length of degree programme:

Three semesters or more

Number of credits:

90 ECTS, Cycles 2.1 and 2.2 under Iceland’s National Qualification Framework for Higher Education and Degrees from 2011

120 ECTS First edition, April 2014

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Table of Contents

Description of study programme ................................................................................................ 4

International studies .................................................................................................................................. 4

Programme structure and teaching methods ................................................................................... 5

Electives .......................................................................................................................................................... 5

Course descriptions ......................................................................................................................... 8

Introduction to Cultural Management (Core) ................................................................................... 8

Philosophy and Culture (Core) ............................................................................................................... 9

Methodology (Core) ................................................................................................................................. 10

Financial Planning and Project Management (Core) ................................................................... 12

Cultural Economics (Core) .................................................................................................................... 13

Contemporary Cultural Studies ........................................................................................................... 15

Culture, Market and Networking ........................................................................................................ 16

Cultural Policy ........................................................................................................................................... 17

Financial Management for Cultural Management ........................................................................ 18

Human Resource Management ............................................................................................................ 19

Change and Crisis Management ........................................................................................................... 20

Service Management ............................................................................................................................... 21

Creative School Administration .......................................................................................................... 23

Administrative Law for Managers ...................................................................................................... 24

Servant Leadership .................................................................................................................................. 25

Strategic Management and the Role of Cultural Businesses (Elective) ................................. 26

Special Elective .......................................................................................................................................... 27

Internships .................................................................................................................................................. 28

Thesis Writing............................................................................................................................................ 29

MA Thesis (Mandatory) .......................................................................................................................... 31

Intended learning outcomes ...................................................................................................... 32

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Description of study programme

Studies in Cultural Management prepare students for wide-ranging and often challenging

careers in the field of culture and education. Bifröst University is the only Icelandic university to

offer a study programme of this type, and it has already been demonstrated that students

graduating with a MA degree in Cultural Management from Bifröst are sought-after employees

and collaborators in the field of culture. Attitudes to creative and culture-related industries have

undergone a radical transformation in recent years. Culture and education are among the

principal areas of growth and innovation in modern society, not a luxury in which a society can

elect to indulge. This places increasing demands on those who wish to pursue a career in the

field of culture. The objective of the cultural management study programme is to provide

students with the necessary grounding and training in strategic planning, management and

operating activities to thrive in the contemporary cultural environment.

Bifröst University has offered a cultural management study programme since 2004 and remains

the only university in Iceland to do so. The programme has been refined over the years and has

matured in keeping with the cultural environment in Iceland and the challenges that await

students on completion of their studies. The programme builds on both academic and applied

approaches, giving students the opportunity to work with and develop a critical perspective on

culture and cultural politics at the same time as they gain practical training in operating

activities, management and organisation.

Admission requirements to the study programme are an undergraduate university degree (e.g.,

BS, BA, BEd or BFA) or education and experience that can be deemed equivalent to an

undergraduate degree. Completion of the study programme leads to an MA degree in Cultural

Management, equivalent to a Master’s degree (Cycle 2.2) under Iceland’s National Qualification

Framework for Higher Education and Degrees from 2011, issued by the Ministry of Education,

Science and Culture.

Students may also elect not to carry out the 30-ECTS research project and instead complete a

Master’s-level diploma in Cultural Management. Such a diploma classifies as qualification at a

Master’s level (Cycle 2.1) under Iceland’s National Qualification Framework for Higher

Education and Degrees from 2011.

International studies

Bifröst University’s international relationships are most strongly manifested in its extensive

collaboration with foreign universities. Students of Bifröst University have the opportunity to

study at one of Bifröst’s partner universities. Bifröst University receives foreign exchange

students from its partner universities as well, and collaboration and interaction with these

exchange students is also an important part of the international experience that Bifröst offers its

students. A good number of Master’s students spend an exchange semester abroad, although

fewer do so than undergraduate students. The University’s academic staff also collaborate

extensively with universities abroad in the areas of both teaching and research.

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The University is a member of the Erasmus programme and likewise has bilateral agreements

with numerous universities outside Europe. Bifröst participates in the University of the Arctic

(UArctic), a consortium of over 100 universities in Canada, the United States, Russia and the

Nordic countries.

Programme structure and teaching methods

Admission requirements to the study programme are a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

qualification, pursuant to the National Qualification Framework for Higher Education and Degrees

from 2011.

