The HA teacher training programme for the B.Ed. degree in kindergarten education provides solid preparation for work in kindergartens.
The aim is to provide knowledge on the basic aspects of teaching in kindergarten. At the same time, the programme lays the foundation for the skills needed to develop and shape schools, practice research and pursue further studies. In addition to kindergarten studies, the programme offers Icelandic as a second language, providing students with a solid foundation in Icelandic grammar, vocabulary, and syntax, as well as an understanding of Icelandic society and culture.
The emphasis on Icelandic as a second language is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding and proficiency in the Icelandic language. The programme covers various aspects of the language, including grammar, vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. You can expect to develop strong oral and written communication skills in Icelandic, along with a solid foundation in grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. The programme focuses on improving speaking abilities and reading comprehension skills, enabling you to engage confidently in discussions and enhancing your understanding of a wide range of Icelandic texts.
Students need to attend to electronically four mornings or afternoons each week for 2 hours.
You can view the organisation of the programme further down the page and in Ugla, the university's teaching website.
Studying for a B.Ed. degree in teacher education is the first part of a five-year study for an M.Ed. degree, which itself provides the teaching qualification.
Students choose their field of choice as soon as they apply for admission to the school. The first year of the B.Ed. programme is still largely common to all student teachers, but the distinction becomes even greater in the second year of study.
In the third year of study, students in preschool schools expand their specialisation with electives.
The programme is designed to include knowledge of Icelandic so that you can learn the relevant vocabulary to be able to discuss educational issues in Icelandic.
You can view the organisation of the programme further down the page and in Ugla, the university's teaching website.
The goal of the programme is to provide students with a comprehensive insight into teacher education.
Studying for a BEd degree does not provide specific professional qualifications, but it is an important preparation for further study aiming at a teaching qualification. The BEd degree is useful in jobs within the education system and in the general labour market.
The programme provides access to studies in education leading to to the MEd or MT degree and to studies in educational science as a preparation for the MA degree or diploma. Please note that an MEd or MT degree is required to obtain a teaching licence.
The skills in Icelandic acquired during the programme will enable you to improve your chances of finding adequate employment in the labour market.
Social life is an important part of university education and the social life of students at HA is lively and robust.
All students at the university are members of the Student Association of the University of Akureyri (SHA), but each department also has its own student organization. Kumpáni is an association of social science students; you may wish to consult Facebook for further details on this.
The general requirement is that applicants have completed a matriculation examination or equivalent, a final examination from a secondary school at the third qualification level, an equivalent foreign examination or 60 ECTS credits from a recognized university – or, alternatively, other academic prerequisites the Faculty of Social Sciences deems satisfactory.
All applicants must take an Icelandic entrance examination on June 10, 12:00–13:30. The fee is ISK 15,000. The test can be taken at approved centres across Iceland (any additional local fees are the applicant’s responsibility), at the University of Akureyri, or at the University of Iceland. It assesses basic Icelandic skills in reading and listening. Sample examination tasks can be found here:
All applicants whose native language is not English, are required to provide proof of English proficiency. The minimum score for English proficiency is TOEFL 79, IELTS 6.5 or PTE academic 58.
We would like to point out that if the number of applicants who meet the general admission requirements exceeds the number criteria, applications will be prioritised as follows:
Applicants will then be ranked according to the sum of these factors and admitted in that order.
Applications that do not meet the general admission requirements are evaluated independently. It is important, therefore, that applicants submit a letter of introduction together with information relating to previous studies.
All undergraduate programmes at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Akureyri are flexible; that is, the department takes equal care of both those students who want to study in real time and be part of the university community, and those who prefer more pliable arrangements. All students adhere to the same curriculum and performance requirements.
However, you have to keep in mind that the Icelandic course will be taught online but in real time, and therefore requires your presence online while the lectures are being delivered.
Students who attend in real time on site or via interactive teleconferencing equipment can participate in teacher-student discussions in the classroom. In individual courses, all students participate in presentations and discussions in real time. Most traditional lectures are recorded and posted on a teaching website. Thus, you can watch lectures when it suits you and as often as you wish.
