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.
More about the exam here.
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.