Students honoured in Larnaka
The University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) Cyprus campus had cause for celebration this week as its first cohort of undergraduate students graduated.
In a ceremony at UCLan Cyprus in Larnaka, 74 undergraduate and 14 postgraduate students received their degrees and an additional 14 students were honoured for their high academic achievements.
UCLan Cyprus, which is a fully licensed Cypriot University, is in its fourth year of operation. The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mike Thomas, attended the ceremony to present the students with their awards.
He said: “As a branch campus of the University of Central Lancashire, I am delighted that the links between the two campuses continue to go from strength to strength. One of the reasons for establishing a branch campus in Cyprus was to increase student mobility from Preston and engage in exchange between the two campuses.
“As the campus continues to grow, I hope we see ever increasing numbers of students taking the opportunity to add a global dimension to their studies. Likewise we expect to see the number of international students gradually increase over time, making UCLan Cyprus a truly global destination.”
In her address, the Rector of UCLan Cyprus, Dr Melinda Tan, emphasised the bold vision of the campus saying: “We have an agenda which is ambitious, innovative, bold and challenging. It is an agenda that is essential if our University is to continue to thrive and be even more successful. It is an agenda for a world-class modern university.”
Dr Tan praised the successes of UCLan Cyprus’ two research centres; CEDAR (Centre for Entrepreneurial Development) and the INSPIRE Centre for interdisciplinary scientific research for their success in securing a number of research bids.
"As the campus continues to grow, I hope we see ever increasing numbers of students taking the opportunity to add a global dimension to their studies."
She added: “The success of the campus’ academic strategy has been a result of three drivers: we invest in high quality research-active staff, we have developed a strong culture of innovation and enterprise through interdisciplinary synergies and we enhance the employability of students through work-based project partnerships with local industries. We work very much within the UCLan ethos of developing a sustainable model in which there is a symbiotic relation between research, and innovation and enterprise.”
The Republic of Cyprus Deputy Government Spokesman, Mr Victoras Papadopoulos, congratulated the graduates and UCLan Cyprus for its level of excellence and great progress. He said: “This day marks the first successful completion of great efforts and hard work in the context of UCLan Cyprus’ high standards.”
UCLan Cyprus opened its doors in 2012 offering a unique and innovative model of a Cypriot and British University educational experience. Programmes of study are validated by both the Ministry of Education and Culture of Cyprus and by UCLan to be delivered as double degree awards. Cyprus legislation requires all undergraduate degrees to be four year programmes.
