Art pedagogy MA/M.Art.Ed./MT

Master's programs in art education studies aim to educate people for teaching as well as thereby promote skills and a theoretical basis for sharing their knowledge in different fields. Emphasis is placed on students gaining understanding and practical knowledge of the teacher's work.  

  • Open for applications

    January 14, 2026

  • Application deadline

    13 April 2026

  • Applications answered

    May 2026

  • Registration fee

    See more

  • Name of study path

    Art pedagogy MA/M.Art.Ed/MT

  • Degree name

    MA/M.Art.Ed/MT

  • Units

    120 ECTS

  • Duration of study

    4 semesters - 2 years

Information is provided in Icelandic for study programs that have Icelandic as the primary language of construction.

About the program

The master's program in art education studies is for those who have completed a bachelor's degree in art or other subjects and aims to educate people for teaching, as well as thereby strengthen the skills and theoretical foundation to share their knowledge in different fields.

The program is diverse and is based on courses in pedagogy, pedagogy and psychology, philosophy and sociology, alongside training in teaching and sharing arts and projects in the field both within the school system and outside it.

Emphasis is placed on students gaining an understanding and knowledge of the teacher's work, both academically and on the ground They can organize learning and learning components based on existing curricula and choose suitable learning materials, learning and assessment methods Teaching and communication are also examined in a wider context, and students are encouraged to present their own vision and ideas about art studies and study offerings in society.

In the art education department, a group of people from diverse disciplines has gathered, whose goal is to adopt and develop methods for art education with the widest possible social and ideological references.

Electoral field

Starting in the fall of 2026, the Master's in Teaching Studies will be combined with the Master's in Art Education Studies For differentiation, the course of study now divides the Master's in Art Education into four elective areas:

 

Electoral field: Methods of art in general teaching

The aim of the program is to promote arts and art-related projects in school work by graduating teachers who use art methods in learning and teaching. The program aims to educate people for teaching as well as to strengthen skills and a theoretical basis for sharing their knowledge in different fields.

Admission requirements

General admission requirements are a bachelor's degree or a similar university program based on the applicant's ability to meet the requirements of the master's program.

For this course of study, admission requirements are bachelor's degrees or equivalent university degrees in subjects other than arts or design.

Applications must be accompanied by certified copies of diplomas together with other documents requested by the relevant department Admission Committees evaluate applications based on submitted data and interviews with applicants The Dean appoints admissions committees in consultation with the professional directors and work committees according to procedures presented to the applicants The decision of the admissions committees is final.

 

Electoral field: Visual arts

The aim of the program is to promote arts and art-related projects in school work by graduating teachers who use art methods in learning and teaching. The program aims to educate visual artists for teaching, as well as to strengthen skills and a theoretical basis for sharing their knowledge in different fields. 

Admission requirements

General admission requirements are a bachelor's degree or a similar university program based on the applicant's ability to meet the requirements of the master's program.

For this course of study, admission requirements are bachelor's degrees or equivalent university degrees in visual arts or design.

Applications must be accompanied by certified copies of diplomas together with other documents requested by the relevant department Admission Committees evaluate applications based on submitted data and interviews with applicants The Dean appoints admissions committees in consultation with the professional directors and work committees according to procedures presented to the applicants The decision of the admissions committees is final.

 

Electoral field: Performing arts

The aim of the program is to promote arts and art-related projects in school work by graduating teachers who use art methods in learning and teaching. The program aims to educate performing artists for teaching, as well as to strengthen skills and a theoretical basis for sharing their knowledge in different fields. 

Admission requirements

General admission requirements are a bachelor's degree or a similar university program based on the applicant's ability to meet the requirements of the master's program.

For this course of study, admission requirements are bachelor's degrees or a similar university degree in performing arts.

Applications must be accompanied by certified copies of diplomas together with other documents requested by the relevant department Admission Committees evaluate applications based on submitted data and interviews with applicants The Dean appoints admissions committees in consultation with the professional directors and work committees according to procedures presented to the applicants The decision of the admissions committees is final.

