Master’s degree programmes in Iceland’s higher education system. 

1. Branches of Study 

Master’s programmes (meistarapróf) in Iceland comprise 30–120 ECTS credits, corresponding to six months to two years of full-time study. Full workload is defined as 60 ECTS per academic year. Master’s programmes are offered at the University of Iceland, the University of Reykjavík, the University of Akureyri, the Agricultural University of Iceland, Bifröst University, and the Iceland University of the Arts. Fields range from humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to business, engineering, law, health sciences, education, agriculture, and the arts. 

2. Admission Requirements 

Admission requires a completed bachelor’s degree (B.A., B.S., or B.Ed.) in the relevant field or a closely related discipline. Some programmes require a minimum grade point average of 7.25 on the 1–10 scale. Research-oriented programmes typically require agreement from a supervisor and an accepted research project proposal. Institutions may apply additional criteria. 

3. Curriculum 

Institutions design their own programme regulations within the NQF framework. Learning outcomes must be defined for each programme. Coursework typically combines taught modules, independent research, and a master’s thesis or final project. Icelandic is the primary language of instruction, but a growing number of master’s courses are taught in English. 

4. Teaching Methods 

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, individual supervision, thesis writing, ICT-integrated methods, and, in some programmes, distance learning. Research-oriented programmes place particular emphasis on individual supervision and independent scholarly work. 

5. Progression of Students 

Students may retake examinations in individual courses once. Year repetition is permitted a maximum of twice. Institutions set completion timeframes, which vary by programme. Flexible study arrangements may be available for part-time students. 

6. Employability 

Professional disciplines such as teaching, social work, and health sciences require practical experience as part of the programme. Institutions mediate placements with employers, schools, and health care providers. Career guidance services are available at most institutions. 

7. Student Assessment 

Assessment methods include written, oral, and practical examinations, semester papers, and research reports. A master’s thesis or research project is required for degree completion. External examiners are used in some programmes. Grading typically follows a 1–10 numerical scale. 

8. Certification 

Graduates receive a master’s degree along with a Diploma Supplement. The Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education publishes a list of recognised degrees. Degree titles vary by field and institution (e.g., M.A., M.S., M.Ed., M.B.A.).