University of Nicosia, Cyprus

University of Nicosia was established in 1980. It has also been recognized by the European Commission, being awarded with an Erasmus University Charter, while it remains the only private university in Cyprus to receive the European Commission Diploma Supplement Label – among 106 European universities in total to hold this distinction. Moreover, the University of Nicosia is the only non-state university in Cyprus that is a member of the European University Association (EUA).

Today, the University of Nicosia is the leading independent university in Cyprus; the result of solid and systematic work by all, administration, faculty and staff, as well as, the total contribution of the institution to tertiary education, not only in Cyprus but also in the region. It is the culmination of an ongoing journey, which began over 30 years ago, and has established the University as a leading tertiary education provider in Cyprus – in line with the enduring motto of the institution: “Excellence in Education”.

The University offers a diverse range of academic programmes of study, at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels (Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees). Intercollege remains an associate institution, complementing the University’s study offerings through its vocational and shorter duration programmes, and through a variety of joint programmes in partnership with UK universities.

Contact Info

University of Nicosia 46 Makedonitissas Ave., P.O. Box 24005 1700 Nicosia, Cyprus Tel. +357 22841500 Fax. +357 22357481

info@unic.ac.cy Visit Website

University of Nicosia: Graduate Degrees

Master Degrees

The Masters degrees are academic qualifications beyond the Bachelor degree and require substantial course work including projects in specialised areas. At least 30 credits/75 ECTS are required, according to particular programme requirements. The student must complete all programme requirements.


School of Business
Master in Business Administration - Concentration: Finance
Master in Business Administration (Human Resource Mgt)
Master in Business Administration - Concentration: Management
Master in Business Administration - Concentration: Management Information Systems
Master in Business Administration - Concentration: Marketing

School of Education
Επιστήμες Αγωγής: Εκπαιδευτική Ηγεσία και Διοίκηση (Master)
Επιστήμες Αγωγής: Ειδική Εκπαίδευση (Master)
Επιστήμες Αγωγής: Θεωρία, Πράξη και Αξιολόγηση Διδασκαλίας (Master)

School of Humanities, Social Sciences & Law
Master in International Relations
Master in Media and Communication

University of Nicosia Undergraduate Degrees

Bachelor Degrees
A Bachelors Degree is awarded in several areas and represents four years' work or at least 120 credits/240 ECTS. A minimum cumulative grade point average (CPA) of 2.0 is required. The student must complete all programme requirements.


School of Business
Accounting (4 years, Bachelor of Science)
Business Administration - Concentration: Finance and Economics (4 years, Bachelor of Science)
Business Administration - Concentration: Management (4 years, Bachelor of Science)
Business Administration - Concentration: Human Resource Management (4 years, Bachelor of Science)
Business Administration - Concentration: Enterprise Knowledge Management (4 years, Bachelor of Science)
Business Administration - Concentration: Marketing Communications (4 years, Bachelor of Science)
Hospitality Management (4 years, Bachelor of Science)
Tourism, Leisure and Events Management (4 years, B.Sc.)
Management Information Systems (4 yrs, BBA)
Marketing (4 years, Bachelor of Business Administration)
Sports Management (4 years, Bachelor of Business Administration)

School of Education
Music (4 years, Bachelor of Arts)
Dance (4 years, Bachelor of Arts)

School of Humanities, Social Sciences & Law
Applied Multimedia (4 years, Bachelor of Arts)
Architecture (5 years, Professional Diploma in Architecture)
Communications (4 years, Bachelor of Science)
English Language and Literature (4 years, Bachelor of Arts)
Graphic Communication (4 years, Bachelor of Arts)
Interior Design (4 years, Bachelor of Arts)
International Relations and European Studies (4 years, Bachelor of Arts)
Law (4 years, Bachelor of Laws - LLB)
Psychology (4 years, Bachelor of Science)
Public Relations, Advertising and Marketing (4 years, Bachelor of Arts)
Social Work (4 years, Bachelor of Science)

School of Sciences
Computer Engineering (4 years, Bachelor of Science)
Computer Science (4 years, Bachelor of Science)
Electrical Engineering (4 years, Bachelor of Science)
Human Biology (4 years, Bachelor of Science)
Nursing (4 years, Bachelor of Science)

