Language skills
Programme length
One year.
Study mode
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Application status
International students:
Students with Icelandic or Nordic citizenship:
- Are you interested in pursuing 60 ECTS credits in Icelandic as a second language while studying another subject?
- Do you want to learn Icelandic to a high standard?
- Do you want to be able to write and speak good Icelandic?
- Are you interested in Icelandic literature and culture?
Minor in Icelandic as a second language is suited for those who have a serious interest in the language, literature and culture of Iceland.
The programme is an excellent choice for students who want to improve their practical or academic skills in Icelandic. Students receive a thorough grounding in the Icelandic language and Icelandic culture, equipping them for further study in Icelandic or other programmes taught in Icelandic.
Admission exam for applicants
The skills required to pass this exam are equivalent to completing Icelandic Online 1 and 2, self-study courses which are to be found free of charge online, or completing five levels of Icelandic at language school in Iceland.
The exam takes place in the first week of June at the University of Iceland.
Those who are unable to take the test at the University of Iceland must take it at an examination centre in Iceland. Further information will be sent to applicants.
Programme topics include
- Grammar and inflectional morphology
- Icelandic language and culture
- Icelandic literature, folklore and folk beliefs
- Syntax and oral communication
The programme trains students in the practical skills of writing, speaking and understanding modern Icelandic. It is also an academic programme about the language, literature and history of Iceland. The programme covers the morphology, syntax and phonology of modern Icelandic.
Students read ancient and modern literature and learn about the history and culture of Iceland. The programme also briefly covers translation studies and second language studies with a focus on Icelandic.
Objectives
After completing the programme, students should:
- have a thorough grounding in the Icelandic language and Icelandic culture, equipping them for further study in Icelandic
- have become independent, broad-minded and critical thinkers and can apply these skills in their studies and work
Teaching methods
Icelandic is taught through lectures, small group sessions and discussion periods. Assignments are also an important component of most courses.
Classes are not particularly time-consuming, but students are expected to complete numerous assignments, which require independent learning and critical thinking. Assessment methods include written and oral examinations, class presentations, essays and other assignments.
Other programme options
Practical value
Many graduates of the Icelandic as a Second Language programme pursue further studies in Icelandic or related subjects, either in Iceland or their home countries. Academic expertise in Icelandic provides opportunities for advanced study and research in various fields, including linguistics and literature.
Others have settled in Iceland, enriching and contributing to Icelandic society. Immigrants with good Icelandic skills and general knowledge of Icelandic culture are likely to be more successful in integrating and thriving within Icelandic society.
Application deadline
Please note that it is only possible to start the programme in the autumn semester. The application deadline is 1 February each year.
Students with an Icelandic ID number (kennitala) can also apply for the BA programme in the application period for domestic students, 1 March to 20 May, through the University of Iceland application portal.
Please note that this programme does not require proof of English proficiency as all other International programmes require.
Scholarship
The Icelandic Ministry of Culture and Business Affairs awards annually around 12 scholarships for students coming from foreign universities to study the BA programme in Icelandic as a Second Language at the University of Iceland. The scholarship program is administrated by the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies. Scholarships are awarded for the period from September 1 to May 31 each year.
Foreign equivalent to the Icelandic matriculation examination. Further information can be found in article 17, regulation on admission requirements for undergraduate study no. 331/2022. All applicants must also pass a special entrance examination in Icelandic. This examination is based on the level of Icelandic in Icelandic Online 1 and Icelandic Online 2, self-taught courses available free online (http://icelandiconline.com).
The minor in Icelandic as a second language comprises Icelandic Language I and II, Conversational Practice I and II and Grammar I and II, a total of 60 ECTS. Students must have completed at least 60 ECTS in their major and passed the entrance examination before teaching starts in the autumn semester to be eligible to enrol for a minor in Icelandic as a second language.
Programme structure
Check below to see how the programme is structured.
This programme does not offer specialisations.
