INDA - Interactive Design and Art is an undergraduate programme open to students from diverse backgrounds who wish to engage creatively through technology and interactive media. Students use programming as an artistic medium and develop interactive works, narratives, and experiences in which digital and physical elements are interwoven. Through the programme, they aquire literacy and technical skills across diverse media, such as virtual reality, artificial intellgience, robotics, and games – using methods that support experimentation, initiative, and creative problem solving.
Information is provided in Icelandic for study programs that have Icelandic as the primary language of construction.
The programme uniquely combines programming, creativity, and interactivity, training students to develop their own modes of expression. INDA - Interactive Design and Art emphasizes curiosity, playfulness, experimentation, and independent working methods in both thinking and practice. Students gain technical skills and a conceptual foundation that enable them to work across a broad field, ranging from digital media and new forms in contemporary art and game design
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
INDA - Interactive Design and Art is an undergraduate programme open to students from diverse backgrounds who wish to engage creatively through technology and interactive media. Students use programming as an artistic medium and develop interactive works, narratives, and experiences in which digital and physical elements are interwoven. Through the programme, they aquire literacy and technical skills across diverse media, such as virtual reality, artificial intellgience, robotics, and games – using methods that support experimentation, initiative, and creative problem solving.
INDA - Interactive Design and Art emphasizes project-based knowledge creation through collaboration and engagement with context and environment. By connecting art, design, science, and society, students develop their own methods and modes of expression
Students engage with ethical and social issues in digital environments and examine how technology shapes culture, experience, and communication. Teaching is based on hands-on experimentation and collaborative projects across disciplines. Students develop ideas through iterative processes involving prototyping, refinement, and analysis of functionality and user experience.
At the same time, emphasis is placed on critical thinking, collaboration, and clear communication, as well as training in project management, entrepreneurship, and research.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The three-year programme (180 ECTS credits) consists of theoretical courses, technical training, and practical workshops. It is founded on an interdisciplinary approach where collaboration across art, science, and technology creates a rich learning environment. Teaching takes place through lectures, workshops, and shared studio spaces at both the Iceland University of the Arts and Reykjavík University.
The programme is student-centred and provides flexibility for individuals to develop their own focus areas. The role of teachers is to guide students through creative processes, technical tools, and critical thinking that support independent inquiry. Emphasis is placed on dialogue, collaboration, and contextual analysis of work. Assessment consists of written evaluations and grading.
First year - Foundations
The first year focuses on building fundamental knowledge and skills. Students are introduced to creative methodologies, programming, various technologies, and tools for interactive media. They also learn the basics of design processes, research, and methodologies. Students work in teams on structured exercises and projects within compulsory practical courses. Assignments increase complexity over time. Teaching takes place in the shared studio environment, where students attend courses, experiments, and build a learning community through collaboration.
Second Year – Specialisation Through Collaboration
In the second year, students begin to specialise and explore in greater depth the methods and possibilities of digital, technology-driven, and interactive creation. Students may take elective courses at Reykjavík University and the Iceland University of the Arts according to their interests and academic focus. They work independently and in groups, including on a collaborative project presented at the end of the semester. Opportunities for exchange studies and internships are also available.
Third Year – Advanced Specialisation and Future Vision
During the third year, students primarily focus on their chosen specialisation, integrating projects and electives while developing their final project. They also collaborate on a joint group project. Students may complete their final project in collaboration with companies or institutions within the field.
AFTER GRADUATION
Graduates will have acquired the skills to work independently and in teams on a wide range of projects in creative computing, interactive media, and innovation.
The programme provides a strong foundation for further specialisation and prepares students well for master’s-level studies in creative fields, design, and technology.
Application and admission process
Applications are submitted electronically through the application portal.
- Note: All required fields must be completed, requested documents uploaded, the application fee paid, and the application confirmed.
- Certified copies of diplomas (photocopies are not accepted), stamped by the issuing institution, along with a scanned academic transcript, must be uploaded.
- A digital portfolio must be submitted no later than 5th of june 2026.
- If supporting documents are incomplete, applicants will be notified by email and given an opportunity to amend their application.
- Applicants will receive confirmation once the electronic application is valid.
- Selected applicants will be invited to an interview by the admissions committee.
- Below are special instructions for certain aspects of the application:
Required 1. Portfolio
Please return to electronic folder/portfolio.
If you are applying for more study programs or departments, you must submit an application and a folder for each study path/department.
Portfolio submission deadline:
The deadline for submission of a physical or electronic folder is June 5, 2026.
We ask you to read carefully the instructions below regarding folder labeling:
Folder tagging:
An electronic folder must be saved with its full name and social security number.
Folder contents:
- Applicants must collect samples of their projects in a folder in electronic form.
- The works should reflect the student's personal vision, shed light on his main topics of interest, and from them it should be possible to read what skills he has for original creation and presentation of his ideas.
- It is not necessary that all the works be completed or implemented to the fullest It is, on the contrary, it is also important to deliver any design process and ideas in documents, in drawings, with pictures or in text All the displayed works/projects are to be the author's work of the applicant If a work has been done in group work or collaboration it is necessary to note that efforts should be made to deliver projects that demonstrate the technical capabilities and knowledge of the applicant, which may be relevant, such as programming solutions, interactive samples (demo), or game-mod.
