The programme in English Studies at the University of Iceland provides an academic overview of English linguistics and literature, English-speaking cultures and English as an international language. The programme is designed for students who are already proficient in spoken and written English.

Is the program for you??

• Do you want to speak excellent English?

• Do you enjoy English-language literature and culture?

• Are you good at written and spoken English?

• Do you want a diverse selection of courses that suit your interests?

• Do you want to open up future opportunities in challenging careers?

What is the study about?

The programme in English Studies at the University of Iceland provides an academic overview of English linguistics and literature, English-speaking cultures and English as an international language. The programme is designed for students who are already proficient in spoken and written English.

English Studies can also be taken as a 120 ECTS major alongside a 60 ECTS minor in another subject. A minor can be taken entirely online without attending on-site classes.

Course topics include:

• The linguistic system - sounds and words

• British cultural history and literature

• The history of the English language, English literature and writing skills

• Literary studies and linguistics

• Multiculturalism, bilingualism and language teaching

• English teaching and creative writing

• Hollywood, Vikings and Romanticism

Teaching methods and programme structure

The programme is taught through lectures, seminars, individual tutorials and independent study, depending on the course and the learning material.

Teaching is as flexible as possible and learning material is varied and diverse.

The first year of the BA can be taken entirely through distance teaching. Recordings of lectures, lecture slides and various other digital files are available online. Students can access this material at any time.

Face-to-face teaching takes place in all the largest buildings on the University campus, depending on the size of the class.

Please contact the Faculty of Languages and Cultures for more information about the programme or the International Division for more information about exchange studies.

The practical value of English

English is the international language of business, science, education and culture.

In our globally connected modern society, there are few jobs that do not require good English proficiency. English is important for careers in the media, IT and online companies, international business, tourism, office and administrative work, teaching, translation and more.

English is the key that unlocks career opportunities and graduate studies, both in Iceland and abroad. English is also the key to many cultural spheres, in particular the literature, music and film of the UK, the USA, Canada, India, Australia, New Zealand, many African nations and several Asian nations. English is not only the language of Shakespeare and Whitman, but also of NASA and the world wide web – not to mention Hitchcock, Kubrick, Presley and Lennon!

Knowledge of English is essential in the modern world: for education, work, culture and leisure. A degree in English is therefore an invaluable springboard to success!