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 that provide education leading to a degree or other qualifications at tertiary level. The term, higher education, applies to all education at tertiary level. It applies equally to traditional universities that carry out teaching and research in various scientific fields, as well as to specialized higher education institutions and to educational institutions without research obligations.

The National Qualification Framework presented here applies to higher education institutions under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture. Table 1 shows the organisation and structure of qualifications and degrees awarded at higher education institutions in Iceland.

ISCED		Credits (ECTS)	Total Credits (ECTS)
5	Cycle 1.1 Diploma	30 - 120	30 - 120
6	Cycle 1.2 Bachelor's Degree	180 240	180 - 240
7	Cycle 2.1 Qualification at Master Level Þrep 2.2 Master's Degree	30 - 120 90 - 120	210 - 360 270 - 360
8	Cycle 3 Doctoral Degree	180 -	450 -

The first higher education cycle includes two stages, Diploma (1.1) and Bachelor´s degree (1.2).

Diploma is defined as: Qualification obtained at a higher education institution where the holder has completed 30 – 120 ECTS credits of an organised study programme.

Bachelor´s Degree is defined as: Qualification obtained at a higher education institution where the holder has completed 180 – 240 ECTS credits of an organised study pro-gramme.

The second higher education cycle includes two stages, the first stage is a Qualification at Master level (2.1) and the second stage is a Master´s degree (2.2).

Qualification at Master level is defined as: Qualification obtained at a higher education institution where the holder has completed 30 – 120 ECTS credits of an organised study programme at the second cycle of higher education. Qualification at Master level includes qualifications which either do not include a research project, or the project is of less than 30 ECTS credits.

Examples of degrees and qualifications at this stage (2.1.) are:

MPA, MBA, Diploma at Master level, Candidatus degree, etc.

 Master´s Degree is defined as: Qualification obtained at a higher education institution where the holder has completed 90 – 120 ECTS credits of an organised study pro-gramme at the second cycle of higher education. A Master´s degree includes a research project of at least 30 ECTS credits.

Examples of qualifications at this stage (2.2) are:

MS MS and MA degrees shall only be used for qualifications at cycle 2.2, MA, Mag.Jur, ML and Cand.Psych.

The third higher education cycle has one stage, the Doctoral degree (3).

Doctoral degree is defined as: Qualification from a higher education institution where the holder has completed at least 180 ECTS credits of an organised study programme at the third cycle of higher education. A Doctoral degree shall include a research project that fulfils international criteria for a Doctoral thesis.

1.2 Study Year and Workload.

According to the Higher Education Act no. 63/2006, teaching in higher education institutions shall be organised in courses that are evaluated according to standardized credits (ECTS). The higher education level applies credits equivalent to the European Credit Transfer System. A full study programme shall normally consist of 60 credits per academic year and reflect all student workload during that time.

Student workload includes class attendance, preparation, project work and assessment. One ECTS credit normally consists of 25 – 30 hours student workload.

Only those higher education institutions that have been accredited by the Minister of Education, Science and Culture are allowed to use ECTS credits for study assessment.

Teaching and assessment should reflect the framework of the relevant course or study programme.

Higher education studies conclude with a degree or other defined qualification, which is granted when a student has achieved all learning out-comes of the relevant study programme.

1.3 Admission Requirements for Higher Education.

As a main rule, students enrolling in higher education institution must have completed matriculation examination or equivalent level of study. Higher education institutions can accept students who possess equivalent level of maturity and knowledge as assessed by the respective higher education institution. It must be ensured that higher education institutions’ admission requirements and study standards correspond to those required in certified higher education institutions within similar fields in other countries. The Higher Education Act allows higher education institutions to set specific admission requirements for students enrolling in study at higher education level such as requiring students, who meet with the aforementioned demands, to pass an entrance examination or assessment.

Students enrolling in studies at second cycle shall have completed a Bachelor´s degree or equivalent three-year study at higher education level. Students are expected to enrol in a study pro-gramme that is based on the learning outcomes they have acquired during studies at the first cycle of higher education.

Students enrolling in Doctoral studies are as a rule required to have completed Master´s degree or Candidatus degree from cycle/stage 4.2.2.

Higher education institutions that offer Doctoral studies according to an accreditation provided by the Minister of Education, Science and Culture have fulfilled the rules for Doctoral studies no. 37/2007, cf. paragraph 4, article 7, of the Higher Education Act no. 63/2006.

2. Structure of the National Qualifications Framework for higher education.

The National Qualifications Framework defines and describes studies and degrees at higher education level (Level 4), from Diploma to Doctoral degree.

The framework defines knowledge, skills and competences for each cycle/stage.

Knowledge is defined as collection of facts, concepts, theories and techniques acquired by the degree holder. Knowledge can both be theoretical and applied.

Skills entail the ability to apply knowledge. Skills can indicate general skills that are not limited to a certain scientific field or profession, as well as specific skills.

Competences entail the ability to apply know-ledge and skills to work and study.

