Language skills
required
Programme length
Full time university studies for one year, 60 ECTS
Study mode
Face-to-face learning
Application status
International students:
Students with Icelandic or Nordic citizenship:
Overview

  • Are you interested in helping children and young people learn and thrive? 
  • Do you want to better understand multiculturalism? 
  • Do you want to work in an international environment? 
  • Do you want to tackle diverse projects under the guidance of Iceland's leading scholars of pedagogy? 
  • Do you enjoy languages and culture? 
  • Do you want a diverse selection of courses that suit your interests?

This programme can be taken as a 60 ECTS minor alongside another 120 ECTS programme. You must complete 180 ECTS to graduate with a BA degree.

The structure of the programme is designed to suit international students.

  • The programme is entirely taught in English.

Emphasis is placed on the social significance of education in an international context. You will gain insight into life and work in different societies and learn about different cultures, traditions and values.

You will build a strong foundation for further study in this field. You will open up opportunities to work in international school environments in Iceland or other countries.

Please note that it is only possible to start this programme every other year, in odd-numbered years.

Course topics include:

  • Globalisation and multicultural societies
  • Language and learning
  • Sustainability education
  • Child and adolescent development
  • Professionalism in education

Other

International studies in education can also be taken as:

Matriculation examination or the equivalent.

The minor requires 60 credits. In addition, a 120 credit major must be completed, for a total of 180 credits, for the Bachelor's degree.

Programme structure

Check below to see how the programme is structured.

This programme does not offer specialisations.

First year | Fall
Educational settings (INT101G)
Restricted elective course, conditions apply
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

Main objectives:
The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the diversity and development of educational settings. Students will become familiar with key developments in education in the 20th and early 21st century. There will be a brief introduction to theories of educational change and relationships between policy and practice. Students will be able to identify and discuss some of the issues involved in establishing and maintaining educational settings, both formal and nonformal. Students will understand that different cultural values lie behind different versions of good practice and will be able to form judgements about what might constitute good practice in a variety of settings.

Learning experiences:
Students will undertake regular field visits to a range of educational settings. They will be required to prepare themselves for the visits and to write short reports after the visits. Students will be required to read short articles in order to increase their understanding of developments in education. They will be encouraged to appreciate values and practices in different settings and will be able to construct arguments on what consitutes good practice. Students will research at least one setting in some depth and make an oral and visual presentation on their setting. They will carry out assignments involving electronic and library-based resources. Thorough preparation for classes will be expected and the course will rely on the active participation of students in classes.

Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Attendance required in class
First year | Fall
Pedagogy (INT301G)
Restricted elective course, conditions apply
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

Pedagogy
The purpose of the course is to prepare participants to teach and work with children and adolescents in international and multicultural settings in Iceland and around the world. The main goal is to introduce key learning and teaching theories.

Content
The course will build on the combination of the group each time, take into account and adapt to the international and diverse experience and knowledge the teacher learners bring to the course. The course builds on a framework of inquiry that enables participants to analyze their experience, relate to pedagogical theories, and study multicultural and international pedagogy. The emphasis is on differentiation in the instruction, the learning material and the learning environment. Different learning styles, teaching methods, and assessment that support children and adolescent to become independent and active pupils will be introduced.

Procedures
The course work is based on diverse reading material, dialogue and projects. Participants are supported to be active, independent, and information seekers. Through the course the participants develop their practice based portfolio.

Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
Attendance required in class
Not taught this semester
First year | Fall
Inclusive education and the irregular school and society (INT002M)
Restricted elective course, conditions apply
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

This course offers an introduction to inclusive education policy and practic. It explores examples from the history of (special) education, theories and perspectives from disability studies, stigma and othering, democracy and social justice. The course will provide students with basic understanding of heterogeneous group teaching and learning, and how teachers and schools can work with learners with special needs and their families in general education schools and society.

Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
Attendance required in class
First year | Fall
Comparative and international education (INT001M)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

In this course the emphasis is on discussion and theories in international and comparative education. These fields are defined as the systematic study of similarities and differences in and among education systems across regions, countries, and cultures. 

The course consists of a series of seminars and workshops. In seminars the students will get practice in discussing the various topics of the course within a critical setting and by placing them in a wide theoretical and practical context. In the workshops students will have the opportunity to apply what they are learning. Comparative International Education is a required course for undergraduate and graduate students the Department of International studies in education in the Faculty of Education and Diversity at the University of Iceland.

Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
Attendance required in class
First year | Spring 1
Sustainability education and sustainability (INT401G)
Restricted elective course, conditions apply
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

The purpose of this course is to provide students with opportunities to work with conceptual issues in sustainability and their implications for sustainability education. The campus sessions will be built on informed debate. Several assignments will be expected together with student participation in discussions.

Examples of issues to be dealt with:

  • The concepts of sustainable development and sustainability
  • Sustainable development goals (SDGs)
  • UNESCO – Decade of Education for Sustainable Development
  • Sustainability Competencies
  • Democracy, equity and sustainability
  • Topics suggested by students

Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Attendance required in class
First year | Spring 1
Sociology and history of education: Iceland in the community of nations (INT201G)
Restricted elective course, conditions apply
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

The course will examine the relationships between education and society by reviewing a variety of theoretical perspectives and empirical studies in sociology. Topics covered include theories of discrimination and social mobility, culture and the position of the individual in society, modernization and growing individualism, globalization and socialization, class and status. Theories and concepts within gender studies, queer studies, disability studies and cultural studies will also be discussed. Critical theories about race will also be introduced. Emphasis is placed on linking theories and research results. The course will also briefly examine important aspects of the history of education and childhood worldwide. Special attention will be paid to culture and how different societies understand and examine education and pedagogy / childhood.

Textbook:

Boronski, T. and Hassan, N. (2020). Sociology of Education. 2n edition. London: SAGE. 

Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Attendance required in class
First year | Spring 1
Development and self (INT202G)
Restricted elective course, conditions apply
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

Main objectives:
The main objective of the course is to provide students with (i) a comprehensive understanding of the developmental changes of the life course, and (ii) understanding of dominant views and theories in psychology and philosophy about development and self in both in a global context.

Content:
The course will cover a broad range of developmental changes during different phases of an individuals life, and theories that describe and explain those changes. Theories of cognitive development, emotional and social development, the development of self, and moral development will be discussed. The interaction between development and self identity on the one hand and learning, motivation, parenting practices, culture, and different social environments on the other, will be addressed. Various topics in psychology and philosophy pertaining to theories of the self will be discussed, such as self identity, self respect, confidence and autonomy.

Procedure:
The course will consist of lectures and seminars. In seminars the students will get practice in discussing the various topics of the course in a critical and constructive setting placing them in a wide theoretical and practical context.

Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Attendance required in class
First year | Spring 1
Globalisation and education (INT203G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

The aim of the course is to increase students' understanding of (i) how education can develop in today's multicultural societies and the challenges associated with it. (ii) the concepts of globalization, migration and the development of multicultural societies. (iii) concepts such as culture, religion, language and identity in light of migration, globalization and multicultural societies.

Content The course covers fundamental concepts related to globalization, migration and the development of multicultural societies. Concepts such as culture, religion, language and identity will be discussed and related aspects such as attitudes, prejudices, human rights, equality and democracy in multicultural societies will be discussed. Challenges in education in multicultural societies will be discussed and the concepts of multicultural education, global education and citizenship education will be introduced. The course is based on research in Iceland and in other countries in the field of education, globalization and the development of multicultural societies.

Teaching methods The course is based on lectures and discussions. In discussions, students will be trained to discuss various topics critically in an academic context with connections to the field. Students are expected to arrive well prepared on time, and the course expects active student participation in lessons. Students will present their final project orally and with a presentation of slides/pictures. In all projects, students are expected to use materials from the library and the web.

Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Attendance required in class
First year | Spring 1
Professionalism in education (INT004M)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

During the course, the emphasis is on discussions and reflections on the concept of professionalism and related concepts, how they have developed, and influencing factors, i.e. the professional mandate (the governmental influence), the influence of stakeholders, professionals, and the professions. The concepts 'collaborative professionalism' and 'democratic professionalism' will be analysed and discussed. Further, the focus will be on development of a ‘professional’ and what affects his or her 'professional identity'. ‘Professional learning communities’, ideology and characteristics, will be examined.

The course consists of lectures, discussions and group work. Students are expected to take an active part in discussions and are required to present papers regularly related to the subject.

Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
Attendance required in class
First year
  • Fall
  • INT101G
    Educational settings
    Restricted elective course
    10
    Restricted elective course, conditions apply
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Main objectives:
    The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the diversity and development of educational settings. Students will become familiar with key developments in education in the 20th and early 21st century. There will be a brief introduction to theories of educational change and relationships between policy and practice. Students will be able to identify and discuss some of the issues involved in establishing and maintaining educational settings, both formal and nonformal. Students will understand that different cultural values lie behind different versions of good practice and will be able to form judgements about what might constitute good practice in a variety of settings.

    Learning experiences:
    Students will undertake regular field visits to a range of educational settings. They will be required to prepare themselves for the visits and to write short reports after the visits. Students will be required to read short articles in order to increase their understanding of developments in education. They will be encouraged to appreciate values and practices in different settings and will be able to construct arguments on what consitutes good practice. Students will research at least one setting in some depth and make an oral and visual presentation on their setting. They will carry out assignments involving electronic and library-based resources. Thorough preparation for classes will be expected and the course will rely on the active participation of students in classes.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • INT301G
    Pedagogy
    Restricted elective course
    10
    Restricted elective course, conditions apply
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Pedagogy
    The purpose of the course is to prepare participants to teach and work with children and adolescents in international and multicultural settings in Iceland and around the world. The main goal is to introduce key learning and teaching theories.

    Content
    The course will build on the combination of the group each time, take into account and adapt to the international and diverse experience and knowledge the teacher learners bring to the course. The course builds on a framework of inquiry that enables participants to analyze their experience, relate to pedagogical theories, and study multicultural and international pedagogy. The emphasis is on differentiation in the instruction, the learning material and the learning environment. Different learning styles, teaching methods, and assessment that support children and adolescent to become independent and active pupils will be introduced.

    Procedures
    The course work is based on diverse reading material, dialogue and projects. Participants are supported to be active, independent, and information seekers. Through the course the participants develop their practice based portfolio.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • Not taught this semester
    INT002M
    Inclusive education and the irregular school and society
    Restricted elective course
    10
    Restricted elective course, conditions apply
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    This course offers an introduction to inclusive education policy and practic. It explores examples from the history of (special) education, theories and perspectives from disability studies, stigma and othering, democracy and social justice. The course will provide students with basic understanding of heterogeneous group teaching and learning, and how teachers and schools can work with learners with special needs and their families in general education schools and society.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • INT001M
    Comparative and international education
    Mandatory (required) course
    10
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    In this course the emphasis is on discussion and theories in international and comparative education. These fields are defined as the systematic study of similarities and differences in and among education systems across regions, countries, and cultures. 

    The course consists of a series of seminars and workshops. In seminars the students will get practice in discussing the various topics of the course within a critical setting and by placing them in a wide theoretical and practical context. In the workshops students will have the opportunity to apply what they are learning. Comparative International Education is a required course for undergraduate and graduate students the Department of International studies in education in the Faculty of Education and Diversity at the University of Iceland.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • Spring 2
  • INT401G
    Sustainability education and sustainability
    Restricted elective course
    10
    Restricted elective course, conditions apply
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The purpose of this course is to provide students with opportunities to work with conceptual issues in sustainability and their implications for sustainability education. The campus sessions will be built on informed debate. Several assignments will be expected together with student participation in discussions.

    Examples of issues to be dealt with:

    • The concepts of sustainable development and sustainability
    • Sustainable development goals (SDGs)
    • UNESCO – Decade of Education for Sustainable Development
    • Sustainability Competencies
    • Democracy, equity and sustainability
    • Topics suggested by students

    Face-to-face learning
    Distance learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • INT201G
    Sociology and history of education: Iceland in the community of nations
    Restricted elective course
    10
    Restricted elective course, conditions apply
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The course will examine the relationships between education and society by reviewing a variety of theoretical perspectives and empirical studies in sociology. Topics covered include theories of discrimination and social mobility, culture and the position of the individual in society, modernization and growing individualism, globalization and socialization, class and status. Theories and concepts within gender studies, queer studies, disability studies and cultural studies will also be discussed. Critical theories about race will also be introduced. Emphasis is placed on linking theories and research results. The course will also briefly examine important aspects of the history of education and childhood worldwide. Special attention will be paid to culture and how different societies understand and examine education and pedagogy / childhood.

