Open University of Cyprus
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Ανοικτό Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου | |
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| Type | Public |
|---|---|
| Established | 2002 |
| Chairman | Prof. Socratis Katsikas |
| Students | 4200 (2013-2014 academic year) |
| Location | Nicosia, Cyprus |
| Website | http://www.ouc.ac.cy |
Open University of Cyprus is a public Higher Education Institution, operating under the effective control of the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Cyprus. Established in 2002, OUC is the country’s only University devoted entirely to open and distance education and lifelong learning. OUC offers interdisciplinary, career-oriented and accredited Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degree programmes in both ‘classical’ and ‘cutting edge’ scientific areas.
Mission
Open University of Cyprus aspires to provide students with lifelong learning opportunities and higher education degrees useful to start or advance their professional careers, and fulfill their personal aspirations and goals. The University aims to combine its international reach and flexible operations and structure, using both to support the State’s vision to establish Cyprus as a regional centre for education, scientific research and innovation, a hub for international scholars and students alike. Towards this direction, OUC expands its network of collaborators and establishes strong partnerships with Universities and research institutions in Cyprus, the broader region and beyond, promoting educational and research cooperation and mobility of students and staff.
Educational Methodology and Programmes of Study
Open University of Cyprus is a dedicated open and distance learning University. Its educational technology, in combination with modern teaching and learning methods supported by multi-format educational materials, respond to the diverse needs of its students, allowing them to study wherever and whenever they wish, using any digital platform. Accordingly, OUC’s distance education and blended learning methodology differs from conventional classroom-based education, mainly because it allows students to complete their studies and obtain their degree, breaking down the rigid barriers of traditional education, without physically attending scheduled lectures, and – in case students are already employed – without disrupting work routines or leaving their workplace.
eLearning Platform - eClass
The University’s main educational tool is the eLearning Platform eClass that facilitates online teaching and learning through the establishment of virtual classrooms, supports lecture capture, live and video on demand lectures and tutorials, and integrates real-time and asynchronous collaboration tools. Concisely, OUC’s eLearning Platform is a comprehensive and constantly evolving eLearning system backing the educational process across all its phases.
Students use eClass to:
- access their course materials,
- organise their study calendars,
- communication with tutors and fellow students,
- submit their formative assignments and coursework, and
- receive feedback on their progress.
In a true collaborative environment, the eLearning platform also supports live interaction and direct contact with academics, peers and fellow students. The synchronous collaboration (virtual classrooms, live streaming) and asynchronous (forums, instant messaging) communication tools are fully utilised by experienced and dedicated academic staff, offering effective and interactive academic support, guidance and advice. Moreover, virtual labs have further enhanced the University’s educational capabilities in supporting and offering high quality innovative programmes in any subject.
Despite being ‘distance’ in essence, learning experience at OUC is complemented by academics-students group tutorials that are scheduled throughout the academic year and, while not mandatory, they play a key supporting role in educational processes. These tutorials are organised either with physical presence or are conducted online using eClass virtual classes, and are academically challenging and rigorous. To ensure the integrity of OUC degrees and examination processes, students are required to attend in person (at examination centres in Cyprus, Greece or elsewhere under certain conditions) the final written exams, which count towards a significant percentage of their overall grade.
Study at OUC
OUC’s extensive range of Programmes of Study covers subject areas in undergraduate (BA, BSc) and postgraduate level (MA, MSc, PhD) offered in Greek and English by its three Faculties:
The detailed list of Programmes of Study and related courses offered by Open University of Cyprus can be found here
Administration
OUC is a State University, and its main decision-making bodies are the following:
- The Council
- The Senate
The Director of Administration and Finance is the head of the University’s administration, and acts as Secretary of the Senate and the Council.
Operating Law
OUC operating Law may be found at the website of the University
Links
Coordinates: 35°06′47″N 33°22′39″E / 35.1131°N 33.3774°E
