University of Limassol inaugurates Department of Psychology

The University of Limassol (UoL) has announced the official inauguration of its Department of Psychology.

The inaugeration took place during a ceremony held at the Elias Beach Hotel in Limassol.

"This event signifies a pivotal advancement in the university's commitment to fostering innovative education and research in psychological sciences," a press release noted.

Established as part of UoL's strategic initiative to expand its academic offerings, the Department of Psychology commenced its journey in the 2024–2025 academic year with the launch of two programmes: the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Psychology and the Master of Science (MSc) in Educational Psychology, the latter delivered through distance learning.

The press release continued that, building upon this foundation, the department is poised to introduce four additional programmes, currently under review by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA):

• BSc in Psychology (Distance Learning)
• MSc in Occupational and Organisational Psychology (Theoretical and Applied tracks)
• MSc in School Psychology (Applied)
• PhD in Psychology

The inauguration ceremony was graced by esteemed guests from the public sector, academia, and diplomatic circles. Ira Philippou, Deputy Mayor of Limassol, delivered a welcoming address, emphasising the significance of the new department for the city's academic and social landscape. Dr. Terpsa Konstantinidou, Director of the Department of Higher Education at the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, commended the university's continuous growth and its contributions to higher education in Cyprus.

Professor Theodore Panayotou, Rector of the University of Limassol, highlighted the institution's vision for interdisciplinary collaboration and societal impact.

Professor Doron Sonsino, Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, elaborated on the department's role within the broader academic framework of UoL.

Dr. Kyriaki Mikellidou, Chair of the Department of Psychology, articulated the department's mission to cultivate a new generation of psychologists equipped to address contemporary challenges. She acknowledged the collective efforts of faculty, researchers, and administrative staff, stating, “The establishment of the Department of Psychology reflects a shared vision and unwavering support from the university's leadership and community, laying the groundwork for academic rigor and societal engagement.”

The ceremony concluded with an inaugural lecture by Professor Jonathan Delafield-Butt, Visiting Professor of Developmental Psychology, titled 'Embodied Origins of Mind: Implications for Health and Learning.' His insights into the interplay between embodiment, cognitive development, and education underscored the department's commitment to addressing pressing issues in mental health and learning, the press release added.

|As the Department of Psychology embarks on this new chapter, it aims to become a regional and international hub for excellence in psychological science, dedicated to academic innovation, interdisciplinary research, and community engagement," the press release concluded.

For further information, please contact

admissions@uol.ac.cy

www.uol.ac.cy