This is a one-year programme for students with little prior knowledge of Icelandic.

Emphasis is placed on supporting students to acquire the skills needed to express themselves in Icelandic in day-to-day situations and to read simple texts.

International programme.

Is the program for you??

• Do you want to learn to speak and read basic Icelandic?

• Do you want to be able to communicate in Icelandic in your day-to-day life?

• Do you want to make it easier for you to actively engage in Icelandic society?

What is the study about?

This is a short, practical diploma in Icelandic as a second language. It is aimed at students who have little prior knowledge of the language and want to be able to get by in Icelandic in their daily lives. Emphasis is placed on speaking, communication and listening comprehension.

The programme empowers people of foreign origin to actively engage in Icelandic society and the labour market. It also provides students with a foundation for further study of Icelandic as a second language.

The programme is open only to students who have applied specifically to study Icelandic as a second language, as well as exchange students.

Icelandic as a second language is also offered as a BA programme. The BA focuses on practical language skills as well as academic study of the language, literature and history of Iceland.

Programme structure

The programme is 60 ECTS and is organised as one year of full-time study.

The programme is made up of eight mandatory courses, four per semester.

Course topics include:

• Oral skills

• Communication

• Writing skills

• Listening and reading comprehension

Objectives

The programme is designed to ensure that students:

• are able to express themselves in Icelandic in day-to-day situations, understand discussions on everyday topics and understand simple texts

• adopt the independent working practices and learning techniques they need to continue studying Icelandic

Teaching methods

Icelandic is taught through lectures and discussion periods. Assignments are an important component of most courses.

Learning is assessed through assignments, class participation, and written and oral examinations.

Other

Applicants must have attained level A1.1 in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages before starting the programme. See for example:

• Chapters 1 to 6 of Íslenska fyrir alla 1

• Sections 1 and 2 of Icelandic Online

Applicants are not required to submit certificates proving they have attained level A1.1 and their Icelandic skills will not be tested, so they are responsible for ensuring they have the Icelandic skills required to succeed in the programme.

Teaching starts on 21 August. Students must have started the programme by 4 September.

Further information

It is possible to take individual courses: Basic Icelandic I and II and Icelandic Culture. See here for further information, including admission requirements and how to apply.

This programme is designed for students of foreign origin and exchange students who want to achieve basic proficiency in Icelandic, e.g. to engage in Icelandic society.

Credits from courses in this programme cannot be transferred to the BA programme in Icelandic as a second language or used as a minor towards a BA degree in another subject at the University.

English proficiency requirements

• TOEFL in a test centre or home, minimum score of 79

• IELTS Academic, in a test centre, minimum score 6.5

• Cambridge English (CAE or CPE), in test centre or online, minimum score 58

• PTE Academic, in a test centre or online, minimum score 58.