10 - Iceland - Branches of study, specialisation
All higher education institutions in Iceland, accredited by the Ministry of Education, Science and
Culture according to the Higher Education Act no. 63/2006, shall follow The National Qualification
Framework for Iceland. The NQF for higher education and degrees are a description of the structure
for studies and degrees, where emphasis is placed on a description of a student’s knowledge and
competence at the end of a course of study. The NQF has a clear guidelines for the structure of
courses of studies and for the degree the universities will award. According to the framework, there are
three subsequent cycles of higher education: Bachelors degree, Masters and Candidatus degree; and
Doctorate degree. As each cycle can cover different qualification objectives, the cycles are divided into
levels.
As a general rule, studies at the higher education level in Iceland are divided into three degree
programmes:
a bachelor’s degree, which normally takes three to four years to complete (180 – 240 ECTS
credits), a 60- to 120-credit master’s degree (MA, MSc, MBA, MEd, MPaed, etc.) with a duration of one to
two years,
a doctoral degree, with a duration of three years.
Traces of the old professional degree system (Candidatus degrees of 4-6 years) remain. Below is an overview of the main stages of study in each higher education institution:
Diploma courses
In a number of higher education institutions a diploma or certificate is awarded after one or two years’
study in various subjects, such as pedagogy, business and languages. The diploma courses are short,
practically-oriented and theory-based. It is not common for these courses to be combined with
placement (in industry).
Bachelor’s degrees
The Bachelor’s degree is a three to four year study programme providing 180-240 credits at cycle 1,
level 2. Full workload in one year should correspond to 60 credits. Admission requirements are
matriculation examination or equivalent education. Higher education institutions can set specific
demands as to the combination and focus of the matriculation examination. Bachelor’s degree
provides access to further studies at level 3 and 4, or Master’s and Candidatus study programmes.
Still, higher education institutions and departments can demand certain minimum grades for access to
level 3 and 4 studies.
On completion of a Bachelor’s degree, the following criteria shall be fulfilled, in addition to the criteria
fulfilled at the former level:
Knowledge and understanding
Type of knowledge
Students have adopted extensive knowledge and understanding in one or more specialised
areas within their subject. The scope of the knowledge shall cover the most recent findings in the
subject.
Practical skills
Students can analysepractical, complex subjects in a professional context and are able to justify
decision on a professional basis.
Students can work in an autonomous and organised manner on subjects.
Students can set goals for their work, devise a work schedule and follow it through.
Students are capable of acquiring further knowledge and maintain their knowledge in their field
of study.
Theoretical skills
Students have the competences to formulate and describe complex theoretical subjects and
research outcomes.
Students can apply scientific and critical methods in analysing their subject.
Students have acquired understanding and insight into main theories and concepts within the
subject and can evaluate the methods used in an autonomous manner.
Communication skills and information literacy
Students can participate actively in cooperation within their field of study, share their
competences, ideas and knowledge, and can lead work groups.
Students are capable of interpreting and presenting outcomes in the relevant subject.
Students can apply relevant technology and software, which are useful for their study and
profession.
Students have improved their moral and social competences for active participation in a
democratic society.
Learning skills
Students have developed the necessary learning skills and autonomy that enables them to
continue to further studies.
Students have adopted broad-mindedness and originality of thought which will be useful for
study and/or occupation.
The candidatus degree
Candidatus degree entails a five or six year studies providing 300-360 credits at cycle 1 and 2, levels
1-3. Full workload in one year should correspond to 60 credits. Admission requirements are
matriculation examination or equivalent study. Higher education institutions can set specific demands
as to the combination and focus of the matriculation examination. Candidatus degree provides access
to further study at cycle 3 in the relevant field of study.
Postgraduate diplomas
Postgraduate diplomas in upper-secondary teacher education, social work, student counselling,
journalism and mass communication are offered after one year of postgraduate study in the field in
question (after a bachelor’s degree). The diplomas in social work and upper-secondary teacher
education are professional qualifications.
Master’s degrees
Degrees belonging to this definition can vary in duration and content. Therefore, the definitions in the
list below apply only when referring to full two-year study at master’s level. Study cycle leading to
diploma or other final examination belongs only partly to this definition, so the list below is structured
accordingly. The criteria for each category are put forth according to depth of content. Various degrees
should assumingly comply with at least one item from each category according to duration and extent
of the study programme.
The graduate studies at master level entail half year to two year study programme, providing 30-120
credits at cycle 2, level 3. Full workload in one year should correspond to 60 credits. Admission
requirements are final examination from cycle 1, level 2, or equivalent. First class grade is usually
required. Higher education institutions and departments can decide on further admission requirements
for studies at level 3.
