For most higher institutions courses a combined average of 5, or a minimum grade of 5 in each subject is required to pass. In some institutions average grade points are not calculated and in individual courses the minimum grade can be higher than 5. According to regulations in most institutions, a student may sit for examination in a given course twice. Programmes and Qualifications Icelandic is the language of instruction in higher education institutions in Iceland. However, in some institutions individual courses are taught in English.
Teaching methods vary somewhat between programmes and level of study.
In most cases there is a combination of lectures, seminars, individual assignments and group work. In technical and science programmes laboratory work and practical training are more prevalent. Increasingly professors integrate the newest information and communication technology with their teaching methods. Two-year diploma courses are offered in computer studies, management and civil and electrical engineering. The bachelor degree constitutes a formal qualification for post-graduate study.