- It is extremely important that a text document is included in the submitted folder, which must be called “Tofnarlit”. In the text, the documents contained in the electronic folder must be explained, individually with a concise description. The documents must have a name that is referred to in an orderly manner in the document.
- Applicants themselves assess what fits within the folder, but it is important that it reflects their ability, skills and vision of the profession through creative work.
- If the content in the folder is links or references to paths outside the folder, that content must be submitted in the text document Contents. If you refer to content outside the folder, such as links or references to other documents, but do not specify in more detail what is being discussed and how it relates to the applicant's work, it is not guaranteed that it will be viewed and evaluated.
Required 2. Cover letter
Applicants explain the reason for the application in the relevant study path. The cover letter should be a maximum of one page.
Required 3. The admission process
An admissions committee is appointed for each study path that evaluates applications and selects from among the applicants. The committee is made up of the professional director of the relevant study path together with one to two experts in the relevant field.
The admission process is as follows:
Applications are evaluated by the admissions committee Applicants who pass the admissions committee's assessment make it to the sample group and are invited for an interview.
Applicants meet with the admissions committee in an interview where their interest in prospective studies, their attitude and attitude towards the profession is explored Applicants can request an electronic interview if they are unable to attend in person.
Special Projects:
The admissions committee is authorized to request a special project from the applicant.
Application results:
All applicants will be sent an electronic response to applications in May/June. The results of the admissions committees are final and it is not obligatory to give a more detailed explanation of the refusal to stay at school.
Applicants offered school accommodation must pay a registration fee to confirm the school accommodation. See information about registration fee.
Starting in autumn 2026, tuition fees will be imposed on applicants from countries outside the EEA, the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Switzerland. More information about school fees.
4. Admission requirements
General admission requirements are matriculation, final exam from secondary school at the third qualification level,
equivalent exam from a foreign secondary school or a minimum of 60 ECTS credits from
accredited college Applications must be accompanied by certified copies of diplomas and certified copies
from the study history summary.
Admission to the school may be granted to applicants with knowledge and experience
which is considered adequate preparation for bachelor's degree studies at the school See more „exemptions for admission“
Admission committees evaluate applications based on submitted data as well as interviews and/or entrance exams
the fields that apply. The dean appoints an admissions committee for each study path in consultation with
professional managers and admissions committees work according to the procedures presented to applicants.
Required 5. Exemptions due to admission
Admission to the school may be granted to applicants with knowledge and experience
which is considered adequate preparation for bachelor's studies at the school.
Applicants who do not meet the general admission requirements can apply for an exemption if they have
completed, for example, numerous credits at secondary school level, completed other final exams such as on 4.
qualification level or have other preparation that can prepare the person for studies on
university level in the relevant study path. Applications for exemption from general
admission requirements are assessed by professionals within the relevant department The result of the assessment of
exemption applications are final. When evaluating applications, synergistic factors are considered
regarding grades in studies at secondary school level, education in arts, further education,
work experience and participation in social work Each case is examined separately and can interact
these factors affected the outcome Applicants are encouraged to account for all of it
which they believe may be subject to their application for exemption from general admission requirements
progress.
Admission committees evaluate applications based on submitted data as well as interviews and/or entrance exams
the fields that apply. The dean appoints an admissions committee for each study path in consultation with
professional managers and admissions committees work according to the procedures presented to applicants.
Methods, values and guiding principles of INDA - Interactive Design and Art
INDA/Students
Individuals with a passion for art and technology develop new modes of communication for storytelling and experience. Programmers use code as an artistic medium; game designers create interactive narratives; artists and thinkers engage in transformation across disciplines—where technology plays a central role.
INDA/Teaching
Computer science and artistic creation are integrated to produce interactive experiences.
Courses emphasize the use of digital technologies and diverse tools to develop and communicate creative works that can drive transformation and progress.
INDA / The Programme
A joint programme of Reykjavík University and the Iceland University of the Arts, fostering new thinking and expressive possibilities through a unique interdisciplinary collaboration that prepares students to become leaders in creative and artistic collaboration within rapidly evolving technological and artistic environments.
INDA / Values
Awareness of the social, ethical, and philosophical impacts of technology and digitization.
Care, professionalism, and responsibility guide students in applying their knowledge and tools with integrity and consideration in both study and professional practice.
INDA/Experience
The culture in INDA is characterized by playfulness, freedom, mutual respect, and a strong sense of peer community.
The shared studio serves as a learning and working space where students exchange knowledge, collaborate on projects, and host gatherings, exhibitions, and presentations. Students gain access to diverse equipment and methodologies for interactive and digital creation.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
PLAYFULNESS is a mindset within radical creative processes. It enhances curiosity, engagement, and focus, fostering freedom, courage, and teamwork. Playfulness encourages critical perspectives on conventional systems and supports unconventional approaches and experimentation.
CARE underpins ethical values and culture. The methodology of INDA is rooted in responsibility, ethical awareness, and sensitivity to moral issues in a broad societal context.
COLLABORATION is based on peer-level cooperation in both study and professional practice. Teamwork enables new ways of communicating ideas through interactive methods and experiences
COLLABORATION is based on peer-level cooperation in both study and professional practice. Teamwork enables new ways of communicating ideas through interactive methods and experiences
Key deadlines
- 24 February 2026 Application website opens
- 5 June 2026 Final deadline for applications
- Summer 2026 Answers sent to applicants