2.1 Degree Descriptors.

Following is the criteria defined for each degree



Diploma Cycle 1.1 30 – 120 ECTS

Admission requirements: matriculation exami-nation or equivalent. Higher education institutions or individual faculties can make specific require-ments regarding the combination and focus of the matriculation examination.

A Diploma can provide access to study programmes leading to Bachelor´s degree, stage 1.2. Higher education institutions or individual faculties can set specific requirements regarding the composition of the qualification and for a minimum grade required for entering studies at cycle 1.2.

Knowledge:

Diploma holders possess knowledge of the relevant field or profession.

This entails that holders:

• have gained insight into selected theories and concepts
• are able to distinguish between scientific explanations and other explanations
• understand and know the state of the scientific field in a wider context.

Skills:

Diploma holders can apply the methods and procedures of the field or profession

This entails that holders:

• can prepare, organise and implement projects
• can apply the basic skills and technology relevant to the field
• can use statistical and graphical data
• can communicate issues related to the field or profession in an organised and comprehensible manner
• have developed an innovative way of thinking
• can describe simple scientific topics and research findings.

Competences:

Diploma holders can apply their knowledge and skills in a practical way in their profession and further studies

This entails that holders:

• have developed the learning skills necessary to embark on further studies
• show initiative and autonomy
• can cooperate with others in projects.

Bachelor´s degree Cycle 1.2 180 – 240 ECTS

Admission requirements: matriculation exami-nation or equivalent. Higher education institutions or individual faculties can make specific require-ments regarding the combination and focus of the matriculation examination.

A Bachelor´s degree provides access to further studies at cycles 2.1 and 2.2. Higher education institutions or individual faculties may require a minimum grade for admission to studies at cycles 2.1 and 2.2.

Knowledge:

Degree holders possess knowledge of the relevant field or profession.

This entails that holders:

• have acquired general understanding and insight into main theories and concepts
• are aware of the latest knowledge in the relevant field
• can apply the basic elements of information technology.

Skills:

Degree holders can apply the methods and procedures of the field or profession

This entails that holders:

• can use the relevant equipment, technology and software
• can apply critical analytic methods
• can rationalise their decisions
• can evaluate critically the methods applied
• recognise when further data is needed and have the ability to retrieve it, assess its relia-bility and apply it in an appropriate manner
• can use reliable data- and information resources in the relevant scientific field
• have acquired an open-minded and innovative way of thinking.

Competences:

Degree holders can apply their knowledge and skills in a practical way in their profession and/or further studies

This entails that holders:

• have developed the competences and independence needed for further studies within the field
• can work in an independent and organised manner, set goals for their work, devise a work schedule and follow it
• can participate actively and lead work groups
• are capable of interpreting and presenting scientific issues and research findings.

Qualification at Master level Cycle 2.1 30 – 120 ECTS

Admission requirements: Bachelor ´s degree from cycle 1.2, or equivalent. First class grade is usually required.

Higher education institutions or faculties can define further admission requirements for studies at cycle 3.

These qualifications can vary in duration and content. Therefore, the definitions in the table below apply only when referring to full two-year studies at Master level. Diploma studies or other qualifications comply only partly with this definition and the table below is structured with that in mind. Candidatus degrees are defined as master level qualification.

Knowledge:

Degree holders possess knowledge within a defined field of the relevant profession.

This entails that holders:

• possess knowledge and understanding of scientific subjects and challenges
• can provide arguments for their own solutions
• can place latest knowledge into context in the relevant field
• are familiar with research methods in their scientific field
• have knowledge of science ethics.

Skills:

Degree holders can apply methods and procedures of a defined scientific field or profession

This entails that holders:

• have adopted relevant methods and procedures
• are capable of analyzing statistical informa-tion
• can understand and tackle complex subjects in a professional context
• can apply their knowledge and under-standing with a professional approach
• can use the relevant equipment, technology and software
• can collect, analyse and evaluate scientific data
• are innovative in developing and applying ideas
• can apply their knowledge, understanding and proficiency for resolution in new and unfamiliar situations or in an interdiscip-linary context
• are capable of integrating knowledge, resolve complex issues and present an opinion based on the available information
• can recognise novelties which are based on scientific theories and/or experiments
• can apply the methods of the relevant scientific field and/or profession to present, develop and solve projects
• understand research and research findings.

Competences:

Degree holders can apply their knowledge and skills in a practical way in their profession and/or further studies

This entails that holders:

• have developed the necessary learning skills and independence for further studies
• can initiate and lead projects within the scientific field and be responsible for the work of individuals and groups
• can communicate scientific information, challenges and findings to scholars as well as to general audience
• are capable of presenting and describing scientific issues and research findings in a foreign language
• can make decisions in an independent, professional manner and support them
• can decide which analytical methods and complex theories are applicable
• can communicate statistical information.

Master´s Degree Cycle 2.2 90 – 120 ECTS

Admission requirements: Cycle 1.2 qualification or equivalent. First class grade is usually required.

Higher education institutions or individual faculties can define further admission require-ments for studies at cycle 2.2.

