Here below you can find all master courses the University Centre offers. All courses are taught in 1-3 week modules running from August through June. See how the courses are organised in the teaching schedule for both programs. Usually 2-3 courses are taught at the same time, but students may only enroll in one course at a time.
The master courses are available to you whether you plan to pursue a degree or just take a course or courses. Please review the options for guest studies to determine how you can apply.
For further information, contact the Administrative Director of Education and Teaching.
Community and the Built Environment
- Summer 2025
- Instructor: Kjartan Bollason
About the course
This course explores the relationship between human perception of landscapes and seascapes in connection with the built environment and the critical role of planning. It is rooted in the fundamental notion that the built environment, much like nature, profoundly influences individuals' well-being, sense of belonging, and their choice of where to reside. In this course, students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, evaluate, and understand the planning processes, tools, and outcomes that pave the way for more sustainable and resilient communities. By critically examining planning theory and practice, students will be equipped to address contemporary and future challenges in planning and development. This course will enable students to understand the complexities of planning through the exploration of place creation and management in diverse economic, environmental, historical, and social contexts. Additionally, the course covers innovative design strategies and construction practices that promote resource efficiency, waste reduction, and renewable energy integration, all while considering the lifecycle impacts of built structures. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to address the challenges of creating a better quality of life in a sustainable environment, whether at the local, regional, or national level.
Instructor
has a masters' degree in environmental science and teach tourism and environment at the tourism department in Hólar University in the north of Iceland. His research interest include the built environment, planning and environmental management, outdoor experience design, nature interpretation. Kjartan is a trained tour guide and has worked mostly as an outdoor and mountain guide.
Learning outcome
On completion of the course a student:
- can understand and connect wellbeing and sense of place to the built environment.
- has the ability to distinguish perceptions of cultural landscape and its changes in place and time.
- can explain the role of planning and planning authorities.
- has the ability to suggest changes, orally and in written form, in the built environment on a scientific basis.
- can evaluate planning processes, tools, and outcomes to understand their role in creating more sustainable and resilient communities within the built environment.
- can explain planning theory and practice, and critically analyze their application to address contemporary and future challenges in planning and development.
- can evaluate innovative design strategies and construction practices.
Prerequisites: No prerequisites registered for the course
Assessment: 50% individual written assignment and 50% group assignment
Final Exam: Assignment