 

Electoral field: Music

The aim of the program is to promote arts and art-related projects in school work by graduating teachers who use art methods in learning and teaching. The program aims to educate musicians for teaching as well as to develop skills and a theoretical basis for sharing their knowledge in different fields. 

Admission requirements

General admission requirements are a bachelor's degree or a similar university program based on the applicant's ability to meet the requirements of the master's program.

For this course of study, admission requirements are bachelor's degrees or equivalent university degrees in music.

Applications must be accompanied by certified copies of diplomas together with other documents requested by the relevant department Admission Committees evaluate applications based on submitted data and interviews with applicants The Dean appoints admissions committees in consultation with the professional directors and work committees according to procedures presented to the applicants The decision of the admissions committees is final.

 

Study structure

The program is a two-year (four-semester), 120-credit academic and applied graduate program in Art Education that culminates in an MT, M.Art.Ed. or M.A. degree. Students work a 10, 20 (M.Art.Ed.) or 30 (MA) credit final project or complete the course without a final project (MT).

After completing his studies

Upon completion of their studies, students receive a master's degree (6.2) or master's degree (6.1) in Art Education Studies Students have acquired knowledge and experience to work at all school levels as well as carry out different cultural and educational-related tasks in the community.

In addition to the general rights granted by master's degrees for further study and work, students receive professional qualifications (license letters) upon graduation The license includes the right of graduated students to call themselves teachers and to work as such in this country at the pre-primary, primary and secondary level.

View curriculum and syllabus

Application and admission process

All applications for studies go through the application portal and all communications regarding the application process will take place there. The application fee is paid in the last step of the electronic application and is ISK 5,000.

Enrolled and enrolled students who have Owl Access also need to create a special access in the communication portal when applying for a new program.

In the electronic application, the applicant has the opportunity to specify the reasons for the application, goals, vision, focus article and more in a short text Applicants receive confirmation that LHÍ has received the application after it has been ascertained that the applicant has submitted all the necessary supporting documents In the art education department, students are admitted once a year and start their studies in the fall semester.

If the number of applicants who meet the admission requirements for study programs is below the minimum criteria will not be included in the course for the coming school year. Are applicants informed of this as soon as possible and the registration fee refunded, if it has been paid.

Electronic application

Open for applications

January 14, 2026

Application deadline

13 April 2026

Applications answered

May 2026

Price list

See more

Special instructions of the Faculty of Art Education

In order for the application to be valid, an application fee must be paid and the following documents must be received by the University of the Arts:

  • 1. Certified copies of diplomas

    Duty

    Certified copies of diplomas, black and white photocopies do not apply.

  • 2. Reviews of two recommenders

    Duty

    Applicants are asked to write the names and email addresses of two commenters in a field prepared for that purpose in the application. It is desirable that one commenter be associated with the study and the other work.

    Recommenders will be contacted and recommendations will be requested as needed.

  • 3. Statement: Reasons for application

    Duty
    In this article, applicants are kindly requested to explain it;
    a. what significance do they believe that the program has for itself,
    b. what they consider desirable when studying the education of arts and arts in school work.
    c. what advantages the applicant has to offer that are likely to come in handy in teaching and communication.
    The maximum length is 300 words.

  • 4th CV (CV)

    Duty
    A CV with general information about the applicant must accompany the application A CV must include an overview of education, jobs, language capacity and other experience that the applicant believes is useful in the program The CV should not be longer than two pages.

  • Admission process

    Applicants who meet all the admission requirements for the study program are invited to an admission interview.

    Applicants do not need to bring data to an admission interview unless they are specifically requested by the admissions committee.

    The admissions committee of the art education department reviews applications and selects applicants who receive invitations to stay at school.

    Applicants who receive an invitation to school must confirm whether they intend to accept it by paying a registration fee for the coming school year.

    The decision of the admissions committee is final and the admissions committee is not obliged to give further explanations of its decision.

  • Language skills

    A master's program in art education is a program taught in Icelandic unless it is a foreign guest teacher, then teaching takes place in English. Applicants must be well able to express themselves orally and in writing in Icelandic in accordance with the requirements of university studies.
    The applicants' Icelandic language skills must be at least at level B2 according to the definition of the pan-European language assessment framework. The self-assessment framework can be accessed here.