Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions which pertain to the BSc programme at the School of Business.
When do students take exams?
Students should assume that exams may take place outside timetable hours. Full-time students and part-time students take the same final exams and during the exam period, part-time students need to show up at day-school hours. To maximise the amount of time available for direct teaching, it is also possible that individual mid-term exams will take place outside timetable hours. In these instances, students are notified of the arrangement as soon as possible.
Are first-year students admitted in the spring semester?
An application deadline is not announced for the spring semester, and students are usually not admitted in the spring semester. Still, occasional exemptions may occur if room becomes available. The students with the most likelyhood of being admitted in the spring semester are students newly graduated from upper secondary school who have done very well in their previous studies, as well as students who have been pursuing university studies at other schools.
Do students need to own laptops?
It is not necessary to own a laptop to pursue studies at the School of Business. Instructors make much use of the Internet in their communication with students, and therefore it is vital that students have online access. RU has computers available for students to use as they need.
What language is used in lectures?
Teaching is mostly conducted in Icelandic and students must be skilled at communicating in that language both verbally and in writing. In most cases, though, books and other reading material is in English along with even assignments and exams. Some courses are taught entirely in English. These are mostly courses taught in the latter part of students' studies (2nd and 3rd year). For the preceding reasons, all students need to have sound abilities in both Icelandic and English.
Is attendance mandatory?
Students are expected to attend all classes, as class participation is an important factor in making studies effective and enjoyable. In some courses, a participation grade is given which factors into students' final grade. In these cases, it is therefore very important that students show up for classes.
What are the admission requirements?
Applicants need to have completed a matriculation examination or a comparable education. In evaluating applications, the factors looked at are: grades on matriculation examination (especially in Icelandic and mathematics), further education, work experience, management experience, and participation in extracurricular activities. Applicants are therefore encouraged to include everything they feel may help their application. In particular, it is important that applicants state the reasons for their interest in the programme and what their future plans are. Official transcripts of upper secondary school diplomas shall accompany applications.
Is it possible to participate in the programme alongside work?
The School of Business offers a special arrangement for people with work experience who wish to pursue a university education alongside their professional career. This arrangement is the RU part-time programme. It is important that students in the programme ensure that they have the flexibility at work to, for example, show up for exams scheduled outside timetable hours.
What are the specifics of the part-time programme?
The part-time programme is intended for people with work experience who wish to pursue a university education in business alongside their career. Students can choose either a BSc programme (180 ECTS) or a Diploma programme (90 ECTS). Credits acquired in the Diploma programme fully count in the BSc programme should students choose to continue their studies and acquire a BSc degree. Teaching in the part-time programme is conducted for three days each week in late afternoon, 16:35-19:00.
Following six semesters of studies, students in the part-time programme can transfer over to the full-time programme to finish their last year of studies. In this way, they have a wider range of electives to choose from as the supply of electives in the part-time programme is limited.
Is the part-time programme comparable to the full-time programme?
Students pursuing BSc studies in the part-time programme graduate with the same degree as students in the full-time programme. The same demands are made of part-time students as of full-time students. Students in the part-time programme do attend fewer classes on average, but the curriculum is fully comparable. Fewer problem-solving classes are offered in the part-time programme. The part-time programme offers a 90 ECTS Diploma which in scope is not comparable to the BSc programme. Credits acquired in the Diploma programme fully count in the BSc programme should students choose to continue their studies and acquire a BSc degree.
Can students continue their studies in the BSc programme after completing the Diploma programme?
Students who complete the Diploma programme can continue their studies and graduate with a BSc degree. All courses completed in the Diploma programme are valid in the BSc programme.
How long does it take to graduate with a BSc degree in the part-time programme?
Students in the part-time programme generally pursue studies for three semesters each year: a fall semester, spring semester, and summer semester. The summer semester spans the months of May, June, and August. Students' summer vacation is in July. According to general organisation of studies, students in the part-time programme complete 54 ECTS per year (18 ECTS per semester) which enables them to complete a BSc degree in three and a half years. Students in the full-time programme generally complete the degree in three years.
What is the amount of tuition fees?
Tuition fees for undergraduate studies in the school year 2010-2011 are 154.000 ISK per semester. By charging these fees, RU can provide students with exceptional facilities and increase the quality of its teaching and services. Tuition fees are based on cash payment and shall have been paid in full at the beginning of each semester. Students who do not pay their tuition fees on the due date can expect to have forfeited their right to begin studies or to continue studies at RU.
Does the School of Business offer distance studies?
The School of Business does not offer a distance studies programme. An emphasis is placed on students participating and being active in classes, a factor which makes attendance very important.
What if I don't have a matriculation examination?
The Department of Preliminary Studies at RU is intended for people who have a secondary education other than a matriculation examination, and people who have experience from the business community. The Department has the aim of preparing those individuals for university studies. Studies at the Department of Preliminary Studies take up to four semesters to complete, and students at the Department are eligible for loans from the Loan Fund of Icelandic Students. Experience shows that studying at the Department is an effective way of preparing for studies in business administration. Every year, only a few exemptions are made concerning the requirement for a matriculation examination, and those exemptions are only granted to outstanding applicants. We recommend that those interested in business studies who do not have a matriculation examination take steps to prepare themselves especially in the fields of mathematics, Icelandic, and English.
What requirements are made concerning English skills?
Teaching in the first two years is mainly conducted in Icelandic, though a few courses may be taught in English. In the 3rd year, students need to take electives which are generally taught in English. Most textbooks are written in English, and other teaching material may also be in English, for example, slides, assignments, and exams. Students therefore need to be proficient in the language before they begin studies at the School of Business.
