Where does the programme belong?

School of Education Faculty of Education and Diversity

Educational leadership, Micro-credential

Language skills

required, minimum level of B2

Programme length

One year.

Study mode

Face-to-face learning Distance learning

Application status

International students:

Students with Icelandic or Nordic citizenship:

Are you a qualified teacher?
Do you have at least two years of work experience?
Do you want to improve your leadership skills?

This is a short programme designed to enhance leadership skills within the Icelandic education system. 

Schools are considered as learning communities and places of professional development. Emphasis is placed on the leadership role of school administrators and the skills required to lead a successful and ambitious school in fast-changing times that demand continuous review of goals and practices. 

Programme structure

The programme is 30 ECTS and is organised as one year of part-time study alongside employment.

The programme is made up of:

Mandatory courses, 25 ECTS
Restricted electives, 5 ECTS

Organisation of teaching

Teaching and exams are in Icelandic.

All courses are taught through distance learning with face-to-face blocks, although exact arrangements may vary from course to course.

Main objectives

Students should acquire knowledge and understanding of the nature of schools and other educational institutions and improve their leadership skills.

Other

Credits from the programme may be transferred to:

In general, admission to a programme at the Master's level requires the applicant to have completed an undergraduate degree with a first-class grade (7.25). In addition, a teaching license is required, and two years of work experience after completing a teaching license is preferred.

30 ECTS must be completed

The following documents must accompany an application for this programme:

CV
Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts
Letter of motivation
License

Further information on supporting documents can be found here

Programme structure

Check below to see how the programme is structured.

This programme does not offer specialisations.

First year

First year
Fall
Financial operation of schools
Theories of Educational Management, Institutions, and Organizations
Education and human resource management
Spring 1
Following the path of leadership in practice
Educational Law

First year | Fall

Financial operation of schools (STM032F)

A mandatory (required) course for the programme

5 ECTS, credits

Course Description

The aim of the course is for the participants to gain an increased understanding of schools´ external environment and the interplay between use of financial resources and education policies. Financing of education, cost structure in education and budget as management tool are discussed.

Language of instruction: Icelandic

Distance learning

Attendance required in class

Further information about the course

First year | Fall

Theories of Educational Management, Institutions, and Organizations (STM212F)

A mandatory (required) course for the programme

10 ECTS, credits

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to enhance students understanding of some major concepts and thories of schools and other eductional institutions as organizations. An emphasis is put on assisting students in applying these concepts and theories to relevant organizational issues and problems.

Outline of content is as follows: A short overview of history and thought in educational administration; conflicts and dilemmas in administration; the school as an open system; the school as an organizational type; bureaucracy and the school; structure, power and politics; the school and its environment; motivation, human resources, equality, goals and goal setting; organizational climate and culture; organizational effectiveness, decision making and conflicts in organizations.

Language of instruction: Icelandic

Distance learning

Prerequisites

Attendance required in class

Further information about the course

First year | Fall

Education and human resource management (STM033F)

A mandatory (required) course for the programme

5 ECTS, credits

Course Description

Participants will acquire knowledge and competencies in the field of human resource management and be able to apply their knowledge in schoolwork or within other educational fields. The development of human resource management will be discussed, and emphasis will be placed on the latest theories on human resource management. The main topics of human resource management will be presented with an emphasis on participants understanding the main challenges and importance of human resource management for both theoretical and practical purposes.

The course is organized in sessions, real-time presence online and on-site.

The course is structured around lectures, discussions, group work, reading, and project work. Participants work on diverse and practical projects that are useful to them in their work.

Language of instruction: Icelandic

Distance learning

Attendance required in class

Further information about the course

First year | Spring 1

Following the path of leadership in practice (STM029F)

A mandatory (required) course for the programme

5 ECTS, credits

2 fieldwork credits

Course Description

The goal of this course is that students will develop understanding, knowledge, and skills in key areas related to practical aspects of leadership and management (concerning the role of principals, assistant principals, and middle managers) in pre-schools, compulsory schools, upper secondary schools, and after school foundations. Furthermore, the goal is that they will encounter the influence of laws, regulations, and curriculum guides on the operation of schools and related institutes and the respective administrative roles.

The course will cover aspects of daily management in schools – aspects concerning issues of planning, budgeting, staffing, leading, developing, and evaluating. Students follow an administrator on-site for 2-3 weeks. Details concerning tasks and assignments will be given in the beginning of the course.

At the start of the term, students must contact the coordinator of the course in order to plan school placements. The course begins with a campus-based seminar where assignments are introduced. There is also a campus-based seminar at the end of the course where students share their field experiences.

Language of instruction: Icelandic

Distance learning

Prerequisites

Attendance required in class

Further information about the course

First year | Spring 1

Educational Law (STM218F)

A mandatory (required) course for the programme

5 ECTS, credits

Course Description

This course provides students with insight into the legal framework of educational practice and how laws, regulations, and ethical standards shape the operation of educational institutions. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between legal, pedagogical, and administrative aspects and their relevance to professional leadership and policy-making, with the aim of strengthening school leaders in their role as responsible actors within the public system.