- First year
- Fall
- Grammar I
- Icelandic Language I
- Conversational practise I
- Spring 1
- Grammar II
- Icelandic Language II
- Conversational practise II
First year | Fall
Grammar I (ÍSE102G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
A detailed survey of the basic features of Icelandic grammar, in particular inflectional morphology (the declension of nouns, adjectives and pronouns as well as the conjugation of verbs). Case assignment, agreement, phonological and morphophonemic processes and word order are also dealt with.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Prerequisites
First year | Fall
Icelandic Language I (ÍSE103G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
Emphasis is placed on students’ acquisition of vocabulary through reading and writing, particularly the submission of assignments relating to specific topics. The focus is on word formation with particular emphasis placed on compounds. The course covers various types of texts, both utilitarian and literary; short stories and novels. Language usage is practiced through a series of written exercises. Active participation and preparation on the half of the student is essential.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Prerequisites
First year | Fall
Conversational practise I (ÍSE105G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The main emphasis is on oral expression, the basics of Icelandic pronunciation and understanding of spoken language. The Icelandic sound system is discussed with a particular focus on vowels. The pronunciation of individual words and simple sentences is emphasised as well as stress placement and intonation. Students are trained in spoken language (speech and dialogue) with focus on common phrases and the use of everyday language. Spoken language comprehension is trained through assignments under the supervision of a teacher. Active participation and preparation on the part of students is essential.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
Prerequisites
First year | Spring 1
Grammar II (ÍSE201G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The course is a continuation of the course Grammar I in which some fundamental features of Icelandic grammar were addressed. The understanding of linguistic structure that students acquired in that course will be deepened. More declension noun classes will be introduced while verbs and their usage will be dealt with extensively. The comparative of adjectives and its use will be introduced, and the formal and functional features of pronouns will be emphasized.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
First year | Spring 1
Icelandic Language II (ÍSE204G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The main emphasis is on reading comprehension and writing through a variety of texts, such as newspaper articles, short stories and novels. Continuation of vocabulary development, i.e. with discussion of word formation (derived words) and reading texts. In this course, shorter texts are carefully read with special attention given to vocabulary, word structure and use of words in sentences. In order to practice reading comprehension and reading and writing skills, students read some selected short stories and novels. Active student participation and prior preparation is required.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
First year | Spring 1
Conversational practise II (ÍSE205G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The main emphasis is on oral expression, the basics of Icelandic pronunciation and comprehension of spoken language. The Icelandic sound system is discussed with special emphasis placed on consonants. Pronunciation stress and intonation is practiced. Students are trained in spoken language (speech and dialogue) and the focus is on fluency and exchange of views. Spoken language comprehension is trained through assignments under the supervision of a teacher. Active participation and preparation of students is required.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Distance learning
First year
- Fall
- ÍSE102GGrammar IMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
A detailed survey of the basic features of Icelandic grammar, in particular inflectional morphology (the declension of nouns, adjectives and pronouns as well as the conjugation of verbs). Case assignment, agreement, phonological and morphophonemic processes and word order are also dealt with.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisitesÍSE103GIcelandic Language IMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionEmphasis is placed on students’ acquisition of vocabulary through reading and writing, particularly the submission of assignments relating to specific topics. The focus is on word formation with particular emphasis placed on compounds. The course covers various types of texts, both utilitarian and literary; short stories and novels. Language usage is practiced through a series of written exercises. Active participation and preparation on the half of the student is essential.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisitesÍSE105GConversational practise IMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe main emphasis is on oral expression, the basics of Icelandic pronunciation and understanding of spoken language. The Icelandic sound system is discussed with a particular focus on vowels. The pronunciation of individual words and simple sentences is emphasised as well as stress placement and intonation. Students are trained in spoken language (speech and dialogue) with focus on common phrases and the use of everyday language. Spoken language comprehension is trained through assignments under the supervision of a teacher. Active participation and preparation on the part of students is essential.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
ÍSE201GGrammar IIMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe course is a continuation of the course Grammar I in which some fundamental features of Icelandic grammar were addressed. The understanding of linguistic structure that students acquired in that course will be deepened. More declension noun classes will be introduced while verbs and their usage will be dealt with extensively. The comparative of adjectives and its use will be introduced, and the formal and functional features of pronouns will be emphasized.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisitesÍSE204GIcelandic Language IIMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe main emphasis is on reading comprehension and writing through a variety of texts, such as newspaper articles, short stories and novels. Continuation of vocabulary development, i.e. with discussion of word formation (derived words) and reading texts. In this course, shorter texts are carefully read with special attention given to vocabulary, word structure and use of words in sentences. In order to practice reading comprehension and reading and writing skills, students read some selected short stories and novels. Active student participation and prior preparation is required.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisitesÍSE205GConversational practise IIMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe main emphasis is on oral expression, the basics of Icelandic pronunciation and comprehension of spoken language. The Icelandic sound system is discussed with special emphasis placed on consonants. Pronunciation stress and intonation is practiced. Students are trained in spoken language (speech and dialogue) and the focus is on fluency and exchange of views. Spoken language comprehension is trained through assignments under the supervision of a teacher. Active participation and preparation of students is required.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisites
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.
A good knowledge of Icelandic will enable you to work:
- On the Icelandic labour market
- In tourism
- In imports and exports
This list is not exhaustive
- Huldumál is the organisation for students of Icelandic as a second language
- Huldumál promotes an active social calendar and advocates for members
I find the study programme both challenging and exciting. All courses are taught in Icelandic from the beginning, which can be difficult for people who have recently arrived in Iceland and do not have much knowledge of Icelandic. You have to prepare very well and preferably study every day, if you want to succeed, but it pays off soon.
Study wheel
What interests you?
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If you still have questions, feel free to contact us.
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