Vocational degree at master’s level normally does not provide access to further studies at cycle 3.
Degrees that come under this definition provide various access points to further study at cycle 2
depending on the content of the study. Higher education institutions or departments can decide on
specific admission requirements based on minimum grade before granting access to studies at levels 3
and 4.
On completion of graduate study at master level in addition to first cycle studies, the following criteria
shall be fulfilled, in addition to the criteria fulfilled at former level(s):
Knowledge and understanding
Students have acquired a general understanding of theories, ideology, concepts and methods
within a specific field of study. In addition to the knowledge criteria for first cycle, students at
second cycle shall have deepened or widened the knowledge obtained at former cycles.
Students can use their knowledge and understanding in a professional manner and have the
ability to reason and substantiate solutions to problems within the relevant subject/profession.
Students have acquired systematic understanding of the most recent findings available within
specific field of study and/or profession. In addition to the criteria for first cycle, students at
second cycle shall have deepened or widened the knowledge obtained at former levels.
Type of knowledge
Students have acquired knowledge by attending courses and/or carrying out research in an area
of expertise. Students have general knowledge and comprehension about theoretical subjects and problems
being dealt with at the time within the relevant field of study/profession.
Students possess significant understanding of problems and subjects, based on the most recent
information and research in the relevant field of study.
Practical skills
Students have adopted work methods which are accepted within the relevant profession.
Students can make decisions in an independent, professional manner and sustain them on the
basis of a field of study/profession.
Students possess the knowledge and skills that enable them to develop and utilise ideas in an
original way within a professional context of a relevant field of study.
Students have the ability and skills to evaluate, analyse and gather scientific data.
Students can understand and tackle complex subjects in a professional context/occupational
environment.
Students can recognise innovation and developments which are based on relevant studies,
theories and/or experiments.
Students can apply studies and methods of a field to formulate, develop and complete projects in
the subject and/or occupation.
Theoretical skills
Students can utilise their knowledge, understanding and problem solving skills in new and
unfamiliar situations in a broad or interdisciplinary context connected with the relevant field of
study.
Students can demonstrate increased and deeper understanding, and more extensive
perspective of their area of expertise than contained in studies at first cycle.
Students can make autonomous assessments, when different methods of analysis and complex
theoretical issues are appropriate.
Students can apply their knowledge and competences to tackle new and unfamiliar subjects or
situations within the relevant field of study.
Students are capable of integrating knowledge, tackling complex subjects and formulating
opinions based on limited information.
Students can apply their knowledge and skills to tackle complex subjects that demand
integration, insight and professional decision making based on limited information.
Students are familiar with research methods in their field of study and comprehend research and
research outcomes.
Communication skills and information literacy
Students have adopted necessary skills to use techniques and software which is useful for the
relevant profession/field of study.
Students possess skills and knowledge to analyse and communicate statistical data.
Students can initiate projects in a field of study, manage those projects and take responsibility
for the work of individuals and groups.
Students can communicate theoretical information, ideas, problems and solutions, to specialists
as well as to the general public.
Students can communicate, clearly and unambiguously, complex theoretical subjects and/or
theoretically supported conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences, individually or in
cooperation with others.
Students can take responsibility for the work of individuals or groups, initiate projects and
complete them.
Students can assume major responsibility for the work of individuals and groups, lead and
initiate projects.
Students are aware of ethics of science.
Learning Skills
Students have adopted the necessary learning skills and work methods to undertake further
study, where significant autonomy and independence is demanded.
Students have developed the necessary learning skills and autonomy to continue to further study
which are largely based on autonomy and independence.
Master’s degree (level 4)
The Master’s degree is a one and a half to two year study programme providing 90-120 credits at cycle
2, level 4. Full workload in one year normally corresponds to 60 credits. Admission requirements are
final examination from level 2 or equivalent. First class grade is usually required. Higher education
institutions and departments can decide on further admission requirements for studies at level 4.
Master’s degree provides access to doctorate studies at cycle 3. Higher education institutions can
demand a minimum final grade for admission. The scope of research and/or final project shall cover at
least 30 credits.
On completion of a Master’s degree, the following criteria shall be fulfilled, in addition to the criteria
fulfilled at former level(s):
Knowledge and understanding
Students have acquired systematic understanding of the most recent knowledge available within the
relevant field of study/profession. In addition to the knowledge criteria for first cycle, students at second
cycle shall have deepened or widened the knowledge base obtained at former levels.
Students can use their knowledge and understanding in a professional manner and have the ability to
reason and substantiate solutions to problems within the relevant field of study/profession.
Type of knowledge
Students possess significant understanding of problems and subjects, based on the most recent
information and research in the relevant field of study.