University of Nicosia: Academic Programmes

University of Nicosia offers Bachelor Degrees (1^st Cycle), Master Degrees (2^nd Cycle) and PhD Degrees (3^rd Cycle)

Bachelors DegreesA Bachelors Degree is awarded in several areas and represents four years' work or at least 120 credits/240 ECTS. A minimum cumulative grade point average (CPA) of 2.0 is required.  The student must complete all programme requirements

Masters DegreesThe Masters degrees are academic qualifications beyond the Bachelor degree and require substantial course work including projects in specialised areas. At least 30 credits/75 ECTS are required, according to particular programme requirements. The student must complete all programme requirements.

PhD Degrees
The PhD degrees are awarded after completion of a minimum of three academic years.

University of Nicosia: Admission Requirements

Undergraduate Admission
The general admission requirement for entry to an undergraduate programme of study is a High School Leaving Certificate or equivalent qualification. Some programmes may have additional requirements in which case they are specified separately under the relevant programme details.

Regular Academic Admission
Regular admission to academic programmes requires a High School Leaving Certificate or its equivalent with an average grade of ‘C’.
In addition to a strong academic record, we take into account the student’s extracurricular involvement, leadership skills, and other relevant background information.

Special Academic Admission
Students who do not fulfill the criteria for Regular Academic Admission but who show potential for educational progress are accepted on Special Academic Admission. Students who are accepted under this category are expected to achieve a satisfactory Grade Point Average by the end of their first year.

English Language Proficiency
English is the language of instruction at the University of Nicosia. All students are required to take the English Placement Test (EPT) before registering for classes. The EPT may show that some students will need to register for non-credit English classes before being able to register for their academic programme of study.
Students with the following English qualifications will register directly for their academic programme of study:

TOEFL 513 and above

Computer-based TOEFL 183 and above

Internet-based TOEFL 65 and above

IELTS 5.5 and above

Cambridge Exams [First Certificate] B and above

Cambridge Exams [Proficiency Certificate C and above

GCSE English Language "O" Level C and above


Transfer Students
Credits Earned at other Universities
The University of Nicosia welcomes transfer students from other accredited colleges and universities and accepts courses which are of the same quality and equivalency as courses offered on its campus.
Transfer credits may correspond to specific University courses or to specific categories such as Computer Electives, Humanities Electives etc. Transfer credits will not count towards the student’s CPA. Regardless of the credits transferred, students normally have to complete a minimum of 120 ECTS for the Bachelor degree.

Credit from National Testing Centres
Transfer credits are awarded for A’ Level, selected GCSE, LCCI and other similar qualifications.



Post-Graduate Admission
The minimum requirement for admission into a post-graduate degree programme is a Bachelor’s Degree.

Special admission requirements apply to different departments*.
Students applying from selected countries are required to have additional qualifications: for example, students from Bangladesh must be holders of a Masters Degree. The Office of Admissions will guide all applicants throughout the admission process.

English Language Proficiency

Students satisfy the English requirements if their first degree was taught in English. Otherwise, they would need to present a minimum TOEFL score of 550 paper-based or 213 computer-based, GCSE “O” Level with minimum “C” or IELTS with a score of 6.5 or a score placement at the ENGL-100 level of the University English Placement Test. The University offers English courses at various levels to help students reach the required standard for admission to a graduate program.

Application Deadlines for International Students
Students may begin their studies in September or February. Applications must reach the Office of Admissions together with all the required documents by:
Fall Semester (September to January) Mid August

Spring Semester (February to May) Mid December

Summber Session (June to July) Mid April

Application Deadlines for European and Local students, please call the Office of Admissions on +357 22841528

*Admission Criteria for MA in International Relations

Entrance Requirements
1. A Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in the social sciences, particularly in subjects related to the field will be considered appropriate. Students with other qualifications will be assessed according to merit.

2. A minimum 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA.

3. A minimum TOEFL score of 550 or GCE or equivalent IELTS or a satisfactory score on the University Placement Test. However, this requirement may be waived if the applicant has completed his/her secondary education or undergraduate education at an educational / academic institution where English was the language of instruction.

