This is a 60 ECTS diploma for people who have completed a qualification for preschool assistants at the upper secondary school level.
The objective of the programme is to prepare students for further study in preschool teacher education.
Completing this programme grants access to the B.Ed. programme in preschool teacher education at UI or UA. All credits from the diploma may be transferred to the B.Ed. programme.
Students study part-time (50%) over two years with a mixture of on-site and distance learning.
Upon graduation from a teacher's program at an Icelandic university, a teacher must have a competency in Icelandic that corresponds to a minimum of C1 in the European Language Framework.
Here you can see the Language Framework of the Council of Europe.
Applicants must have completed preparatory studies at the secondary level, comparable to a preschool assistant programme (Icelandic: leikskólabrú, leikskólaliði), and have three years' work experience in a preschool.
60 credits are required for the diploma
Check below to see how the programme is structured.
This programme does not offer specialisations.
The main aims of the course are that students gain knowledge about, and insight into the role and position of the preschool in the Icelandic educational system, how different ideology, visions and attitudes are embedded in the goals and methods in preschool education, the role of preschool teachers in children‘s learning.
It is an introductory course in preschool education where the emphasis is on presenting the educational role and the professional workplace of preschool teachers. The fundamental view is that children are entitled to challenging projects and opportunities to participate in society which is based on equality and democratic participation.
The main objective of the course is to prepare students for reading, writing and communicating academic texts.
The course will cover various types of scholarly material and its representation. Students will familiarize themselves with different aspects of academic writing and learn to distinguish between different genres. Students will be trained in independent and critical reading of different texts. Copyright, plagiarism, and fake news will also be discussed.
Students will acquire skills in working with academic texts, such as abstracts and summaries and in using sources when writing their own texts. They will also receive instructions in making bibliographies and using citation systems. Students will also be trained in using source material in their own writing and distinguish between their own voice and the source.
The course is taught at the University of Akureyri - see course catalogue
This course introduces methods of dramatic expression related to caring, trust and feelings of security in children, as a mechanism to bolster tolerance, friendship, and expression. Focus is on the importance of movement and training in pre- and primary school settings, creation, and choice of plays, and how this relates to other activities and learning processes.
The course covers the historical background of play and ideas and attitudes relating to it. The main theories on play and development of play are examined with emphasis on the importance of play as a way for children to learn and develop. Manifestations of play and types of play are covered, as well as theories on the effects of play on children’s brain development and thus at the same time general development of individuals. The subject of the course is furthermore how play reflects the experiences of children, the culture and society that they live in. Attention is given to the importance of friendship in play and play development and how communication can be both positive and negative (bullying). Students will work on practical assignments in field work.
In the course, students enhance their knowledge of creative work with young children, the creative process, expression, and the learning that takes place when young children's ideas, emotions and imagination are allowed to flow freely. Students are trained in creative work with children in relation to visual arts, music, dance and drama, and also learn how to link creative work with a broad range of fields, such as sustainability, culture, technology and science. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on students familiarizing themselves with the main theories pertaining to the value of children's artistic upbringing.
The transition from home to preschool where communication between preschool teachers, children and parents are in focus. Children‘s (1-3 years) perspectives and learning in preschool and how children create their communities through playful actions will be discussed. Organization of the learning environment, care, play material and preschool teacher‘s views and how it creates conditions for how children are supported in their play and peer relationships will be addressed. Value of creative work such as music and crafts with young children and how subject areas in the curriculum are interwoven in the preschool work will also been looked into.
After completing the course, students shall:
This course introduces students to scholarly writings and research on children’s musical development and teaches current methods in music education for early childhood. The readings of the course are on the current knowledge about the effects of music from birth and through the first years of life.
