námsleið

Námsleið is a term used in Icelandic education to describe a structured plan of study that specifies a sequence of courses and modules leading to a qualification or to eligibility for further study. The word combines nám, meaning learning, and leið, meaning path or way. It is used to organize learning activities in various educational settings and to clarify what students are expected to learn and which credits they must earn.

A námsleið defines the overall aims, the core compulsory subjects, the available electives, and any practical or work-based components that may be part of the pathway. It is designed to align with national curricula and competence frameworks, so that the learning outcomes match the requirements for qualifications at different levels.

In practice, námsleiðs are used in upper secondary education, vocational education, and higher education. They are typically arranged into modules or blocks, with prerequisites, assessment criteria, and progression rules spelled out. Students may have some flexibility to choose elective courses within a pathway, allowing for specialization or emphasis in a chosen field. The structure also supports mobility between pathways, with recognition of prior learning and credit transfers where applicable.

Governance and updates of námsleiðs come from national and regional educational authorities, while individual schools implement the pathways in line with national guidelines. Completing a námsleið generally leads to a formal qualification, certification, or the right to pursue further study, depending on the level and type of pathway.