Introduction to the Programmes

The Social Sciences Department at the University of Nicosia is committed to providing education in Psychology and Social Work.

Psychology

There is sometimes a mistaken impression that Psychologists occupy themselves exclusively with mental illness.  However, the professional scope of the Psychologist is much wider, and includes research on the individuals and on groups, the study and interpretation of characteristics and expressions of everyday life, for example, sensations, emotions, instincts and needs, motives, perceptions, thought, learning, intelligence, personality, inheritance, the analysis of human character, the dynamics and pathology of behaviour, with the aim of offering solutions or suggestions  which make life more human, creative and  happy.

The Psychologists can follow a career  in mental health institutions, in schools, in specialised social services, for example in institutions for handicapped individuals, in psychiatric institutions, in  nurseries  and in research establishments, or as  independent professionals offering advice and therapy.

They can also work in related fields, such as  mass media, public relations, advertising, the army, the police, and in the civil service.

Social Work (Bachelor of Science)

Social Work addresses the multiple, complex transactions between people and their environments. Its mission is to enable people, groups and communities to develop their full potential, earn social and economic justice, and prevent dysfunction. It is focused on problem solving and progressive social change. As such, professional social workers are change-agents in societies and catalysts in the lives of the individuals, families, groups and communities they serve.

The Unic Social Work Programme is designed in line with doctrinal and operational educational standards, which reflect a modern approach to Social Work – an applied social science with its own principles, values, theory and practice methodology.

The Programme takes account of contemporary social risks and needs, that bring into question the adequacy of traditional policies to promote social policy and social protection, cultural diversity and to strengthen the empowerment of individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.

The ultimate goal of the Social Work Programme is to educate and train Social Work professionals, who demonstrate the values and ethics of the profession and practitioners, who are competent for generalist social work practice of the BSW level.