From failed beginnings to meteoric rise: A century of psychology at the University of Iceland, 1911–2011

Abstract

The University of Iceland was established in 1911 and has offered – through a somewhat checkered history – courses in psychology ever since. Psychology was from the outset an important part of an introductory course for the examen philosophicum required of all first-year students. In 1918–1924 a first, but ultimately failed, attempt was made to establish psychology as an independent discipline at the University. Almost half a century later, in 1971, psychology was reintroduced as an independent subject, taught at the bachelor level. This program has enjoyed phenomenal growth over the past decades. In 1999 a two-year postgraduate course for the candidatus psychologiae degree was launched. This has led to a change in the educational background of practicing psychologists in Iceland. Currently, a doctoral program in psychology is being developed along with other specialized programs at the master's level. A major challenge for the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Iceland is to provide Icelandic psychologists with diverse educational opportunities at a high scholarly level.