The study programme is 90 credits at the Master’s level and is taught primarily through distance

learning. Courses are in most instances taught in seven-week sessions, each of which concludes

with student learning assessment (see course descriptions for individual courses). There are two

sessions to a semester, and courses are divided equally between sessions. Students may choose

to begin their studies either in the fall or the spring semester, but core courses are for the most

part taught in the fall. Normal study progress involves completion of five courses (30 ECTS) in

the fall semester, five courses (30 ECTS) in the spring semester and a final Master’s thesis project

(30 ECTS) in the fall semester of the following academic year. A full-time student will thus

complete the programme over three semesters.

Students also have the option of completing a 60-ECTS thesis to graduate with a 120-ECTS

Master’s degree in Cultural Management. In special cases, students may also apply to complete the

equivalent of 30 credits in an unpaid internship in addition to the normal 90 credits.

The study programme emphasises scientific methods, understanding and student research

competences in the field of cultural management. The objective of the study programme is to

qualify students for diverse and demanding jobs in the field of culture and education.

One ECTS credit is considered to correspond to 25-30 hours of student work. This work includes

all reading, assignment work, preparation for final examinations, presentations, working

weekends, lectures and all other work that students complete in connection with a course.

Teaching, assessment of studies and the organisation of teaching are as per the Rules on Studies

and Teaching, which can be found in Bifröst University’s Quality Manual (see EF 110). The Quality

Manual also contains rules for examinations and various instructions for students. The Quality

Manual can be viewed online in Icelandic at http://www.bifrost.is/islenska/um-

haskolann/gaedamal/fylgiskjol/ and in English at http://www.bifrost.is/english/about-

bifrost/quality/appendices/.

Electives The Master’s programme in Cultural Management is organised around five mandatory core courses (30

ECTS in total), which all students must complete. Students must complete two courses in management

subjects (12 ECTS), but may choose between six different management courses. Students are also

expected to complete three courses on cultural policy and dissemination (18 ECTS total). Students have

the possibility of taking three courses (18 ECTS) specially tailored to school and educational

management. Special support courses (electives) are also offered in connection with the completion of

the final thesis.

http://www.bifrost.is/islenska/um-%20haskolann/gaedamal/fylgiskjol/

http://www.bifrost.is/islenska/um-%20haskolann/gaedamal/fylgiskjol/

http://www.bifrost.is/english/about-bifrost/quality/appendices/

http://www.bifrost.is/english/about-bifrost/quality/appendices/

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Programme Composition

Emphasis A – Cultural Policy and Communication *

Fall Semester 1 (30 ECTS) ECTS Springs Semester (30 ECTS) ECTS

Cultural Economics (C) 6 Methodology (C) 6

Financial Planning and Project

Management (C)

6 Contemporary Cultural Studies 6

Introduction to Cultural Management

(C)

6 Cultural Policy 6

Philosophy and Culture (C) 6 Management Course 1 6

Culture, Market and Networking 6 Management Course 2 6

Fall Semester 2 (30 ECTS) ECTS

MA Thesis 30

**

Emphasis B – Education Managment *

Fall Semester 1 (30 ECTS) ECTS Springs Semester (30 ECTS) ECTS

Cultural Economics (C) 6 Methodology (C) 6

Introduction to Cultural Management

(C)

6 Creative School Management 6

Philosophy and Culture (C) 6 Administrative Law for Managers 6

Financial Planning and Project

Management (C)

6 Servant Leadership 6

Management Course 1 6 Management Course 2 6

Fall Semester 2 (30 ECTS) ECTS

MA Thesis 30

**

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* The tables above show the typical programme composition for a full-time student.

** Thesis Gateway: In students’ first spring semester and second fall semester, they can enrol in

a special thesis gateway (Thesis Writing), where they receive methodological assistance in

writing the final thesis. Students may enrol in this gateway course a maximum of two times and

will receive 6 ECTS credits if they complete all tasks assigned in the thesis gateway. Credits that

students receive for this work constitute part of the 30 credits for the research project (6 credits

of 12 thesis credits in Spring Semester 1 and 6 credits of 18 thesis credits in Fall Semester 2).

Support that students can obtain in the thesis gateway course is supplemental to assistance from

the supervisor, not a replacement for this guidance (For a more detailed description, see Thesis I

and II on pp. 25–26).

