Teacher training - basic and specialist teacher training - Iceland

The School of Education at the University of Iceland and its predecessor the the Iceland University of Education has been the leader in teacher education in Iceland for over 100 years. The School of Education educates teachers for pre-schools, basic schools and upper secondary schools, sports and health scientists, social educators and leisure professionals. The School is divided into three faculties: Sport, Leisure Studies and Social Education, Teacher Education and Educational Studies.
The Faculty of Teacher Education offers undergraduate and graduate studies in Teacher Education and Pre-school Teacher Education. In addition, Teacher Certification Studies are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Undergraduate programmes

Teacher Education (B.Ed. 180 ECTS)
Pre-school Teacher Education (B.Ed. 180 ECTS
Teacher Certification (60 ECTS)

Graduate programmes

Teaching Studies (M.Ed. 120 ECTS)
Teacher Certification (60 ECTS)

The faculty of Sport, Leisure Studies and Social Education offers academic programmes in Sport and Health Sciences, Leisure Studies and Social Education.

Undergraduate programmes

Sport and health sciences (B.Ed. and BS 180 ECTS)
Leisure studies (B.A. 180 ECTS)
Social education (B.A. 180 ECTS)

Graduate programmes

Sport and health sciences (M.Ed. and M.S. 120 ECTS)
Leisure studies (M.Ed. 120 ECTS)
Social education (M.Ed. 120 ECTS)

The faculty of Educational Studies offers graduate studies in education as well as International Studies in Education. In addition, a variety of professional master’s programmes are offered for practicing teachers and administrators in pre-schools, primary schools and upper-secondary schools, as well as vigorous research-based programmes at the master’s and doctoral levels.

Undergraduate programmes

International studies in Education (B.A. 180 ECTS)

Graduate programmes

International studies in Education (M.A. 120 ECTS)
Education studies (M.Ed, M.A. 120 ECTS and Ed.D 180 ECTS)
Educational administration and evaluation studies (M.Ed. 120 ECTS)
Special education (M.Ed. 120 ECTS)
Educational studies with an emphasis on philosopy of education (M.ED. 120 ECTS)
Postgraduate programmes
Educational studies (Ph.D. 180-240 ECTS)

Due to the shortage of fully trained special educators many special schools and units hire regular teachers on a temporary basis. The same applies to mainstream schools. Approximately 5% of teachers employed at compulsory schools in Iceland are trained special educators.
 
Further information on teacher education in the School of Education can be found in the course catalogue at: https://ugla.hi.is/kennsluskra/index.php?tab=skoli&chapter=content&id=9276

Course Catalogue of the University of Iceland. Reykjavík 2008.