at a glance
University of Crete
since 1973…
The UoC is a contemporary educational and research Institution operating in a wide range of disciplines and fields of research with international presence and recognition. Its first faculty members, renowned scientists, who had already enjoyed international recognition, as well as the next generations, paid special attention to creating favorable conditions for the cultivation of research, both within the university and in connection with major research centres and partners. In recent years, within extremely adverse conditions at national and international level, the University of Crete has consistently held important positions in reputable international university ranking organizations. It expands its participation to new ones every year, striving to offer students a modern and creative educational environment.
University of Crete Rankings
among the best universities
The University of Crete, like several Greek Universities, participates in global rankings which provide the possibility to recognize in a direct and concise way a wide range of its work, within a framework of global standards.
1
in the 1st place among Greek Universities
64
in 64th place in best practices for Quality Education (SDG4)
94
in 88th place among the top 100 best research-intensive universities under 50 years old.
Undergraduate Education
Find your first choice, follow your dream
Τhe University of Crete offers seventeen (17) modern Undergraduate Programmes, all certified by the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education. Ten of these programmes are ahead in score or equal tο similar ones among all other Greek Universities. All programmes accept international students through inter-institutional exchange agreements and the Erasmus+ programme.
Considering important not only the acquisition of existing knowledge but also the production of new knowledge there is a strong connection between teaching and research in all course curricula.
In addition, a new undergraduate studies programme has been designed especially for international students at the Department of Medicine.
Graduate Education
First class Postgraduate Programmes
The University of Crete offers sixty (60) Postgraduate Programs (MSc / MA / ΜΒΑ), many of these are tought in English as well, that contribute to the promotion of knowledge and research in fields of study offered by UoC Academic Departments and in areas of research expertise throughout the University.
Most graduate programmes are free of charge. Many are inter-departmental or inter-institutional. They encourage an interdisciplinary approach to knowledge and research and pursue extroversion and leverage collaborations not only in the local academic ecosystem in Crete but also research collaborations of faculty members with other Universities and Greek research institutions. Two of those programmes are international and are offered in collaboration with universities abroad.
The UoC also offers PhDs in all scientific fields covered by the Academic Departments
For those seeking postgraduate education, the University of Crete offers fifteen (15) distinct postgraduate programs taught in English.
Information and academic support
Information regarding each programme of study along with useful guidelines are available and easily accessible to students, if and when necessary. Academic supervisors help students throughout their study period, offering targeted advice and support learning procedure.
Respect for Diversity
The University respects diversity among students, recognizes the variety of needs and adopts flexible learning procedures, aided by the UoC Counseling Centre.
Pedagogical Methods
Teaching is provided with various methods and in various ways, while teaching activities have been adapted to the content and results of each academic component.
Evaluation of Students
The evaluation system is applied for all students in a fair way.
Criteria and evaluation methods are announced well in advance and rules have a certain flexibility, if necessary.
Evaluation of education
Assessment of quality and results of academic work done is continuous. The students’ opinion is always taken into consideration, as stated in the description of each course.
Mutual Respect
Teaching and learning are supported and mutual respect between students and Faculty is promoted.
Specific procedures are followed in each academic department for the handling of complaints and objections, while the Student Ombudsman always mediates between students and the Acad. Dept. or student services in general.
Services
The University on your side
Modern Greek language courses
The University of Crete offers Modern Greek language courses throughout the year:
The fall and spring semester courses are intended mainly for the incoming students of the University under the Erasmus programme, and academic visitors. In Rethymno campus, Greek language courses are also available to everyone who wishes to learn the language.
The Modern Greek summer courses are open to people from around the world, who wish to learn the language within its cultural context. The courses are particularly popular among members of the Greek communities abroad, especially young ones, who wish to strengthen their ties with Greece.
They are held in Rethymno, offered by the Faculty of Philosophy for fall and spring semesters as well as by the Department of Philology/Laboratory of Linguistics for the summer period. In Heraklion, they are coordinated by the International Relations Department through the Erasmus+ programme.
ERASMUS AND EXCHANGE STUDENTS
With the support of the European Commission through the Erasmus+ Programme, the University of Crete has over 500 exchange places for students from partner universities across Europe and internationally.
Apart from the Erasmus+ programme there are other opportunities for students, through specific educational and exchange agreements for studies and internships for laboratory and clinical clerkships.
Student Life
The UoC student population is a very active one, with thousands of different activities to be organized by student societies and cultural groups.
Student Centre - Rethymno
The Student Centre of the University of Crete in Rethymno Campus, hosts seven out of the nine student cultural groups: Painting, Theatre, Cinema, Cinematography etc.
The Music Society studio as well as the Volunteer Blood Donors Society are housed on Campus.
Student Centre – Heraklion
A place where UoC students entertaining, social and artistic activities are hosted, academic ceremonies of University members as well as various actions of other cultural and scientific societies. The Heraklion student center hosts about twenty groups of various artistic areas, including dancing, music, theatre, painting, cinema, photography, radio, alternative practical traineeships, chess, astronomy, volunteer blood donation. Free of charge classes are offered to all students and volunteer social activities are organized, by students, faculty staff and local people.