4.The Student should have a general knowledge of 20th century history, and should be conversant with current international economic and political developments.

5. The Admission Committee of the Department examines all applications. It is understood that those applications which fulfill the criteria requirements are automatically accepted. The role of the Committee becomes more important in those cases in which discretion is required.


Admission Criteria for the MBA Programme
The following admission criteria must be satisfied for a student to be admitted:

(1) An accredited Bachelor’s degree (European, American or equivalent) is required for admission to the MBA programme. Some professional qualifications may also be acceptable.

(2) Proficiency in English – Students satisfy the English requirements if their first degree was taught in English. Otherwise, they would need to present at least a TOEFL score of 550 paper-based or 213 computer-based, or GCSE “O” Level with “C” or IELTS with a score of 6.5 or score placement at the ENGL-100 level of the University Placement Test. The University of Nicosia offers English courses at various levels to help students reach the required standard for admission.

(3) Standardized Test Scores – The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is required of all students with a minimum score of 400. Students with a CPA of 2.5 or higher on the 4-point system or 2.2 for UK standards or equivalent, or three years of professional experience will be exempted from the GMAT. A candidate without the GMAT may be provisionally admitted and be allowed to take the Foundation courses but such students will be accepted as MBA students only upon submission of the GMAT score as stated above.

(4) Academic Background – Applicants with a non-business background can be admitted into the programme but they may have to take preparatory foundation courses.

(5) Letters of Recommendation – Two recommendation letters from persons who have known the applicant in an educational or professional way are required.

(6) Individual Interviews – is the standard practice for all students. The interviews elicit motivation, leadership, potential and personal mission. In cases where interviews are not possible, written evidence and data on the applicant’s past work experience, maturity and personality are assessed to the best possible degree.


Admission Criteria for MA in Media and Communication
(1) A recognized – accredited Bachelor’s degree in Communications or in a subject-related area is required for admission to the MA programme. If this does not exist the student must take a foundation course, consisting of the following subjects:

COMM-125 Introduction to Journalism

COMM-135 Introduction to Communication

COMM-240 Communication and Media Analysis

COMM-321 Public Relations Principles

COMM-220 Newswriting

MKTG-291 Introduction to Marketing

(2) Proficiency in English: Candidates are deemed to satisfy the English requirements if their first degree was taught in English. Otherwise, they would need to present at least a TOEFL score of 550 paper-based or 213 computer-based, or GCSE “O” Level with “C” or IELTS with a score of 6.5 or score placement at the ENGL-100 level of the English Placement Test.

About University of Nicosia

The University of Nicosia is an independent, co-educational, equal opportunity tertiary education institution, combining the best elements in western education, quality standards and an international philosophy.

Located in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, an island which lies at the cross-roads of three continents, the University has quickly become a global education centre. 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 high teaching standards, in a continually improving academic environment. Besides classroom instruction, the University offers students opportunities to become involved in a whole range of activities including student clubs, sports, public lectures and seminars.

The University is actively involved in European and local research projects as a partner and as a coordinating institution. Additionally, the University of Nicosia received approval for an Erasmus University Charter and is an official participant in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The University of Nicosia is also actively involved in the community with campaigns for various causes, including environmental protection. In recognition of this work the institution received the prestigious “Global 500” award from the United Nations. Other examples of community service include campaigns for fighting world hunger and raising funds for worthy causes. In an ongoing project, professors help prison inmates acquire knowledge and skills in Computing, Art and Psychology.

Academic tradition encourages the majority of the world’s universities to adopt the name of the city which hosts them. Indeed, this occurs almost as a rule when the city in question happens to be the capital city. The University of Nicosia is proud of the ties and status which its name conveys. To this end, the University is committed to maintaining its position at the forefront of education, research and social service; in line with the enduring motto of the institution: “Excellence in Education”.


Vision
The University of Nicosia aspires to be a leading contributor to excellence in education and research.


Mission
To help students become educated individuals, achieve their academic and professional goals and assume responsible roles in a changing world of European cooperation and global interdependence; to promote research and the generation of knowledge; to be of service to society through the dissemination and application of knowledge, as well as through innovative partnerships with business and civic society institutions.