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Course descriptions

Introduction to Cultural Management (Core)

Semester and length Fall; session I – 6 ECTS

Degree programme: MA in Cultural Management

Prerequisites: General requirements for admission to Master’s studies

Language: Icelandic

Instructor: Dr. Njörður Sigurjónsson, associate professor

Teaching methods: Lectures, discussions and project work

Content and objectives:

The basics of cultural management will be reviewed, such as the ideology of cultural institutions

and strategy, cultural and operational grounds for projects, marketing and concept work. The

main principles of management theory will be covered, and the organisation of companies will

be examined in the context of their premises. Research in the field of cultural management will

be discussed, and students will receive assistance in starting preparations and preliminary work

for their MA thesis.

Learning outcomes:

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

Explain the premises of cultural management

Discuss the main principles of company management, strategy and related problems

Provide argumentation for the cultural management premises of a project and the correlation with market, ideology and concerned parties

Prepare a draft research plan for the MA thesis

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Philosophy and Culture (Core)

Semester: Fall; session I – 6 ECTS



Language: Instruction takes place in Icelandic, course materials in English and Icelandic.

Instructor: Jón Ólafsson, professor.

Teaching methods: Lectures, discussions and project sessions


The course will cover the main theories of contemporary political philosophy that have shaped

the political landscape of Europe and the West over the past 250 years. Eighteenth- and

nineteenth-century theories will be reviewed, as well as their fate in the twentieth century. The

top controversial issues of today will be discussed, as will approaches to social and cultural

analysis offered by theories of political philosophy. Multiculturalist, feminist, Marxist and

deliberative democratic analysis of political reality will be addressed, and as well as how this

criticism is both directed against and reinforces the foundations of Western political thought.

Learning outcomes:

Students who complete the course:

Know several of the key thinkers of Western philosophy in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries

Understand important philosophical theories in the field of politics and culture

Are able to debate some of the major questions and issues of dispute in modern philosophy

Can use their knowledge to analyse and discuss social movements and ideologies

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Methodology (Core)

Semester: Spring; sessions I & II – 6 ECTS

Degree programme: MA in International Political Economy (IPE), MA in Cultural Management, MS/MIB in International Business

Prerequisites: Students must have completed the course Introduction to Cultural Management

Language: Lectures in Icelandic, course materials in English and Icelandic

Instructor: Dr. Sigrún Lilja Einarsdóttir, assistant professor

Teaching methods: Podcast lectures, working weekends and project work

Content and objectives: This course introduces core research concepts and methods and at the same time aims to prepare students for writing the Master’s thesis project. The course will cover various research traditions in the social sciences; formation of research questions and objectives; development of hypotheses and theories; preparation of research plans and formatting of Master’s projects; qualitative and quantitative research methods; construction of questions; data processing; presentation of findings; and research validity, reliability, transparency and ethics. Students go through the process of preparing research, selecting methods and conducting research, as part of which students receive training in collecting qualitative data, such as interviews, participant observation and textual analysis. Students likewise receive training in setting up simple online questionnaires. At the same time, students are introduced to the main traditions concerning Master’s thesis projects at Bifröst University, and project work in the course is designed to be of continuing use for students in writing the Master’s thesis. Learning outcomes:

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of the course, students will:

be informed about key methodological concepts

recognise salient traditions in social science research

possess knowledge of basic research methods, both quantitative and qualitative

be aware of the limitations of research methods, as well as their advantages and

drawbacks, validity and reliability

be conscious of ethical issues in research

Skills


make use of the course project in continuing work on the Master’s thesis project and gain

increased proficiency in scientific methods

formulate research questions and research objectives and define research project scope

design research based on objectives and questions, select appropriate research methods

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and ask questions in line with project objectives

organise a research project (Master’s thesis project) by preparing a research plan

obtain data, especially qualitative data, and have received training in use of such data in

the course

analyse the research data they have obtained and present their findings in a clear and

appropriate manner

recognise the validity and reliability of their own research

prepare a “risk assessment” regarding ethical issues and confidentiality of research

participants and evaluate whether presentation of data collides with ethical issues or not

make conclusions on the basis of their own findings in a critical manner and avoid

drawing overly strong conclusions on the basis of available data

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Financial Planning and Project Management (Core)

Semester: Fall; session II – 6 ECTS


Prerequisites: Students must have completed the course Introduction to Cultural Management



Teaching methods: Independent project work and lectures. Emphasis is placed on students

reading and familiarising themselves with the course content on their own initiative and taking

active part in project work. In lectures, course objectives for the week will be described and

basic terms and concepts reviewed. Material will be introduced through PowerPoint slides,

examples, anecdotes and other means considered conducive to improving students’

comprehension of the course content.