Participants work with real-life cases from school settings where legal, professional, and ethical perspectives intersect. By connecting theoretical concepts to their own experiences and analysing complex issues, students gain tools and confidence to make informed and professional decisions. The course is based on active participation, discussion, and reflection. The goal is for students to become aware of the key considerations involved in resolving issues in educational contexts.

Language of instruction: Icelandic

Distance learning

Attendance required in class

Further information about the course

Programme in Course Catalogue

First year

Fall
STM032F
Financial operation of schools
Mandatory (required) course
5
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The aim of the course is for the participants to gain an increased understanding of schools´ external environment and the interplay between use of financial resources and education policies. Financing of education, cost structure in education and budget as management tool are discussed.
Distance learning
Prerequisites
Attendance required in class
Further information
STM212F
Theories of Educational Management, Institutions, and Organizations
Mandatory (required) course
10
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The purpose of this course is to enhance students understanding of some major concepts and thories of schools and other eductional institutions as organizations. An emphasis is put on assisting students in applying these concepts and theories to relevant organizational issues and problems.

Outline of content is as follows: A short overview of history and thought in educational administration; conflicts and dilemmas in administration; the school as an open system; the school as an organizational type; bureaucracy and the school; structure, power and politics; the school and its environment; motivation, human resources, equality, goals and goal setting; organizational climate and culture; organizational effectiveness, decision making and conflicts in organizations.
Distance learning
Prerequisites
Attendance required in class
Further information
STM033F
Education and human resource management
Mandatory (required) course
5
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description
Participants will acquire knowledge and competencies in the field of human resource management and be able to apply their knowledge in schoolwork or within other educational fields. The development of human resource management will be discussed, and emphasis will be placed on the latest theories on human resource management. The main topics of human resource management will be presented with an emphasis on participants understanding the main challenges and importance of human resource management for both theoretical and practical purposes.

The course is organized in sessions, real-time presence online and on-site.

The course is structured around lectures, discussions, group work, reading, and project work. Participants work on diverse and practical projects that are useful to them in their work.
Distance learning
Prerequisites
Attendance required in class
Further information
Spring 2
STM029F
Following the path of leadership in practice
Mandatory (required) course
5
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
5 ECTS, credits
2 fieldwork credits
Course Description
The goal of this course is that students will develop understanding, knowledge, and skills in key areas related to practical aspects of leadership and management (concerning the role of principals, assistant principals, and middle managers) in pre-schools, compulsory schools, upper secondary schools, and after school foundations. Furthermore, the goal is that they will encounter the influence of laws, regulations, and curriculum guides on the operation of schools and related institutes and the respective administrative roles.

The course will cover aspects of daily management in schools – aspects concerning issues of planning, budgeting, staffing, leading, developing, and evaluating. Students follow an administrator on-site for 2-3 weeks. Details concerning tasks and assignments will be given in the beginning of the course.

At the start of the term, students must contact the coordinator of the course in order to plan school placements. The course begins with a campus-based seminar where assignments are introduced. There is also a campus-based seminar at the end of the course where students share their field experiences.
Distance learning
Prerequisites
Attendance required in class
Further information
STM218F
Educational Law
Mandatory (required) course
5
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course provides students with insight into the legal framework of educational practice and how laws, regulations, and ethical standards shape the operation of educational institutions. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between legal, pedagogical, and administrative aspects and their relevance to professional leadership and policy-making, with the aim of strengthening school leaders in their role as responsible actors within the public system.

Participants work with real-life cases from school settings where legal, professional, and ethical perspectives intersect. By connecting theoretical concepts to their own experiences and analysing complex issues, students gain tools and confidence to make informed and professional decisions. The course is based on active participation, discussion, and reflection. The goal is for students to become aware of the key considerations involved in resolving issues in educational contexts.
Distance learning
Prerequisites
Attendance required in class
Further information

Programme in Course Catalogue

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.

More about the possibility of exchange studies abroad.

An education in this area will give you an advantage in management roles in:

Preschools
Compulsory schools
Upper secondary schools
Other educational institutions

This list is not exhaustive

Kennó is the organisation for student teachers at the University of Iceland. Kennó organises events such as socials for new students, annual galas and workplace tours. Kennó has also organised the Come and Teach project, which is aimed at publicising teaching degrees.

Follow Come and Teach on Facebook and Instagram.
More about the UI student's social life.

The programme provides a good understanding of the philosophy of vocational guidance and enhances essential skills for addressing the challenges of guidance work. It is beneficial for teachers guiding students in internships and newcomers to the profession.

This programme is invaluable for teachers. It has increased my confidence in mentoring student teachers and new educators, providing useful tools for professional collaboration.