All distance learning students visit Akureyri several times throughout the school year for short study periods where the main focus is on project work and discussions. Here, you will have the opportunity to meet teachers, fellow students and other university staff and connect even better with your university community.
All students have the option to take part of their studies at a foreign partner university. You will receive a waiver of the tuition fees of the guest school and pay only the enrolment fee in HA. An international representative assists you in applying for the program, accommodation and student grant.
Applications are submitted electronically our online application portal, with an electronic ID and will be open from beginning of March until June 5th.
The undergraduate study in preschool education is a fun and diverse course, which prepared me well for further education and my job as a teacher. The course is personal, as you get to know teachers and fellow students well. The flexibility of the course is an important advantage, which was useful for me in the course itself and especially after I started working as a teacher alongside my studies.
In this course, the main focus is on reading and writing skills. Students build their vocabulary and practice their reading comprehension by reading a selection of newspaper articles, literary texts and academic papers. A set of language usage and grammar elements will be covered. Syntax, style, register and text structure will be considered. The aforementioned elements will be practiced in writing assignments during class and as homework.
Active participation and preparation on the part of the student is required.
The emphasis is on listening comprehension, pronunciation and speaking exercises. The Icelandic sound system is introduced and practiced as well as pronunciation stress and intonation. Comprehension of spoken language is trained with listening and conversation exercises. Students will practice speaking about their daily life and give short presentations on familiar topics. The course is taught alongside Reading and language usage I and material and vocabulary from that course will also be used. Active participation and preparation on the part of the student is required.
The academic skills and research methods for social sciences course is designed to equip students with the essential skills, knowledge and methods necessary to excel in their academic pursuits. In addition to practising key academic proficiencies such as writing and critical thinking, students will learn about the principal research methodologies used in the social sciences. The course covers both qualitative and quantitative research approaches, including surveys, interviews, case studies, and ethnography. Students will engage in hands-on activities to apply these methodologies while deepening their understanding of argumentation and scholarly communication. The course will also be an opportunity to reflect on responsible research practices, including ethical considerations, integrity in academic work, and the societal impact of research. By integrating methodological training with academic skill-building, this course prepares students to conduct rigorous and ethically sound research.
This course is a direct continuation of Reading and language usage I. The main focus will be on continuing to build vocabulary by reading and writing. Participants will read a selection of newspaper articles, literary texts and academic papers connected to their studies. Those texts will also be used to practice language usage, vocabulary and grammar. Syntax, style, register and text structure will be considered. The composition of formal texts will be trained. Active participation and preparation on the part of the student is required.
This course is a direct continuation of Speaking and listening I. The emphasis is on listening comprehension, pronunciation and speaking exercises. Phonetics, pronunciation, stress and intonation will be exercised further. Students receive training in speech comprehension and the recognition of certain phonetic elements. Furthermore, students will practice discussing familiar topics and expressing their opinions thereof, for instance by delivering talks on specific subjects. The course is taught alongside Reading and language usage II and material and vocabulary from that course will also be used. Active participation and preparation on the part of the student is required.
This course focuses on individual development from pregnancy through middle childhood. It covers genetic, biological, and social factors influencing development, and how these factors interact. Major theories and perspectives on physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional are discussed, focusing on key developmental stages.
This course is for students who have finished Reading and language usage I and II as well as Speaking and listening I and II. Students receive training in the four main skills; reading, writing, listening and speaking. Different registers of speech and text will be introduced. Students will read and listen to a selection of texts to build their academic vocabulary and practice the vocabulary by writing short essays and giving presentations. Active participation and preparation on the part of the student is required.
This course is a direct continuation of Academic Icelandic I. Students will continue practicing their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills with the aim of being able to participate in an Icelandic academic setting. Students will work on various assignments concerning their studies at the University of Akureyri. Emphasis will be placed on the students’ ability to pursue their Icelandic studies in an autonomous manner. Active participation and preparation on the part of the student is required.
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 development. 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.
