New Director of the British Council visits University of Nicosia

Strengthening UNIC’s collaboration with the United Kingdom in the field of higher education

The new British Council Director, Angela Hennely, visited the University of Nicosia last Friday, 13 December 2019. The purpose of her visit was to identify ways by which to further strengthen Cyprus’ already very close collaboration with the United Kingdom in the field of higher education, for which she met with the Rector of the University, Professor Philippos Pouyioutas.

During the visit, the Director shared how impressed she was with the advances the University of Nicosia is making, in terms of its academic offering and its internationalization strategy, referring in particular to the University’s infrastructure, its growing number of programmes, as well as its impressive number of students. Ms Hennely indicated that, from her position as Director of the British Council, she would be working towards strengthening the cooperation, as well as developing new avenues for collaboration, between the University of Nicosia and British Universities, for the mutual benefit of all concerned.

The Rector of the University of Nicosia, Professor Philippos Pouyioutas, shared his strategy for internationalization and referred to the great success of the University in the field of transnational, cross-border education. More specifically, he highlighted the University’s leading position in relation to distance learning education, as well as the joint and/or double degrees it offers in collaboration with leading universities globally.

Moreover, the Rector emphasised the strategic partnerships the University has developed with British Universities, including the establishment of the first Medical School in Cyprus in collaboration with St George’s, University of London. Included among the other partnerships is the collaboration with the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), in offering a Veterinary programme in the near future. Lastly, the Rector highlighted the most recent collaboration with Cass Business School, City, University of London, one of the top Business Schools in the world, in offering a pioneering new study route in Accounting and Finance.

In conclusion, Rector Pouyioutas expressed his strong commitment towards developing partnerships with distinguished British universities, as well as further strengthening existing relationships, which he views as critical in contributing to the realization of the University’s internationalization strategy.