The course is taught at the University of Akureyri - see course catalogue
The course focuses on the subjects of education and work with children and youngsters in light of the technological developments of the present day. The discussion includes the effects of the internet, social media and smart technology on the daily life and learning of children and youngsters and the learning and working environment of those who wish to educate themselves to work with this age group. There is a focus on the effects of present-day technological developments on goals and subjects which are included in Icelandic educational policy and are reflected in the defined fundamental pillars of education at each time. The subjects dealt with in the course furthermore have the aim of making students aware of ethical aspects and guidelines that must be kept in mind when using the possibilities of the internet, social media and smart technology. In connection with this, the focus is, for example, on online bullying and its manifestations. Emphasis is placed on students using analytical and critical thinking as a guiding principle when working with course subjects and on students presenting ideas on how to use technology for knowledge acquisition, creation, expression, dissemination, cooperation and evaluation of learning.
The main aims of the course are that students gain knowledge about, and insight into the role and position of the preschool in the Icelandic educational system, how different ideology, visions and attitudes are embedded in the goals and methods in preschool education, the role of preschool teachers in children‘s learning.
It is an introductory course in preschool education where the emphasis is on presenting the educational role and the professional workplace of preschool teachers. The fundamental view is that children are entitled to challenging projects and opportunities to participate in society which is based on equality and democratic participation.
The main objective of the course is to prepare students for reading, writing and communicating academic texts.
The course will cover various types of scholarly material and its representation. Students will familiarize themselves with different aspects of academic writing and learn to distinguish between different genres. Students will be trained in independent and critical reading of different texts. Copyright, plagiarism, and fake news will also be discussed.
Students will acquire skills in working with academic texts, such as abstracts and summaries and in using sources when writing their own texts. They will also receive instructions in making bibliographies and using citation systems. Students will also be trained in using source material in their own writing and distinguish between their own voice and the source.
The course is taught at the University of Akureyri - see course catalogue
This course introduces methods of dramatic expression related to caring, trust and feelings of security in children, as a mechanism to bolster tolerance, friendship, and expression. Focus is on the importance of movement and training in pre- and primary school settings, creation, and choice of plays, and how this relates to other activities and learning processes.
The course covers the historical background of play and ideas and attitudes relating to it. The main theories on play and development of play are examined with emphasis on the importance of play as a way for children to learn and develop. Manifestations of play and types of play are covered, as well as theories on the effects of play on children’s brain development and thus at the same time general development of individuals. The subject of the course is furthermore how play reflects the experiences of children, the culture and society that they live in. Attention is given to the importance of friendship in play and play development and how communication can be both positive and negative (bullying). Students will work on practical assignments in field work.
In the course, students enhance their knowledge of creative work with young children, the creative process, expression, and the learning that takes place when young children's ideas, emotions and imagination are allowed to flow freely. Students are trained in creative work with children in relation to visual arts, music, dance and drama, and also learn how to link creative work with a broad range of fields, such as sustainability, culture, technology and science. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on students familiarizing themselves with the main theories pertaining to the value of children's artistic upbringing.
The transition from home to preschool where communication between preschool teachers, children and parents are in focus. Children‘s (1-3 years) perspectives and learning in preschool and how children create their communities through playful actions will be discussed. Organization of the learning environment, care, play material and preschool teacher‘s views and how it creates conditions for how children are supported in their play and peer relationships will be addressed. Value of creative work such as music and crafts with young children and how subject areas in the curriculum are interwoven in the preschool work will also been looked into.
After completing the course, students shall:
This course introduces students to scholarly writings and research on children’s musical development and teaches current methods in music education for early childhood. The readings of the course are on the current knowledge about the effects of music from birth and through the first years of life.
The course is taught at the University of Akureyri - see course catalogue
The course focuses on the subjects of education and work with children and youngsters in light of the technological developments of the present day. The discussion includes the effects of the internet, social media and smart technology on the daily life and learning of children and youngsters and the learning and working environment of those who wish to educate themselves to work with this age group. There is a focus on the effects of present-day technological developments on goals and subjects which are included in Icelandic educational policy and are reflected in the defined fundamental pillars of education at each time. The subjects dealt with in the course furthermore have the aim of making students aware of ethical aspects and guidelines that must be kept in mind when using the possibilities of the internet, social media and smart technology. In connection with this, the focus is, for example, on online bullying and its manifestations. Emphasis is placed on students using analytical and critical thinking as a guiding principle when working with course subjects and on students presenting ideas on how to use technology for knowledge acquisition, creation, expression, dissemination, cooperation and evaluation of learning.
