History
Bifröst University was founded in Reykjavík Iceland in 1918 on the model of Ruskin College, Oxford, under the name Samvinnuskólinn or the Cooperative College. From the start its role was to educate leaders for business and society at large.
Education
Bifröst offers undergraduate and graduate programmes in two academic departments: Business and Social Science and Law. In addition to degree programmes, there is a one-year foundation programme for students lacking full university entrance qualifications, as well as various life-long learning programmes.
Research
Bifröst University is an active member of the Icelandic and international research communities and prides itself for recruiting faculty with broad research profiles in the social sciences.
Bifröst University hosts many independent research centers, for example Centre for European Studies, Centre for Retail Studies and Research Centre of Cultural Management. Bifröst University has lead many research projects funded by the Icelandic Research Council in addition to projects funded by the EC Research Framework program. Bifröst University has also participated in many academic networks of the COST and ERASMUS programs, as well as the Northern Periphery program.
Short Courses
Housing services
The Housing Division manages rental housing on the Bifröst campus. Among its responsibilities are allocation of student housing, rental contracts, property maintenance, cleaning and campus security. The staff of the Maintenance Division is responsible for maintenance of rental apartments.
Library services
The library holds both Icelandic books and publications in other languages (mainly English). It has around 18,000 volumes in all, with primary emphasis on material in the subject areas taught at Bifröst University: business, law and the social sciences.
ICT services
- Off-campus database access (VPN) - The network administrator will provide authorisation on the network server and send instructions on how to set up a virtual private network (VPN) connection with the University of Bifröst.
- Wireless network access at Bifröst University
Medical services
Bifröst University provides equal opportunities for study, regardless of students’ gender, age, finances, disability or residence. We recognise the importance of providing accommodations for students whose disabilities challenge them significantly in their studies.
Campus life
Bifröst makes great demands on its students and they in turn expect the best from the school. We know that students' success in their studies is related to the quality of their accommodations, and therefore we pride ourselves in offering the best possible environment for student life at our campus.
South of campus, a gravel road leads west towards the old farm of Hreðavatn, which has been the home of the west Iceland forestry station since 1985. In the lake, also called Hreðavatn, are both trout and arctic char. It is possible to buy a fishing permit for the lake. The road passes the old farm and turns south towards the forestry area at Jafnaskarðsskógur. This is an ideal walking area for campus residents.
Sports facilities
Bifröst residents shouldn’t worry about getting out of shape. Attached to the main school building is a fitness center and weight room equipped for working out. It is an ideal stop in the midst of a hectic day, and afterwards a nice stretch in the hot tubs or sauna can provide some needed relaxation.
Many trails for hiking and bicycling are found around the campus. The environment, being varied, offers many possibilities. It is possible to hike through the lavafield, stroll along the river Norðurá, explore the forest at Jafnaskarð, or to climb upon the volcanic crater Grábrók.
A small soccer field is located next to the campus.