Research-based Master´s degrees (MA/MSc) provide access to third cycle studies. Higher education institutions or individual faculties may require a minimum grade. The scope of the research element and/or the final project shall cover at least 30 ECTS.

Knowledge:

Degree holders possess knowledge of a defined area of a scientific field or profession.

This entails that holders:

• possess knowledge of scientific subjects and challenges
• have acquired knowledge through research
• can provide arguments for their own findings
• can place the latest knowledge in context within the relevant specialised field
• are familiar with the research methods within their scientific field
• have knowledge of science ethics.

 
Skills:

Degree holders can apply methods and procedures of a defined area of a scientific field or profession

This entails that holders:

• have adopted relevant methods and procedures
• are capable of analyzing and imparting statistical information
• can understand and tackle complex subjects in a professional context
• can apply their knowledge and under-standing in their scientific and professional work
• can use the relevant equipment, technology and software
• can collect, analyse and evaluate scientific data
• are innovative in developing and applying ideas
• can apply their knowledge, understanding and proficiency in new and unfamiliar situations or in an interdisciplinary context
• can develop projects and place them in context by applying methods based on scientific theories and/or experiments
• are capable of integrating knowledge, resolve complex issues and present an opinion based on the available information
• can effectively apply research methods and implement small-scale research projects
• understand research and research findings.

Competences:

Degree holders can apply their knowledge and skills in their profession and/or further study

This entails that holders:

• have developed the necessary learning skills and independence for further studies
• can initiate and lead projects within the scientific field and be responsible for the work of individuals and groups
• can communicate complex scientific information, challenges and findings to scholars as well as to general audience
• are capable of presenting and describing scientific issues and research findings in a foreign language
• can make decisions in an independent, professional manner and defend them
• can evaluate the suitability of the different methods of analysis and complex scientific issues in each case
• can communicate statistical information.

Doctoral degree Cycle 3 180 – 240 ECTS

Admission requirements: Master´s degree normally from cycle 2.2 or equivalent. Higher education institutions or individual faculties can demand a minimum grade and define specific requirements for admission and abilities of students.

Knowledge:

Degree holders possess specialised knowledge within a scientific field

This entails that holders:

• possess extensive and comprehensive understanding of main theories, principles, concepts and the latest findings available
• have initiated the generation of new knowledge and its interpretation with research or other acknowledged scholarly activities that measure up to peer reviews and critique
• have contributed important innovation in the form of new knowledge, innovative utilisation or interpretation of existing knowledge
• demonstrate their awareness of science ethics and that they have formed a considered opinion regarding their own research and that of others, based on their own ethical consciousness.

Skills:

Degree holders can apply specialised methods and procedures of a specific area of a scientific field

This entails that holders:

• can conceptualise and implement extensive research that expand and/or redefine the existing methodology of the scientific field
• can explore or develop projects that tackle new challenges and subjects within the scientific field
• have full command over basic skills, technology, methods, material and sources connected to the relevant scientific field
• can apply critical analysis, evaluation and integration to new and complex projects
• can apply general and specialised research tools and research technology in a practical manner
• can use software to support and enhance work in the relevant scientific field
• can specify specialised software to improve methods and procedures
• can evaluate statistical and graphical information in a critical manner
• have carried out innovative research or developed methods that add to or widen the existing scope of knowledge in the relevant scientific field
• demonstrate creativity in developing and applying new knowledge, understanding and methods
• have adopted a critical stand towards knowledge
• have presented a scientific dissertation that is suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed publication at a national or international level.

Competences:

Degree holders can apply their knowledge and skills in their profession and/or further study

This entails that holders:

• can assume full responsibility for their own projects and for the work of others
• can demonstrate independence and initiative in their professional and scientific work
• can effectively communicate to their peers, other scholars and the general public about their field of expertise
• can participate in critical debate, initiate and lead theoretical discourse.

3. Implementation.

3.1 Usage.

Higher education institutions that have been accredited by the Minister of Education, Science and Culture, shall describe learning outcomes for each qualification. Higher education institutions shall demonstrate how the objectives of the description are attained by the courses or parts of the study programmes that constitute each qualification.

Higher education institutions shall specify, in their Diploma Supplements, to which cycle and stage each qualification belongs to, according to National Qualification Framework for higher education in Iceland.

3.2 Quality Assurance of Teaching and Research.

The Higher Education Act no. 63/2006 emp-hasizes the importance of regular quality control of teaching and research activities. According to the Act, the objective of the quality control is to ensure that the requirements of the National Qualification Framework for higher education in Iceland are fulfilled. Rules no. 321/2009 give further insight into processes used.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture shall carry out inspection of the activities of higher education institutions to ensure that they comply with the National Qualification Frame-work for higher education in Iceland. Should the inspection and external evaluation lead to the conclusion that the framework is not complied with, the higher education institution in question shall be granted reasonable time for improvement. If amendments are not made the Ministry can abolish the accreditation of the higher education institution for teaching, in the relevant scientific field or in full.