Sports
University Sports Centre in Rethymno
Situated in the western part of Gallos Campus, it offers UoC students and staff the opportunity of free of charge training, within a friendly environment. There is a fully equipped Fitness Hall, for cardio- respiratory and strengthening exercise.
University Sports Centre in Heraklion
It operates since 2007and includes a full athletic centre, with an indoors court of 1080 seats and a 25m long indoor swimming pοol, with 5 lanes. A regular size football court in the area of Agios Ioannis is also available to all students.
Research
an academic ecosystem!
Τhe University of Crete stands out for its continuous and innovative research activity in the entire range of scientific subjects it deals with.
Its international presence and recognition is confirmed once again by the recent 2023 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, according to which the University of Crete, in research impact, continues to far exceed the general ranking and is in 279th place worldwide. . .
In addition, the University of Crete, through collaborations and participation in networks as well as through the dissemination of research activity between to the members of the academic community, strengthens and aims at interdisciplinary research.
It directs its efforts to the transfer of knowledge by exploiting the research results and putting them at the service of the contemporary needs of society. It is worth noting that, according to the aforementioned ranking, based on the industry income index, the University of Crete occupies the 388th position internationally.
On the other hand, through research programs that utilize new technologies, it modernizes study programs at undergraduate level and gives added value to postgraduate programs.
The research infrastructures created by the University of Crete over the years, as well as the high-quality regional research ecosystem with the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Technology (ITE) and the Hellenic Center for Marine Research (ELKETHE), bring together researchers, PhD candidates and postgraduates. These important infrastructures and the interaction with these research institutions as well as with Heraklion University Hospital are a substantial benefit for research and research training in highly competitive fields and guarantee a continuing success.
Library
The UoC Library and Information Center is a single service, which supports educational and teaching activities not only of the Institution but also of the wider academic community. Being a member of the national and international library network, it participates in European development programmes. Two modern buildings, in Rethymno and Heraklion, host a constantly enriched material, including several thousand significant both Greek and International Magazines, as well as half a million books, records and every available source of information, printed or digital.
The Library focuses on training users towards the best possible use of materials and is easily accessible to people with special needs.
Research Units & Observatories
Research Center (UCRC)
The University of Crete Research Center for the Humanities, the Social and Education Sciences (UCRC) aims to advance research excellence, to promote research information on national and international funding opportunities, to support synergies and collaborations, and to link theory to practice, and science to society.
Finokalias Environmental Station
The Finokalia atmospheric monitoring station is operated by the Environmental Chemical Processes Laboratory (ECPL) of the Department of Chemistry of the University of Crete since 1993. The uniqueness of the station is reflected in the numerous scientific publications, postgraduate and doctoral theses, scientific projects conducted at the site, and its participation in the most important international research infrastructures and networks of environmental research stations, like ACTRIS, ICOS, GAW, EMEP.
Skinakas Observatory
Skinakas Observatory is a joint research facility of the University of Crete and the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH) and is operated by the Institute of Astrophysics – FORTH and the Dept. of Physics of the University of Crete. Its prime objective is to conduct fundamental research in Astrophysics using three fully functional telescopes.
Natural History Museum of Crete
The science mission of Natural History Museum of Crete is to explore the terrestrial bio- and geo-diversity of the eastern Mediterranean region, to use the knowledge gained to promote responsible interaction with the natural world and processes for environmental management and to carry information and awareness campaigns at national, regional and local level.
Museums
Regional Research Ecosystem
UoC is part of an ecosystem of academic and research institutes active in Crete. Research and research training at all levels benefit from the synergies and collaborations developed over 30 years with the Institutes of the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) and the University General Hospital of Heraklion (PagNi)
Supporting Research and Researchers
Technology Transfer Office (TTO)
The recently established Technology Transfer Office (TTO) promotes and supports the development of innovative research by the University’s researchers and students. It also offers advice and support on management of intellectual property; partnerships and seed funding, counseling and incubation for startups and incubation hub. The TTO is organizing seminars, workshops, and networking events to inform students and research staff on the pathways to realizing the socio-economic benefits of IP assets and coordinates with the University’s Property Development and Management Company to develop IP with commercial potential.
European Charter for Researchers (HRS4R)
The Human Research Stategy fo Researcers addresses a range of practical issues including health and safety; social security and supplementary pension needs; employment and working conditions; and measures to enhance the training, skills and experience of researchers. The UoC joined the group of European institutions entitled to use the ‘HR Excellence in Research’ logo in recognition of our commitment to implementing the Charter and Code principles through the HRS4R process.
Research Indicators
The research indicators Web of Science Full count Publications reflect the strengthening of the research activity of the UoC.
See more about Publications by Scientific Field (whole count and fractional count) and Research Programme income.
funded research programs
euros total budget
Research Rankings
In the largest ranking ever, including 1799 institutions, the 2023 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, which focus on a selected frame of the world’s research intensive universities, the Uoc continues its distinguished course.
Research Impact and Influence
279
In particular area, citations, used as an indicator of research impact and influence, the UoC continues to punch above its weight – ranking #279 worldwide.
Research Industry income
388
UoC was also ranked well for Industry income, at #388 worldwide, used as an indicator of knowledge transfer.
Research Rankings
UOC in numbers
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