University Education

This programme offers a diverse range of specialisations in specific areas of education, across different subjects and levels of the education system. The programme is designed for students with a BEd degree and upper secondary school teachers who are already certified.

Is the program for you??

• Would you like to teach in Icelandic upper secondary schools?

• Do you want a diverse education that is both theoretical and practical?

• Do you enjoy being with young people and contributing to their education and development?

• Are you already teaching but want to strengthen and specialise in a specific subject or topic?

• Do you enjoy being with young people and contributing to their education and development?

What is the study about?

This is a 120 ECTS Master’s programme, including a 30 ECTS final project. Students can complete the programme in two years of full-time study or up to four years of part-time study.

There are four core pedagogy courses, a total of 40 ECTS, which must all be completed in the same academic year through face-to-face learning as well as vocational training placements.

Completing this programme qualifies you to apply for a teaching licence in accordance with Act no. 85/2019.

Completing the programme may allow you to apply for doctoral studies.

Main focuses

• Pedagogy and student placements

• Methods and theories

• Courses in chosen specialisation

• Master's project

Specialisations

There are six general specialisations and one specialisation intended for certified upper secondary school teachers.

Students choose to specialise in a certain area of education, across different subjects and levels of the education system. You can select 30 ECTS within your chosen specialisation from a list of options, designed to form a coherent whole and prepare you for the final project. Some specialisations include one mandatory or restricted elective course.

• Fundamental factors and values: Sustainability – equality – life skills

• Gender and equality

• Inclusive education in a multicultural society

• Curriculum development, assessment and learning materials design

• School development and evaluation of schools

• IT in education

For upper secondary school teachers

• Special programme for certified upper secondary school teachers

Applicants wishing to enrol in this specialisation must prepare a reasoned study plan explaining the courses they would like to take. The study plan must also include courses in methodology and theories related to the proposed Master’s research project. The study plan will be reviewed by an evaluation committee.

You could take courses in your subject, subject-specific pedagogy courses, courses from other specialisations or other courses that fit with your other choices to form a coherent whole.

• Evaluation of previous studies in upper secondary school teaching, M.Ed., for certified upper secondary school teachers

Objectives

Students will improve their knowledge and skills in teaching and pedagogy, leaving them better equipped to work as teachers.

• See more information on organisation of teaching, training placements and exemptions from face-to-face learning

Other

Upon graduation from teacher education at an Icelandic university, a teacher must possess proficiency in Icelandic equivalent to at least C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR.

• Here you can see the CEFR.