Students acquaint themselves with and receive training in the fundamentals of project

management methodology concerning statement of objectives, organisation and planning for

culture-related projects. The status of project management in Iceland will be presented, both

within cultural institutions and in various independent projects. A point is made of having

students apply the content of the course to the reality they themselves have experienced.

Learning outcomes:


Explain the premises of project management, such as objectives, targets and performance

Explain various types of culture-related projects and institutions

Discuss the main principles of project organisation and related problems

Justify the premises of business plans on the basis of objectives and the relationship between the market and the needs of concerned parties

Analyse internal and external project context

Write a business plan

Explain and justify the choice of different approaches in project organisation

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Cultural Economics (Core)


Degree programme: MA in Cultural Management and MA in Cultural Studies


Language: Icelandic

Instructor: Dr. Ágúst Einarsson, professor

Teaching methods: The course is taught through distance learning and involves lectures

uploaded to Námsskjár (the learning management system at Bifröst University), working

weekends, projects and discussions. Instruction takes place over seven weeks via distance

learning and over two working weekends. One individual project and one pair work project are

assigned in the course. Lectures and discussions are held during working weekends.


The course covers economic aspects of culture, supply, demand, price determination,

production, marketing, international business and international trade. The basics of national

accounting, economic growth and the financial system will also be discussed in connection with

culture. Value creation and value within culture will be addressed. Creativity and its economic

value will be discussed, together with creative industries. The cultural industry, cultural

heritage, cultural capital, sustainability, regional development issues, development and diversity

will be examined. Topics of discussion include the music industry, movie industry and cultural

tourism. Students obtain an overview of the basic aspects of cultural economics, with examples

provided from the cultural sector in Iceland as well as abroad.

Learning outcomes:

Knowledge

After the course, students will:

Understand basic principles of economics and cultural economics.

Have improved their understanding of the nature of cultural institutions.

Have deepened and enhanced their knowledge of dimensions of cultural institution management.

Be able to analyse aspects of management and planning in connection with culture.

Be well qualified to manage and run cultural projects/institutions.

Competences


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Be capable of applying theories of cultural economics in a scientific context and in everyday work involving cultural activities.

Be able to work with information relating to the financial environment of cultural institutions.

Have the skills to lead and develop projects in the cultural work environment.

Have the skills to research and analyse scientifically a project within the sphere of cultural economics.

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Contemporary Cultural Studies

Semester: Spring; session II – 6 ECTS




Instructor: Dr. Gauti Sigþórsson, sessional lecturer

Teaching methods: Podcast lectures, working weekends, project work and discussions on the

course webpage.


This course focuses on contemporary cultural studies. Cultural studies research, topics and

methods will be examined, particularly with regard to what has been happening in the field in

recent years. We will also investigate how cultural studies theories can be applied to research

and creativity in other fields, such as business, arts and education, not least in view of the

importance of cultural studies as a platform for research and discussion on cultural policy,

cultural politics and the role of cultural institutions in a public forum.

Learning outcomes:

On completion of the course, students will:

Recognise and be able to distinguish between key concepts in contemporary cultural studies.

Be able to apply critical theory on culture, institutions and the creative sector in research and essay-writing.

Have adopted independent and critical work methods in research and preparation for the Master’s thesis, in particular in defining terms and concepts, collecting data and presenting the findings of their own research.

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Culture, Market and Networking




Language: Icelandic

Instructor: Dr. Haukur F. Hannesson, sessional lecturer

Teaching methods: Lectures, discussions and projects


The course deals with the basics of marketing science and examines culture and education in a

marketing context. The role of networking in cultural management is discussed from a

theoretical and applied perspective.

Learning outcomes: On completion of the course, students will be able to:

Explain the main marketing concepts concerning the interaction of arts and culture with their environment

Apply various methods of artistic promotion

Prepare a marketing plan and explain its main components

Understand the importance of research for cultural institutions’ marketing activities

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Cultural Policy

Semester: Spring; session I – 6 ECTS



Language: Icelandic

Instructor: Dr. Haukur F. Hannesson, sessional lecturer



The course will cover the theoretical basis of policy and policy-making in cultural activities.