Students have acquired knowledge by attending courses and/or carrying out research in an area
of expertise.
Practical skills
Students can make decisions in an independent, professional way and sustain them on the basis
of a field of study/profession.
Students have the ability and skills to evaluate, analyse and gather scientific data.
Students can develop projects and put them in context by applying methods based on relevant
studies, theories and/or experiments.
Students can understand and tackle complex subjects in a professional context.
Theoretical skills
Students can make autonomous assessments, when different methods of analysis and complex
theoretical issues are appropriate.
Students can demonstrate increased and deeper understanding, and more extensive
perspective of their area of expertise than in studies at first cycle.
Students can utilise their knowledge, understanding and problem solving skills in new and
unfamiliar situations in a broad or interdisciplinary context connected with the relevant field of
study.
Students are capable of integrating knowledge, tackling complex subjects and formulating
opinions based on limited information.
Students are familiar with research methods in their field of study and comprehend research and
research outcomes.
Students can apply the research process in an effective way and carry out smaller research
projects.
Communication skills and information literacy
Students can initiate projects in a field of study, manage those projects and take responsibility
for the work of individuals and groups.
Students can communicate, clearly and unambiguously, complex theoretical subjects and/or
theoretically supported conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences, individually or in
cooperation with others.
Students possess skills and knowledge to analyse and communicate statistical data.
Students have adopted necessary skills to use techniques and software which is useful for the
relevant profession/field of study.
Students are aware of ethics of science.
Learning skills
Students have developed the necessary learning skills and independent work methods to be
able to continue to further study at cycle 3 which is largely based on autonomy and
independence.
Doctorate Degree (level 5)
The Doctorate degree is a three to four year study providing 180-240 credits at cycle 3, level 5. Full
workload in one year normally corresponds to 60 credits. Admission requirements are research based
Master’s degree, Candidatus degree or equivalent final examination from cycle 2, level 4. Higher
education institutions can demand a certain minimum grade for admission.
Higher education institutions are assumed to set specific rules regarding the organisation and structure
of their doctorate studies.
On completion of a Doctorate degree, the following criteria shall be fulfilled, in addition to the criteria
fulfilled at former level(s).
Knowledge and understanding
Students possess extensive and in-depth understanding of main theories, principles, concepts
and of the latest findings available within a specific field of study or profession. The knowledge
shall be more in-depth than that acquired at cycle 1 and 2.
Students have contributed important innovation to the field of study in the form of new
knowledge or significant adaptation, innovative utilisation or interpretation of existing knowledge.
Type of knowledge
Students possess knowledge and understanding which they have acquired from research
carried out on individual basis.
Students’ research findings shall contribute in a significant way to the development of the
relevant field of study or profession
Students have initiated new knowledge, and its interpretation, with research or other
acknowledged scholarly activities which measure up to reviews and critique of other scholars in
the relevant field.
Practical skills
Students can apply critical analysis, evaluation and integration to new and complex projects.
Students can tackle complex tasks which widen and/or redefine existing methodology in the
relevant field of study. Students can apply in an extensive way the basic skills, technology, methods, material and
sources connected with the relevant field of study.
Students can utilise, on a broad basis, general and specialised research equipment and
research technology.
Students can organise and carry out research and explore or develop projects which tackle new
problems and subjects within a subject.
Students shall demonstrate originality and creativity in developing and utilising new knowledge,
understanding and methods.
Theoretical skills
Students have carried out innovative research or developed work methods which add to, or
widen the existing knowledge of a relevant subject.
Students have presented an important and well organised dissertation which is suitable for
publishing in a peer-reviewed publication at national or international level.
Students can tackle very complicated and/or new subjects and formulate an autonomous and
informative opinion.
Communication skills and information literacy
Students can communicate, in an effective way, with their peers, other scholars and the general
public about their area of expertise.
Students can demonstrate extensive professional autonomy and initiative in their professional
work.
Students can take full responsibility for their own projects as well as assuming responsibility for
the work of others.
Students are able to present technological, social and cultural progress, connected with the
knowledge society, in a theoretical setting.
Students can participate in critical debate, initiate and lead theoretical discourse.
Students can use software to support and enhance work in the relevant field of study, and can
specify specialised software for the improvement of methods and work processes.
Students can assess statistical and graphical data in a critical way.
Students shall demonstrate their awareness of ethics of science and that they have formed a
considered opinion regarding their own research, and that of others, based on their own ethical
consciousness.
Learning skills.
Students have adopted a critical stand towards knowledge.
Institutions:
Iceland Academy of the Arts
Iceland University of Education
Reykjavík University
The Bifröst School of Business
The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture
The University of Akureyri
University of Iceland
Eurydice - the information network on education in Europe
Date: 2009
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