Statement of Values
To foster within the University community the values of personal and academic integrity; the liberty to question and to pursue knowledge;, of respect for the laws of the Cyprus Republic, the European Union and the University; democratic governance and management of the institution; respect for persons; professionalism and diligence; ethical behaviour; civic responsibility; multi-cultural awareness; tolerance; sustainability of resources; entrepreneurship and innovation; personalised attention and student focus.


History
The University of Nicosia’s roots date back to 1980 and it’s predecessor institution, Intercollege. Starting out small, in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, Intercollege initially prepared students to successfully pass external exams of professional education bodies, while soon after it began offering its own programmes of study. In a matter of a few years, the college had greatly expanded its operations, adding two campuses in the other two major cities, developing into "the largest and most reputable college in Cyprus" (according to repeated opinion surveys by independent research companies).

The University of Nicosia emerged in 2007, following changes in the relevant local legislation and a comprehensive accreditation process. Through its four schools, the University offers a diverse range of academic programmes of study, at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels (Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees). Intercollege remains an associate institution, complementing the University’s study offerings through its vocational and shorter duration programmes, and through a variety of joint programmes in partnership with UK universities.
Along the way, the institution has distinguished itself on multiple fronts – earning prestigious awards, such as the United Nations "Global 500" Award, for its contribution in the protection and improvement of the environment; and establishing the first UNESCO Chair in Cyprus, for the promotion of cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue. More recently, the institution has been honoured by the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB) with two entrepreneurial Excellence Awards, including the Excellence Award in Educational Services; while it has also been awarded with a Silver Medal in Business Ethics Excellence (BEE) by the European Business Ethics Network (EBEN), in recognition of its sound corporate governance and corporate social responsibility.

The University has also been recognized by the European Commission, being awarded with an Erasmus University Charter, while it remains the only private university in Cyprus to receive the European Commission Diploma Supplement Label – among 106 European universities in total to hold this distinction. Moreover, the University of Nicosia is the only non-state university in Cyprus that is a member of the European University Association (EUA).

Today, the University of Nicosia is the leading independent university in Cyprus; the result of solid and systematic work by all, administration, faculty and staff, as well as, the total contribution of the institution to tertiary education, not only in Cyprus but also in the region. It is the culmination of an ongoing journey, which began over 30 years ago, and has established the University as a leading tertiary education provider in Cyprus – in line with the enduring motto of the institution: “Excellence in Education”.

Below is a brief history of the evolution of the institution in watershed points, since its establishment in 1980:


The beginning
Intercollege was founded in 1980 and had: 6 students; 4 Part-time Faculty; 1 Director; 1 Secretary; 1 Coffee Brewing Machine; 3 Classrooms; 1 Office; 1 Reception.


Watershed Points (History):

1980
* Intercollege is founded as a tertiary level educational institution. Programmes offered lead to the awards of British professional education bodies.


1981
* Internal Certificate and Diploma programmes are introduced – modelled on the British system of education.


1982
* Intercollege moves to new, larger premises (ex-Akropol hotel and annex). University of the State of New York (USNY) Bachelor external degrees are introduced. Internal Associate and Bachelor degree programmes are also introduced – modelled on the American system of education.

1985
* Intercollege merges with Indianapolis Educational Centre, linked with the University of Indianapolis, whose programmes are now offered through Intercollege.

1986

* Intercollege begins operations in Limassol.

1988
* Intercollege Larnaca campus begins operation, after the incorporation of a small local college (Cosmos College).

1989
* The Cyprus Review, the only scholarly journal dealing with Cyprus social, economic and political issues, commences publication.

1990

* Opinion survey by an independent research firm shows Intercollege to be "the most reputable college in Cyprus".

1993
* Intercollege earns the "Global 500" international distinction of the United Nations (Environment Programme) in recognition of its outstanding contribution in the protection and improvement of the environment.
* The Research and Development Centre is established and begins to organise a number of important scholarly events and activities, including surveys, conferences and symposia.