Public cultural policy and its origins and application in an Icelandic, Nordic, European and

international context will also form a course topic. Management and operation of arts

institutions will likewise be discussed, with emphasis on an applied approach incorporating

examples.

Learning outcomes:


Understand the basic elements of cultural policy-making

Have an overview of the management side of various arts institutions

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Financial Management for Cultural Management




Language: Instruction takes place in Icelandic

Instructor: Einar Valdimarsson, sessional lecturer



An overview of financial accounting, with an emphasis on both theoretical and legal aspects.

Students will be familiarised with key points of financial reporting, such as what constitutes

income, expenses, assets and liabilities. The role of auditors is explained. Value-added tax (VAT)

and its handling are addressed. The structuring of the financial statement is examined and how

this structure forms a single whole (i.e., the auditors’ signature, balance sheet, statement of

income, cash flow, explanations and report of the board). The role of the financial manager is

examined.

Particular emphasis is put on planning (with students preparing an operating plan and payment

schedule), as well as on how comparison with accounting records takes place. The course also

deals with businesses’ internal control.

Learning outcomes:


Be able to explain the importance of financial statements for business owners and other concerned parties

Understand the structure of financial statements and be able to set up a simple financial statement

Know and be able to explain the basic rules concerning value-added tax

Be able to prepare an operating plan and payment schedule and subsequently to set up a balance sheet

Be able to carry out an independent assessment of a financial statement

Be able to define workplace responsibilities with regard to internal control

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Human Resource Management


Department: Department of Business MS



Instructor: Gylfi Dalmann Aðalsteinsson



The objective is to enable students to acquire the newest and leading theories in the field of

human resource management and for students to gain an understanding of and training in the

use of the principal theories in human resource management. The course deals in depth with

nine keys to human resource management, and human resource management theories are

covered in detail. The objective is for students to understand the importance of human resource

management as a discipline and as an essential component within an organisation. The basic

elements of human resource management will be introduced, and it is important that students

be able to acquire an understanding of their substance in classes and discussion periods, where

they will engage in solving concrete problems.

Learning outcomes:


Know and understand the principal theories of human resource management (HRM).

Have a knowledge of the best practices used in Iceland and abroad in managing personnel

issues.

Be able to identify the benefits and downsides of the main management methods in the

labour market.

Know how to organise and carry out the principal tasks relating to human resource

management.

Know and be able to apply the best methods of human resource management

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Change and Crisis Management





Instructor: Kristinn Hjálmarsson

Teaching methods: Teaching methods are diverse and build on Bifröst University’s tradition of

project-based learning. Lectures and guidance from the instructor are provided directly to

students on campus or by means of audio and video through the University’s learning

management system.


The course objective is to enhance participants’ skills in negotiating change.

Learning outcomes:

After the course, they will be able to participate in developing and shaping change-related work

on the basis of their knowledge of methods and theories. Participants will be able to make an

independent assessment of different methods on which to base change management plans, in

keeping with the objectives of change.

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Service Management





Instructor: Einar Svansson




management system.


The course is a Master’s-level course in service management and is intended as an introduction

to the basic concepts and methods necessary for one to know in order to succeed in managing

and marketing service companies. Service is examined in various contexts, both in Iceland and in

an international forum. The main angles covered are human resources, technology and service

company policy.

Learning outcomes:

Knowledge objectives:

Students will understand and be able to explain the basic concepts of the service

economy and marketing

Students will have knowledge of key theories about consumers and localisation of

service in a competitive market

Students will understand how basic marketing methods can be adapted for service

companies

Students will be familiar with the introduction of successful service policies and with

quality control

Students will be acquainted with the main models on the service company’s interaction

with the customer

Capability objectives:

Be able to explain the main theories and models used in service management and

marketing

Be able to explain how known marketing and management methods are used in service

Be able to analyse and articulate a service policy in a company or institution

Have developed skills in data collection and (promotional) presentation of a subject

matter

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Have acquired an ability for constructive criticism grounded in positive thinking and

professional analysis of several of the main models (systems) and concepts of service

studies

Be able to exchange views on the main theories about service management and

marketing of service

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Creative School Administration




Language: Icelandic

Teachers: Rósa Gunnarsdóttir and Signý Óskarsdóttir



This course deals with the distinctive features of educational institutions as creative

communities and the roles, duties and responsibilities of those leading them in view of this. The

focus is primarily on the leadership role of the institution’s head as a directive and servant

leader. Emphasis is placed on the role of the head of the educational institution in the area of

self-assessment and development and in building up and reinforcing the internal conditions

necessary for the institution to be able to carry out its function.