The main aims of the course are that students gain knowledge about, and insight into the role and position of the preschool in the Icelandic educational system, how different ideology, visions and attitudes are embedded in the goals and methods in preschool education, the role of preschool teachers in children‘s learning.
It is an introductory course in preschool education where the emphasis is on presenting the educational role and the professional workplace of preschool teachers. The fundamental view is that children are entitled to challenging projects and opportunities to participate in society which is based on equality and democratic participation.
The main objective of the course is to prepare students for reading, writing and communicating academic texts.
The course will cover various types of scholarly material and its representation. Students will familiarize themselves with different aspects of academic writing and learn to distinguish between different genres. Students will be trained in independent and critical reading of different texts. Copyright, plagiarism, and fake news will also be discussed.
Students will acquire skills in working with academic texts, such as abstracts and summaries and in using sources when writing their own texts. They will also receive instructions in making bibliographies and using citation systems. Students will also be trained in using source material in their own writing and distinguish between their own voice and the source.
The course is taught at the University of Akureyri - see course catalogue
This course introduces methods of dramatic expression related to caring, trust and feelings of security in children, as a mechanism to bolster tolerance, friendship, and expression. Focus is on the importance of movement and training in pre- and primary school settings, creation, and choice of plays, and how this relates to other activities and learning processes.
The course covers the historical background of play and ideas and attitudes relating to it. The main theories on play and development of play are examined with emphasis on the importance of play as a way for children to learn and develop. Manifestations of play and types of play are covered, as well as theories on the effects of play on children’s brain development and thus at the same time general development of individuals. The subject of the course is furthermore how play reflects the experiences of children, the culture and society that they live in. Attention is given to the importance of friendship in play and play development and how communication can be both positive and negative (bullying). Students will work on practical assignments in field work.
In the course, students enhance their knowledge of creative work with young children, the creative process, expression, and the learning that takes place when young children's ideas, emotions and imagination are allowed to flow freely. Students are trained in creative work with children in relation to visual arts, music, dance and drama, and also learn how to link creative work with a broad range of fields, such as sustainability, culture, technology and science. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on students familiarizing themselves with the main theories pertaining to the value of children's artistic upbringing.
The transition from home to preschool where communication between preschool teachers, children and parents are in focus. Children‘s (1-3 years) perspectives and learning in preschool and how children create their communities through playful actions will be discussed. Organization of the learning environment, care, play material and preschool teacher‘s views and how it creates conditions for how children are supported in their play and peer relationships will be addressed. Value of creative work such as music and crafts with young children and how subject areas in the curriculum are interwoven in the preschool work will also been looked into.
After completing the course, students shall:
This course introduces students to scholarly writings and research on children’s musical development and teaches current methods in music education for early childhood. The readings of the course are on the current knowledge about the effects of music from birth and through the first years of life.
The course is taught at the University of Akureyri - see course catalogue
The course focuses on the subjects of education and work with children and youngsters in light of the technological developments of the present day. The discussion includes the effects of the internet, social media and smart technology on the daily life and learning of children and youngsters and the learning and working environment of those who wish to educate themselves to work with this age group. There is a focus on the effects of present-day technological developments on goals and subjects which are included in Icelandic educational policy and are reflected in the defined fundamental pillars of education at each time. The subjects dealt with in the course furthermore have the aim of making students aware of ethical aspects and guidelines that must be kept in mind when using the possibilities of the internet, social media and smart technology. In connection with this, the focus is, for example, on online bullying and its manifestations. Emphasis is placed on students using analytical and critical thinking as a guiding principle when working with course subjects and on students presenting ideas on how to use technology for knowledge acquisition, creation, expression, dissemination, cooperation and evaluation of learning.
Changes may occur for the autumn semester in August and September and for the spring semester in December and January. You will find your final timetable in Ugla when the studies start.
Note! This timetable is not suitable for planning your work schedule if you are a part-time employee.
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.
Knowledge of preschool teaching can open up careers in:
This list is not exhaustive.
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