fagretninger

Fagretninger is a term used in educational contexts to denote a field of specialization or a specific track within a broader study program. The concept describes how curricula are organized into focused pathways, allowing students to concentrate on a subset of subjects that align with a chosen career area or further study.

In secondary and vocational education, fagretninger help structure the curriculum by grouping core subjects and electives into coherent pathways. Students typically select a fagretning early in their program, which then determines which programfag (specialized subjects) are required, which electives are available, and whether practical components such as internships or apprenticeships are included. The chosen fagretning influences qualification outcomes upon graduation and can affect eligibility for certain higher education programs or occupations.

The exact implementation and naming of fagretninger vary by country, region, and school. Common examples of fagretninger might include technology and engineering, health and social care, design and crafts, hospitality and service, information technology, and agriculture and environment. The purpose is to balance breadth with specialized preparation, offering students an early connection to a field while preserving some flexibility for future changes, depending on policy and pathways available.

Critics sometimes argue that early specialization can limit later options, while supporters emphasize alignment with labor market needs and clearer pathways to vocational qualifications. See also: education tracks, vocational education, curriculum design.