Learning outcomes:


On completion of the course, participants are expected to have gained an overview of the leadership and management role of the educational institution’s head in creative education;

acquired an understanding of the premises and nature of change work in educational institution

grasped some of the main concepts and definitions concerning creative school administration and internal conditions for creative school administration in schools

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Administrative Law for Managers Semester: Spring; session II – 6 ECTS



Language: Icelandic

Instructor: NN



The course covers the rules of administrative law in Iceland and related fields, with special

emphasis on aspects relating to municipal activities. The general rules of administrative law will

be addressed, including both non-statutory rules and legislative provisions on administrative

procedures. The course will examine how decisions constitute administrative decisions and

what significance it has to distinguish between such decisions and other decisions taken by

managers in their daily work. Examples and judgments providing insight into the application of

rules to real-life situations will be examined. The course will also deal with handling and

processing of information and working methods that managers are required to respect under

freedom of information laws and legislation on personal data protection. The course will address

employees’ rights within municipalities and case law in this area. General supervision of

municipalities’ and ministries’ activities will be examined, and the role of the Parliamentary

Ombudsman will be discussed.

Learning outcomes:


Have gained basic knowledge in the area of administrative law and related fields of law

and applied this knowledge in their own work, both by having gained more confidence in

their decision-making and organisation of work processes where administrative rules

are put to the test and by being able to assess when issues are of a nature that they call

for the expertise of lawyers in the field.

Are familiar with the rules applying to the handling of personal information and general

rules on authorities’ obligation to disclose information.

Have a good overview of the requirements that the rules of public employment law make

of employers in managing personnel administration, in particular with respect to

recruitment and application of administrative decisions.

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Servant Leadership




Language: Icelandic or English

Instructor: Sigrún Gunnarsdóttir and others




management system.


Servant leadership is a growing force within leadership, and many organisations make use of this type of leadership in part or full to succeed. This course reviews several key elements of servant management, stressing how one can harness servant management in order to succeed. Emphasis is placed on examining the latest research in the field. The course is administered by Greenleaf Centre Iceland (Þekkingarsetur um þjónandi forystu). Learning outcomes: On completion of the course, students will:

Be able to explain at length what servant leadership is

Be able to explain servant leadership in comparison to other major theories in leadership studies

Be able to define how we can harness servant leadership to achieve success, whether for ourselves personally or for our workplace

Understand the significance of major studies in the field of servant leadership and how we can make use of this research

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Strategic Management and the Role of Cultural Businesses (Elective)

Semester: Spring; session II – 6 ECTS



Language: Instruction takes place in Icelandic, course materials in English and Icelandic.




Students will become acquainted with the principal theories concerning strategy and

management of cultural institutions and receive training in the application of analytical tools.

The course will deal with the effect of policy on institutions’ organisation, their relations with

the community, politics, communication within institutions and the various manifestations of

institutionalised power. The relationship between theory and reality will also be examined in

terms of the outer limits of institutions, time, strategy, effectiveness, knowledge, dialogue and

conflict. Why are institutions the way they are? How does introduction or adoption take place,

and what are the measures of success? Why are policies so different, and why are they so

similar? Why do we hear so different things when policy is being discussed?

Learning outcomes:


Lead a strategic management process and understand its premises

Explain various premises of strategic management studies and related criticism

Discuss the main features of company organisation and management based on concepts

of power, knowledge, beauty and efficiency

Discuss the main concepts of management studies critically

Display knowledge of complex concepts at important meetings

Analyse the context of institutionalised power as manifested in, among other things,

university learning outcomes

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Special Elective

Semester: All semesters, offered as suitable – 6 ECTS


Prerequisites: General requirements for admission to Master’s studies. Additional requirements

may be made for individual courses.


