Icelandic Qualification Framework for Higher Education
The National Qualification Framework for higher education in Iceland is a systematic description of the structure of qualifications and degrees at the higher education level and is specifically based on learning outcomes. All higher education institutions in Iceland, accredited by the Minister of Education, Science and Culture according to the Higher Education Act no. 63/2006, shall follow this framework.
This document contains a description of the framework that higher education institutions must comply with in their description of learning out-comes for the various qualifications. It also describes the connection of the framework with quality assurance system of higher education institutions.
1. Structure of Higher Education.
1.1 Higher Education.
The role of higher education institutions is defined in the Higher Education Act, No 63/2006, which applies to educational institutions providing higher education leading to a degree or any other type of university level qualification. The term “higher education” refers to all education provided at the university level. This covers institutions considered to be traditional universities, providing teaching and research in a wide range of subject areas, but also universities with specialized focus and teaching institutions without an obligation to conduct research. The National Qualification Framework presented here applies to higher education institutions under the authority of the Minister responsible for higher education. Table 1 provides an overview of the organisation and structure of degrees awarded by higher education institutions in Iceland.
This document contains a description of the framework that higher education institutions must comply with in their description of learning out-comes for the various qualifications. It also describes the connection of the framework with quality assurance system of higher education institutions.
1. Structure of Higher Education.
1.1 Higher Education.
The role of higher education institutions is defined in the Higher Education Act, No 63/2006, which applies to educational institutions providing higher education leading to a degree or any other type of university level qualification. The term “higher education” refers to all education provided at the university level. This covers institutions considered to be traditional universities, providing teaching and research in a wide range of subject areas, but also universities with specialized focus and teaching institutions without an obligation to conduct research. The National Qualification Framework presented here applies to higher education institutions under the authority of the Minister responsible for higher education. Table 1 provides an overview of the organisation and structure of degrees awarded by higher education institutions in Iceland.
Diploma (5.1) has the following definition: Higher education qualification awarded to students who have completed between 60 and 120 ECTS credits while enroled in a structured study programme.
Bachelor’s degree (5.2) has the following definition: Higher education qualification awarded to students who have completed between 180 and 240 ECTS credits while enroled in a structured study programme.
The second higher education cycle includes two levels: master’s level certificate and other postgraduate qualifications (6.1) and master’s degree (6.2).
Master’s level certificate and other postgraduate qualifications (6.1) has the following definition: Higher education qualification awarded to students who have completed between 60 and 120 ECTS credits while enroled in a structured second-cycle study programme. ‘Master’s level certificate’ includes all studies at the master’s level for which between 60 and 89 ECTS credits are awarded. ‘Other postgraduate qualifications’ includes studies at the master’s level for which between 90 and 120 ECTS are awarded, but which do not require the completion of a research or end-of-studies project worth 30 ECTS credits.
Master’s degree (6.2) has the following definition: Higher education qualification awarded to students who have completed between 90 and 120 ECTS credits while enroled in a structured second-cycle programme. A master’s degree includes a research or end-of-studies project worth at least 30 ECTS credits.
The third higher education cycle includes two levels: master of philosophy (7.1) and doctorate (7.2).
Master of philosophy (7.1) has the following definition: Higher education qualification awarded to students who have completed at least one-half (between 90 and 180 ECTS credits) of a structured third-cycle programme leading to a doctorate. A master of philosophy degree must include a research project worth at least 90 ECTS credits. The award of a master of philosophy degree will be possible only in exceptional cases, and no option exists to enrol students into this level of studies.
Doctorate (7.2) has the following definition: Higher education qualification awarded to students who have completed at least 180 ECTS credits while enroled in a structured third-cycle programme. Studies toward a doctorate must include a research project which meets international criteria for doctoral theses and has been successfully defended.