Open University of Cyprus

The Open University of Cyprus (OUC; Greek: Ανοικτό Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου), in Lefkosia (Nicosia), is a public university in Cyprus, specialized in open and distance education. OUC evolved in response to the growing demand for continuing education and lifelong learning. It is the first and only Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Cyprus that provides open and distance education at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Placing great emphasis on research, the OUC promotes research programmes aiming towards the development of methodologies and corresponding high technologies for open and distance learning. Methodology The Open University of Cyprus style of teaching is called "open and distance learning". More specifically, students have the opportunity to learn in their own time without having to be present at the premises of the university to be able to attend lectures, seminars or labs, as it is the case with conventional universities. The Open University's degree structure and credit system is based on the concept of Thematic Units (or Modules) adaptable to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). OUC students have access to an e-learning platform, an electronic portal where practical information concerning studies at the Open University and related regulations and procedures are posted, as well as information regarding Study Courses, course materials and student workload.