Instructor: Various



Electives are also offered during the period of study, often in collaboration with other degree

programmes at the Master’s level. Electives are organised as traditional 6-credit courses on

subjects that have some connection with the field of study of cultural management. The objective

of electives is to improve the flexibility of the degree programme so that students can optimally

tailor their studies to their own needs.

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Internships

Semester and length: Students may apply for internships in place of an elective course.

Internships are in all cases unpaid, but students receive 6 ETCS credits for four weeks of full-

time work (160 hours).

In special cases, it is possible to approve an internship that is shorter or longer than the

standard four weeks. However, credits for internship work as part of a 90-credit Master’s degree

may not exceed 12 ETCS credits.

Students also have the option of applying to complete a 120-ECTS MA degree and take the

equivalent of 30 credits in an unpaid internship in addition to the normal 90 credits. A 30-credit

internship corresponds to around 750 working hours, or four months of full-time work.

Degree programme: Students in all Master’s degree programmes may apply for an internship.

Prerequisites: Students must have completed a minimum of 30 credits.

Language: Determined by the business/institution where the internship takes place.

Instructor: A student has one supervisor in the business or institution in question, who

monitors the student’s work and provides guidance.

Teaching methods: An internship provides training in the workplace that centres on the

activities of the institution/business. Guidance is an important part of the student’s professional

training. The supervisor and student meet regularly and assess the work and the progress of

projects.

Content and objectives: The objective of the internship is to offer students on-the-job training under the professional guidance of experienced managers and administrators of businesses and institutions. Assessment: The student keeps a journal with regular entries on the tasks and projects on which

s/he is working, which must be handed in to the teacher responsible for coordinating the

internship, along with a report on the internship. The supervisor at the business/institution

testifies to the student’s diligence and project work at the end of the work period and provides

feedback to the school. A pass/fail grade is given for an internship. Reading materials: As

required by the projects in question.

Learning outcomes: On completing the internship, students will:

Know how to use the appropriate methods for the tasks and projects assigned to them.

Have achieved autonomy in their working methods and be able to set up and follow a project schedule.

Be able to apply their knowledge and skills in the job or projects assigned to them during their internship.

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Thesis Writing

Semester: All semesters – 6 ECTS

Degree programme: Master’s studies, all degree programmes


Language: Lectures in Icelandic, course materials in Icelandic and English

Instructor: Dr. Sigrún Lilja Einarsdóttir

Teaching methods: Audio lectures uploaded to the course webpage, project work and one

working weekend at Bifröst University.


This thesis-writing gateway suits Master’s students who are starting concept work for a 30-

credit Master’s thesis and/or have already made some progress but would like methodological

support in their thesis work. This gateway course is not suitable for students who intend to

complete a 18-credit final project (business plan). Students who have completed a methodology

course and an introductory cultural management course and have made good progress in their

Master’s studies may take this course and may complete a maximum of 12 thesis credits in this

way (Thesis I and Thesis II), whether in the fall semester or spring semester, provided that they

fulfil the requirements for enrolment in this gateway. Students can continue to develop research

concepts from their methodology class or work with new ideas for a Master’s thesis. Students

choose one of four different learning modules, depending on which module suits individual

students best at any given time: Module 1 (Research plan) allows students to formulate a new

topic for a Master’s thesis from the ground up, carry out concept work, examine the theoretical

background and thereby complete a research plan for their project. At this stage, students are

under the tutelage of an instructor, but a decision will be taken later as to whether and when

students will receive guidance from a supervisor. Module 2 (Writing the theory section) suits

students who have formulated their Master’s thesis topic in a methodology course and focuses

on drafting an in-depth theory section, either prior to or after completing the main data

collection phase (depending on research approach). At this stage, students may be obtaining

guidance from a supervisor but receive methodological support from an instructor. Module 3

(Data collection) suits students who have formulated their Master’s thesis topic in a

methodology course and centres on the main data collection phase, following consultation

between the instructor and supervisor. Students obtain guidance from their supervisor but

receive methodological support from an instructor. Module 4 (Data analysis and presentation of

findings) is a stand-alone continuation of Module 3 and concerns data analysis and presentation

of research findings. In this module, students receive assistance in identifying suitable methods

of analysis and the best way of presenting their findings. Students obtain guidance from their

supervisor but receive methodological support from an instructor. The module does not involve

traditional teaching or instruction per se, but the instructor will contribute brief review input as

the need arises, and students can seek assistance from the instructor as needed, particularly as

relates to methodological support. Students attend working weekends, where they listen to

guest lectures, participate in discussion groups and have the opportunity to meet with the

instructor as needed.