1994
* Incorporation of Accountancy Tutors, a specialized, upcoming educational organization: its directors are put in charge of the Professional Accounting Unit (ACCA courses).

1995
* Inauguration of the new, purpose-built Nicosia campus by the President of the Republic.
* Cine Studio, a cinema theatre specializing in quality films, is established on Intercollege premises; along the lines of Art-Film galleries in European cities.
* Accreditation by North Central Association (NCA), America's largest accreditation body.

1997
* Accreditation by the European (Irish) National Council for Educational Awards (NCEA).

2000
* Intercollege receives accreditation for 49 programmes by SECAP, the local accreditation board; by far the largest number of accredited programmes among all colleges.
* Intercollege files an application to become the first private university of Cyprus.

(NB: no relevant legislation was in place at the time)

* Inauguration of the “Millennium” building.

2001
* Intercollege programmes are restructured, resulting in the creation of four Schools encompassing thirteen Departments. The first School Deans and Department Heads are appointed.
* The total number of Intercollege programmes accredited by SECAP reaches 51.

2002
* The Senate is set up, as the top academic body, and begins functioning.
* At the time, Intercollege had a staff total of 415; including 160 full-time faculty, 128 part-time faculty and 127 administrative and support staff. Included were 90 PhD holders.
* Increasing emphasis is put on research. At this stage, research output for the year included: 6 books, 7 monographs, 17 chapters in books, 74 journal papers and 68 conference proceedings.
* Externally funded research amounting to CYP 430,000 is brought in through IPE (the Foundation for the Promotion of Research), as well as UNOPS, and the European 5th Framework fund; additional funding from the Leonardo da Vinci and the Youth of Europe programmes.
* Intercollege creates a training centre in Athens, claiming 95% of the market in professional training (Certified Accounting, Chartered Financial Analysts, and Certified Internal Auditors).

2003
* Success in many international competitions: e.g. Gold Medal received by an international student in the “2003 International Competition for University Students”.

2004
* Ranked as “the most reputable” and “best” college in local opinion poll.
* Inauguration of the “EUROPA” building.

2005

* Following three years of negotiations, Intercollege wins the privilege of establishing the first UNESCO Chair in Cyprus. The Chair aims at the promotion of cultural diversity, intellectual dialogue, and a Culture of Peace.

2007
* We gain university status!

* Schools and Departments:

- School of Business:
Accounting; Finance and Economics; Hospitality and Tourism; Management and Management Information Systems; Marketing
- School of Education:
Education; Music
- School of Sciences:
Computer Science; Engineering; Life and Health Sciences
- School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law:
Architecture; Communications; Design and Multimedia; European Studies and International Relations; Languages and Literature; Law; Social Sciences

* By this time, the organisation has 230 Faculty members (all 3 campuses), 210 Staff members and 4,742 Students.

2010
* Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards 2009; organized for the first time by the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB); based partly on an island-wide, random sample opinion survey of 800 citizens and 600 organizations/businesses. University of Nicosia was awarded with the:

- Excellence Award in Educational Services
- Breadth of New Products and Services Award

* University of Nicosia-PAPAZISIS Press collaboration; a formal partnership which enables the joint publication of academic works, and their wide dissemination (in both Greece and Cyprus) via the respective distribution channels of each publisher.

(NB: The first book, entitled “The Politics of Education in Cyprus” [Τα Πολιτικά της Εκπαίδευσης στην Κύπρο] by Panayiotis K. Persianis, launched the partnership in April this year).

* Business Ethics Excellence (BEE) Award, SILVER MEDAL; awarded to organizations that demonstrate Sound Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility; granted by the European Business Ethics Network (EBEN)
* - Greek Charter, following our application, meticulous documentation and a thorough on-site assessment. No organization has ever been awarded the SILVER or GOLD certification from the first attempt.
* ECPU affirms our first PhD programme: PhD in Education Sciences, with two specializations: (i) Education Leadership and Administration (ii) Theory, Practice and Evaluation of Teaching.


Today
* Nicosia Campus moved to our current location in 1995. Our student body numbered 900.
* Today, our collective student body (University of Nicosia and Intercollege) numbers approximately 5,000 students.