The role and significance of architecture cannot be overestimated. Affecting both people and the environment on many levels, the field is inherently related to a wide variety of areas in terms of aesthetic, technological, social, cultural, economic and political issues. The Department of Architecture (ARCH), one of the four departments of the School of Engineering at the University of Cyprus, has an important role to play in producing architectural skills and knowledge through research, and in providing high quality education to both students and practitioners of architecture alike. It will also enhance the much-needed dialogue among the parties directly or indirectly involved in its production: the architectural community, other professionals and the public.

Central to the philosophy of the programme of studies in architecture is the concept of integrated design which stresses the necessity of a balanced focus on the various aspects of architecture that make it the complex and fascinating field that it is. The challenges for both the discipline and the profession are many and diverse but they could perhaps be summed up as follows: to preserve the past, accommodate the present and plan for the future; to allow for the cultural while respecting the natural; to identify the local within the global; to allow for differences and bring out the similarities; to be innovative; to create. As an outstanding academic centre of studies in the wider European region, the Department of Architecture aims at educating students to become architects who can perform successfully worldwide but who will also have the knowledge and sensitivity to respond to and influence positively the built environment of the eastern Mediterranean region.

The University of Cyprus was established in 1989 and admitted its first students in 1992. It was founded in response to the growing intellectual needs of the Cypriot people, and is well placed to fulfil the numerous aspirations of the country. It aims to become a leading educational and research institution that will distinguish itself internationally through the promotion of scholarship and that will be recognized as a centre of excellence in the Mediterranean region. It also aims to contribute to the enhancement of the cultural, social and economic development of Cyprus. During the academic year 2014-2015, 7200 students were enrolled. There are 8 faculties, 22 departments and 11 research units at UCY. It has a significant involvement in the implementation of European grants. It ranks first among the top 10 national beneficiaries of the EC financial contribution according to the e-CORDA (data updated in July 2014). In 2014, it participated in 128 EU funded projects out of a total of 246 research projects implemented during that period and with a total budget from these external sources 7.5 million euro.

In 2008 UCY received the EFQM “Committed to Excellence” Award. UCY uses ECTS and awards the Diploma Supplement (DS). UCY is one of the 52 European universities to which the European Commission awarded the DS Label in May of 2009. UCY has endorsed the Charter and Code (C&C) for researchers in December of 2010 and implemented the HRS4R project which aims to the development of a Human Resources Strategy for Researchers. As a result, the European Commission approved the UCY’s Strategic plan on June 11, 2012 and since UCY is acknowledged with the “HR Excellence in Research” logo. It has also an UNESCO Chair for Equality and Gender Empowerment. UCY is also member to many European and International Networks and Associations, namely: EUA, IAU, UNICA, ACU, Santander Group, AEUA, UNIMED, EAEC etc. In 2010 the first Nobel Prize winner, Prof. Pissarides Christoforos has also joined the academic community of UCY.

For more details visit the website of the department.