Inda - interactive art and design

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INDA - interactive art and design is a joint study path of the Iceland Academy of the Arts and the University of Reykjavík where computer science and artistic creation are intertwined Students work with creative programming and interactivity both in digital worlds and in real spaces and objects, where they develop new ways of storytelling and experience The program is suitable for those who want to use code and experiments to participate in diverse projects in the arts and technology.

  • Open for applications

    24 February 2026

  • Application deadline

    5 June 2026

  • Applications answered

    Summer 2026

  • Registration fee

    See more

  • Name of study path

    INDA - Interactive Art and Design

  • Degree name

    B.A.

  • Units

    180 ECTS

  • Duration of study

    6 semesters - 3 years

Information is provided in Icelandic for study programs that have Icelandic as the primary language of construction.

The program combines programming, creativity and interactivity in a unique way where diverse means of expression are trained. INDA - gagnvirk art and design emphasizes playfulness, experimentation, independent work practices in thinking and practice In the program, students acquire technical skills and an ideological foundation to work in a broad field, from digital communication and new forms in contemporary art, to gaming and filmmaking.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

INDA - gapplied art and design is an undergraduate for people with different backgrounds who wants vinside creative with technology and interactive mediation. Students use programming as an artistic medium and develop interactive works, narratives and experiences where digital and object-oriented elements intertwine In the program dedicate they sees literacy and technical skills on a wide range of media; such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, robots and games.Emphasis is placed on experiments, initiative and creative solution search.  

By connecting arts, design, science, and society, students develop diverse approaches in interactive creation They work with ethical and societal issues in a digital environment and analyze how technology shapes culture, experience, and communication.

Teaching is done through practical experiments and collaborative projects across disciplines Students work ideas through experimentation, testing and creative development Along with practical training, critical thinking, initiative and collaboration are emphasized in teams of artists, designers, academics and technical experts In addition, students gain training in artistic management and entrepreneurship.

Graduates bridge the gap between artistic and technical teams Creative designers and artists who can write code, develop ideas and shape the future of interactive media.

Study structure

The three-year program is 180 credits and consists of academic courses, technical training and practical workshops It is based on a multidisciplinary approach in which the collaboration of arts, sciences and technical subjects creates a diverse learning environment Teaching takes place in lectures, in workshops and in a shared workspace of students, both in the premises of the University of the Arts and the University of Reykjavík.

The program is student-centered and gives each one room to develop their own focus The role of teachers is to guide on creative processes, technical tools and critical thinking that support the student's search for knowledge Emphasis is placed on conversation, collaboration and analysis of works in context Assessment is written reviews and grading.

First year - basics

In the first year, the focus is on building basic knowledge and skills Students get to know creative methods, programming, various kinds of techniques and tools for interactive communication They also get to know basic work in design processes, research and methods Students work together in teams for specified exercises and projects in practical compulsory courses Practical courses are based on a series of projects and exercises that become more challenging as time goes on The course takes place in a home studio and students attend various courses there, experiment and work to build a community through collaboration.

Second year - Specialization through cooperation

In the second year, specialization will be greater and students will delve deeper into the methods and possibilities of digital, technology-supported and interactive creativity Students can also attend elective courses in HR and LHÍ depending on their field of interest and focus in learning Students work independently and in groups as well as on a joint work shown at the end of the second year Students can also apply for exchange programs and internships.

Third year - Specialization and vision

For most of the third academic year, students focus on their field of expertise, integrating projects and electives, and developing their own final projects Students also work together on a joint work Students are given the opportunity to do their final project in collaboration with companies and organizations in the industry.

After completing his studies

After completing their studies, students have acquired the skills to work independently and in teams on diverse projects in the field of art computing, interactive communication and innovation.

The program provides a solid foundation for continued specialization and prepares students well for graduate studies at the master's level within creative disciplines, design and technology.

Application and admission process

An electronic application is filled out in the application portal.

  • Note: all star-marked fields must be filled in and the requested documents attached, the application fee must be paid and the application confirmed.
  • A certified copy of the diploma (photograph does not apply) with a stamp from the relevant school and a scanned study history summary and attached to an electronic application.
  • An electronic folder/portfolio must be submitted, by June 5, 2026 at the latest
  • If supporting documents are not in order, the applicant will receive a mail and the possibility to correct the application.
  • The applicant receives confirmation that the electronic application is valid.
  • The admissions committee invites selected candidates for an interview
  • Below are special instructions for certain aspects of the application:

Open for applications

24 February 2026

Application deadline

5 June 2026

Applications answered

Summer 2026

Price list

See more

Special instructions for the design department

  • 1st Folder/portfolio

    Duty

    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.

    Folder 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.
  • 2. Cover letter

    Duty

    Applicants explain the reason for the application in the relevant study path. The cover letter should be a maximum of one page.

  • 3. The admission process

    Duty

    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.

  • 5. Exemptions due to admission

    Duty

    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 GUIDELINES OF INDA

INDA/Students

Individuals with a passion for the arts and technology develop new means of communication for storytelling and experience Programmers use code as an artistic medium; game designers create interactive narratives; artists and thinkers deal with transformation in all areas, and here technology comes in.

INDA/Teaching

Computer science and artistic creation intertwined for the benefit of interactive experiences.

A course where the emphasis is on using digital technology and various tools to develop and share creations that can be the power of transformation and progress.

The INDA/Study

The joint study path of the University of Reykjavík and the Iceland Academy of the Arts. A unique collaboration that stimulates new thinking and expression possibilities in a diverse context that prepares students to become leaders in artistic, creative cooperation in an ever-changing environment of technology and art.

INDA/value

Awareness of the social, ethical and philosophical implications of technology and computerization.

Care and professional work practices are students' guiding principles and they use their knowledge and tools in a responsible, honest and caring way, in their studies and work.

INDA/Experience

Culturein í INDA - gapplied art and design characterized by playfulness, freedom, mutual respect and a sense of peer.

The home room is a student study and work space. There they share knowledge, work together on projects and use the space for various purposes such as holding gatherings, exhibitions and presentations Students have the opportunity to get to know a variety of equipment and methods to communicate, build and develop in an interactive and digital way.

GUIDANCE

In the program is PLAYFUL JOY attitude in a radical creative process Playfulness is an increasingly important aspect of work and research It simultaneously increases curiosity, interest and concentration in learning, promotes liberalization, courage and teamwork Playfulness results in a radical mindset, a critical view of traditional systems, and promotes an unconventional approach and experiments that stimulate artistic methods.

CARE as regards moral values and culture. Methodology the study in INDA based on care Projects are done with responsibility and are characterized by a clear understanding of ethical values and issues in a broad context.

COLLABORATION on a peer basis, in learning and work Good collaboration creates opportunities to spot new ways of communicating thoughts and ideas Teamwork is pervasive in the learning, where tasks and subjects are dealt with through interactive methods and experiences.

AGILITY strengthens the guts of practitioners to take unconventional paths In the future, computers and other technologies will be an integral part of all areas of society IndA's enrolled students will bridge the gap between technology and art, have the boldness and ability to cross boundaries between different disciplines and become leaders in their field.