11 - Iceland - Curriculum
Higher education institution that come under the Higher Education Act no. 63/2006 shall define
learning outcomes for each study programme. The higher education institutions’ definition shall be a
specialised description relevant to the study programmes offered. The higher education institutions
should preferably demonstrate in which way the objectives of the definition are attained by each course
or each study level, i.e. by defining their learning outcomes.
Higher education institutions shall specify, in their Diploma Supplements, to which cycle and level each
study programme belongs to, according to National Qualification Framework for Iceland.
Higher education institutions have a significant degree of academic freedom and autonomy; as a result
the institutions largely determine the nature and structure of their educational curricula and courses.
Higher education institutions vary in terms of their course offerings. The University of Iceland offers a
variety of degree courses of different types and levels in a wide range of subjects. Other institutions
are more specialised.
Specialisation in a subject begins right at the start of higher education studies, i.e. higher education
studies do not include a general studies component. This general background knowledge is obtained
in upper secondary schools.
Icelandic is the language of instruction in higher education institutions. However, in recent years some
institutions have started to offer courses in English. Textbooks are in many cases in English or another
foreign language (mostly Scandinavian languages).
Institutions:
University of Iceland
Eurydice - the information network on education in Europe
Date: 2009
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