    Textbook:

    Boronski, T. and Hassan, N. (2020). Sociology of Education. 2n edition. London: SAGE. 

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • INT202G
    Development and self
    Restricted elective course
    10
    Restricted elective course, conditions apply
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Main objectives:
    The main objective of the course is to provide students with (i) a comprehensive understanding of the developmental changes of the life course, and (ii) understanding of dominant views and theories in psychology and philosophy about development and self in both in a global context.

    Content:
    The course will cover a broad range of developmental changes during different phases of an individuals life, and theories that describe and explain those changes. Theories of cognitive development, emotional and social development, the development of self, and moral development will be discussed. The interaction between development and self identity on the one hand and learning, motivation, parenting practices, culture, and different social environments on the other, will be addressed. Various topics in psychology and philosophy pertaining to theories of the self will be discussed, such as self identity, self respect, confidence and autonomy.

    Procedure:
    The course will consist of lectures and seminars. In seminars the students will get practice in discussing the various topics of the course in a critical and constructive setting placing them in a wide theoretical and practical context.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • INT203G
    Globalisation and education
    Mandatory (required) course
    10
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The aim of the course is to increase students' understanding of (i) how education can develop in today's multicultural societies and the challenges associated with it. (ii) the concepts of globalization, migration and the development of multicultural societies. (iii) concepts such as culture, religion, language and identity in light of migration, globalization and multicultural societies.

    Content The course covers fundamental concepts related to globalization, migration and the development of multicultural societies. Concepts such as culture, religion, language and identity will be discussed and related aspects such as attitudes, prejudices, human rights, equality and democracy in multicultural societies will be discussed. Challenges in education in multicultural societies will be discussed and the concepts of multicultural education, global education and citizenship education will be introduced. The course is based on research in Iceland and in other countries in the field of education, globalization and the development of multicultural societies.

    Teaching methods The course is based on lectures and discussions. In discussions, students will be trained to discuss various topics critically in an academic context with connections to the field. Students are expected to arrive well prepared on time, and the course expects active student participation in lessons. Students will present their final project orally and with a presentation of slides/pictures. In all projects, students are expected to use materials from the library and the web.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
  • INT004M
    Professionalism in education
    Mandatory (required) course
    10
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    During the course, the emphasis is on discussions and reflections on the concept of professionalism and related concepts, how they have developed, and influencing factors, i.e. the professional mandate (the governmental influence), the influence of stakeholders, professionals, and the professions. The concepts 'collaborative professionalism' and 'democratic professionalism' will be analysed and discussed. Further, the focus will be on development of a ‘professional’ and what affects his or her 'professional identity'. ‘Professional learning communities’, ideology and characteristics, will be examined.

    The course consists of lectures, discussions and group work. Students are expected to take an active part in discussions and are required to present papers regularly related to the subject.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
    Attendance required in class
Additional information

The University of Iceland collaborates with over 400 universities worldwide. This provides a unique opportunity to pursue part of your studies at an international university thus gaining added experience and fresh insight into your field of study.

Students generally have the opportunity to join an exchange programme, internship, or summer courses. However, exchanges are always subject to faculty approval.

Students have the opportunity to have courses evaluated as part of their studies at the University of Iceland, so their stay does not have to affect the duration of their studies.

An education in this area can open up opportunities in: 

  • Leadership 
  • Consulting 
  • Research 
  • Teaching 
  • Education policy and management 
  • Work in developing countries 

This list is not exhaustive. 

  • TUMI is the organisation at the University of Iceland for students in leisure studies, social education, pedagogy and education studies, or the vocational diploma programme for people with developmental disabilities. 
  • TUMI organises events such as socials for new students, annual galas and workplace tours 
  • Follow TUMI on social media 

 More about the UI student's social life

Students' comments
""
Possessing the requisite skills in adjusting the world's educational system, towards critical thinking and problem-solving has always been my desire, hence I did not hesitate and has not regretted applying for this program. This program has proved its worth by blending conventional teaching methods with innovative teaching strategies. This surprisingly erases the thought of grades in my mind but only having an interest in the lessons. This program has given me a reason to always examine subjects from different perspectives of life and open-minded. The words from my teachers are always encouraging and this makes me want to do more.
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