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Learning outcomes: The objective of the thesis gateway is to enable students to organise and coordinate their thesis

work better.

In thesis gateway modules, students will:

apply methods and knowledge gained in studies, develop a research topic or continue

work on a topic from a methodology course in consultation with their

instructor/supervisor.

improve their ability to work independently and enhance the overall quality of their

work in writing a Master’s thesis.

gain training in analysis and in putting forward solutions appropriate for the subject

matter.

be capable of dealing with theories and accepted views in an autonomous and critical

manner, organising their own work and completing a predetermined section of the

thesis at the end of the semester.

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MA Thesis (Mandatory)

Semester: MA final project – Final semester in Master’s studies – 30 ECTS


Prerequisites: 30 ECTS


Teaching methods: Independent work with supervisor. Project schedule developed in

consultation with supervisor.


The final project is an academic thesis or other comparable project, which each Master’s student

completes on his/her own and must meet all requirements made of final projects in general at

this stage of higher education. With the final thesis, the Master’s student demonstrates his/her

mastery of methods, work methods and procedures and theories in the study area in question

and submits a work that has independent theoretical or applied value for the field or profession.

The final project is an important part of a Master’s student’s training, and s/he is responsible for

all components of this project.

Learning outcomes:

To be able to apply methods and knowledge gained in studies.

To work under the close supervision of a supervisor.

To gain training in analysis and in putting forward solutions appropriate for the subject matter.

To have the ability to deal with theories and accepted views in an autonomous and critical manner.

Course assessment: Students must have their research plan approved before they may begin work. A final thesis in Master’s studies shall, on completion, shall be defended before the supervisor and two other evaluation committee members, to be appointed by the head of department.

Reading materials: In consultation with the supervisor. Further information on the MA thesis can be found in the Bifröst University Quality Manual, appendix 230a (EF 230a).

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Intended learning outcomes

Intended learning outcomes for the study programme are set forth as per Iceland’s National

Qualification Framework for Higher Education and Degrees, issued in 2011 by the Ministry of

Education, Science and Culture, pursuant to Act No. 63/2006.

On completing their studies, degree holders should meet the following standards, as per the

educational performance attested to in the diploma and diploma supplement.

Knowledge

On graduating, degree holders possess knowledge of the main concerns of cultural management

and the methods and theories characterising the discipline.

This entails that the degree holder:

Has knowledge of the nature of cultural institutions and their interplay with politics and the economy.

Is familiar with the main theories in the field of cultural studies and the history of ideas and can place the latest knowledge into context in scientific cultural management fields.

Have deepened and enhanced his/her knowledge of factors in the management of cultural institutions; their social, tax and legal environment; and their cultural policy.

Is familiar with the main research methods in the field of the humanities and social sciences.

Skills

Graduates of the programme can apply the methods and work methods and procedures of the

social sciences and humanities in analysis and data collection in the relevant specialised fields

pertaining to cultural management.


Has acquired a knowledge of the main theories in the field of cultural studies and the history of ideas and is able to apply them in analysis in a scientific context as well as in day-to-day work relating to cultural activities.

Understands and can work with information concerning the financial and legal environment of cultural institutions.

Can present ideas and impart them in a clear manner.

Can use his/her knowledge in the field of cultural management to tackle complex subjects within the cultural sector.

Can obtain information, assess data quality and work with complex information in the scientific fields relating to cultural management.

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Can apply research methods in the humanities and social sciences and carry out smaller research projects in the field of cultural management.

Understands research and research findings within the main fields of study pertaining to cultural management.

Competences

Those who complete a degree in Cultural Management are capable of applying their knowledge

to different scenarios and circumstances. They possess the technical and professional knowledge

to continue their studies at a doctoral level and to undertake diverse projects in their working

life.


Has a good grounding in cultural studies, which will be of use in continuing studies and in work requiring professional knowledge in the field of cultural affairs.

Has the ability to manage cultural projects and supervise the activities of cultural institutions.

Can take independent, professional decisions and support them with arguments.

Can bring him- or herself up to date on and explain complex tasks and problems in the field of cultural management for teams of specialists and for the general public.

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