University Centre of the Westfjords

Study coastal challenges where

they actually happen


 Learn directly with local communities and industries.


Two English-taught master's programs · 120 ECTS · Ísafjörður, Iceland

Our master's programs:

Why study at UW?

Life in a vibrant coastal community fosters lifelong connections. With personalized attention from instructors and meaningful peer interactions, UW's small student group provides a strong sense of belonging. Nestled in the scenic town of Ísafjörður, surrounded by mountains and the ocean, students can enjoy outdoor adventures like kayaking, skiing, hiking, and surfing after class. 


Our master's programs:

Coastal Marine Management (120 ECTS)

120 ECTS - MRM degree

Want to help shape how we use, manage, and protect our oceans?

  • Area of focus

    Coastal protection • Marine spatial planning • Biodiversity conservation • Protected areas management • Sustainable fisheries & aquaculture • Marine pollution • Tourism • The Arctic

  • Core disciplines

    Ecology · Oceanography · Natural Resource Management · Economics · Environmental Management

  • Career paths

    Government · NGOs · Research · Industry & Consulting · Entrepreneurship · Academia

Coastal Communities & Regional Development

120 ECTS - MA degree

Want to be a part of developing the sustainable coastal communities of the future?

  • Areas of focus

    Economic Transitions · Renewable Energy · Stakeholder Conflicts · Sustainability · Innovation · Socio-economic Development

  • Core disciplines

    Human Geography · Sociology · Economics · Planning · Sustainable Development · Resilience

  • Career paths

    Policy · Regional Development · Sustainable Industries · Renewable Energy · Tourism · Fisheries · Research & Academia

Stay tuned!
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Days
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Until our application portal opens december 1st

Stay tuned

:
:
:
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Until our application portal opens december 1st


Always wanted to live by the ocean?

UW's newly built student housing


Modern student housing  in central Ísafjörður with 40 studio aparments in two buildings.  Only minutes away from UW.


Take a look inside:

Newly built
UW's student housing was built in 2023. There are 40 studio apartments in two buildings, which are situated right by the ocean offering stunning views.


Close to UW

Just a 10-minute walk from UW, it's the perfect place to make lifelong friends and experience student life the fun way.

Visit our official website for more information

Contact us for more info

Contact Us for more info

Interested in studying at UW?

Find out more about programmes, admissions, student life, and living in the Westfjords on our official website

Our socials:

Hear from our alumni:

  • Alum in the Coastal Communites and Regional Development master's program

    Ísafjörður is a wonderful and tightly knit community. I feel very lucky to study and live in such a unique place, close to nature and gorgeous views. Studying at UW was a great opportunity to broaden my horizons academically and to engage in enriching discussions and projects. The hands-on approach, filled with field trips and direct interaction with the study topics, is definitely refreshing and captivating. Being able to kayak in the fjord and meet some seals between classes is also a very nice bonus!


    - Laurent Trottier

  • Alum in the Coastal Marine Management master's program

    Studying coastal and marine management in Isafjordur has been an incredible experience. It is amazing to be part of a small university where every experience is very personal. There are countless opportunities offered and different needs catered for through the broad syllabus. I have met many inspirational people since moving here and have enjoyed the remoteness and beauty of the fjord. I would recommend the experience to anyone that is considering applying to UW.


    - Orla Mallon

Curious about student life in the Westfjords?

Follow our socials:

Laurent Trottier

Alum in the Coastal Communites and Regional Development master's program

Ísafjörður is a wonderful and tightly knit community. I feel very lucky to study and live in such a unique place, close to nature and gorgeous views. Studying at UW was a great opportunity to broaden my horizons academically and to engage in enriching discussions and projects. The hands-on approach, filled with field trips and direct interaction with the study topics, is definitely refreshing and captivating. Being able to kayak in the fjord and meet some seals between classes is also a very nice bonus!

Orla Mallon

Alum in the Coastal Marine Management
master's program

Studying coastal and marine management in Isafjordur has been an incredible experience. It is amazing to be part of a small university where every experience is very personal. There are countless opportunities offered and different needs catered for through the broad syllabus. I have met many inspirational people since moving here and have enjoyed the remoteness and beauty of the fjord. I would recommend the experience to anyone that is considering applying to UW.