Mode of study:
Distance learning with real-time participation in weekly online meetings.
Course Description:
The main purpose of this course is to provide participants with opportunities to critically analyse institutional and systems approaches based on different types of leadership and ideas of expertise. The concepts of professionalism and professional identity in leadership will be examined, particularly in the field of education and topic on sustainable development. Wicked problems will be defined and discussed, possible solutions identified and what could prevent their progress and how outcomes could be evaluated. Issues of professional learning for change and leadership including taking actions will be discussed and connected to the UN SDGs and eight key competences for sustainability and social entrepreneurship. Attention will be given to professional capital for sustainability with some focus on integrative learning, linking thinking skills and content. The final topic will be a professional development plan putting reflection and self-assessment into structured private plan.
See the course in the UI course catalog here.
Course schedule and assessment:
Classes and discussions are online and built on informed debate and active participation (minimum 80% attendance in class is required).
Assignments include individual written assignments and active participation in discussion threads, and team assignments including leading a class, giving a lecture and leading discussion, and be in the role of class discussant. To pass the course students need to get minimum grade 5,0 for each assignment and fulfil obligatory attendance and participation in classes. Further information and instructions will be on Canvas (the learning environment).
Final project for the course is due in early December.
Learning outcomes:
At the end of the course students can:
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of issues and models related to institutional and systems approaches
- differentiate threats and opportunities when working with sustainability in different institutions
- analyse relations among different institutions from a systems approach and apply concepts such as resilience and adaptability.
- demonstrate familiarity with a range of models and research related to sustainability
- identify wicked problems inherent in different institutions and on the systemic level
- can engage in difficult dialogue and work with controversial issues in writing and oral debate
- debate ideas on change management and educational action for sustainability and related problems and solutions with both specialist and non-specialist audiences
- state a position or present objections, scrutinize assumptions and implications of different ethical perspectives
- engage in and interpret academic readings showing autonomy in dialogue within and beyond own subject field
Application procedure:
Students apply via the University of Iceland’s Aurora application portal, where they log in using their home university credentials. All students must attach a copy of their current transcript from their home institution and the information page of their passport or another form of valid travel ID to their application.
Application deadline is 19 June 2026.
Applications will be answered by the end of June.
