The University of Nicosia (UNic) (www.unic.ac.cy) is the largest private university in Cyprus with approximately 10000 students. It is an independent, co-educational, equal opportunity institution of higher education, which offers a wide range of programmes to students from around the world. The University offers undergraduate as well as graduate studies in business, science, medicine, education and the liberal arts. International in philosophy, the University hosts students from all over the world, in a multicultural learning environment, promoting friendship, cooperation and understanding. The University pursues excellence in education through research and high teaching standards, in a continually improving academic environment.
Through its five Schools, it offers more than 80 programmes of study, leading to Bachelor, Master and Doctoral degrees. A number of programmes are offered through the Distance Learning mode, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and pedagogical methods – a development which was recognized by the European Foundation for Quality in e-Learning. The University of Nicosia has always pioneered in its study offering: a prominent example of this is the University’s Medical Programme, established in collaboration with St. George’s, University of London – indeed, this is the first and only such Programme offered outside the UK by the University of London. Moreover, it is among a handful of universities in the world to introduce a Bachelor’s degree in Oil and Gas Management; subsequently, also introducing a Bachelor’s degree in Oil and Gas Engineering – the first of its kind to receive both state and professional accreditation in Cyprus.
The institution has distinguished itself on multiple fronts, earning prestigious awards, such as the United Nations “Global 500” Award; establishing the first UNESCO Chair in Cyprus, for the promotion of cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue; while it currently holds a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence. Moreover, the University was awarded the “Gold Medal” in Business Ethics Excellence by the European Business Ethics Network, as well as the Investors in People certification. More recently, the University of Nicosia became the first and only university in Cyprus and Greece to achieve the European Foundation for Quality Management “Recognized for Excellence – 5 Stars” rating – one of the most prestigious distinctions for organizational excellence, awarded to Europe’s best performing organizations.
The University of Nicosia believes that research is vital to the provision of a stimulating learning environment in which faculty and students flourish and fulfill their potential. The University also believes that involvement in research ensures the design and delivery of the University’s curriculum is both up-to-date and relevant. This is reflected in its vision as it clearly highlights that the University aspires to be a leading contributor to excellence in education and research. To this extent also, the University, through the Research & Innovation Office (RIO), is promoting a research culture and is creating a space that will assist in stimulating research.