University of Western Macedonia
The University of Western Macedonia (UoWM; Greek: Πανεπιστήμιο Δυτικής Μακεδονίας, Panepistímio Dytikís Makedonías), was founded in Kozani in 2003 (Presidential Decree No. 92 / 11-4-2003). In 2019, the University of Western Macedonia was merged with the Technological Education Institute of Western Macedonia (Law 4610/2019, Government Gazette 70 / A / 07.05.2019). The new University runs 7 Schools and 22 Departments in 5 cities (Kozani, Florina, Kastoria, Ptolemaida, and Grevena).
Πανεπιστήμιο Δυτικής Μακεδονίας | |
 | |
| Type | Public Greece University System Higher Education Institution |
|---|---|
| Established | 2004 |
| Location | , |
| Website | uowm.gr |
History
The University of Western Macedonia was founded in Kozani in 2003 (Presidential Decree No. 92 / 11-4-2003). The first members of the Interim University Administration were appointed under the Ministerial decision F.120.61 / 132/61865 / B2 / 25.6.2003.
In 2015, after the first elections for a Rector, the University of Western Macedonia became a self-governing institution, and ran courses in 2 cities, Kozani and Florina, with 3 Schools (Education, Engineering and Fine Arts) and 6 Departments.
In 2019, the University of Western Macedonia was merged with the Technological Education Institute of Western Macedonia (Law 4610/2019, Government Gazette 70 / A / 07.05.2019). The TEI of Western Macedonia, originally founded as Technological Educational Institute of Kozani (1983) in replacement of the Center for Higher Technical-Vocational Education of Kozani, ran courses in 5 Schools and 11 Departments in 5 cities in Western Macedonia (the central campus was located in Kozani).
The new University of Western Macedonia runs 7 Schools and 22 Departments in 5 cities (Kozani, Florina, Kastoria, Ptolemaida, and Grevena).
Facilities
The University of Western Macedonia runs Schools and Departments in five cities in Western Macedonia (Kozani, Florina, Kastoria, Grevena, Ptolemaida).
The central campus is located in Kila, Kozani, and accommodates the University Administration, department administration offices, the School of Economics, 2 of the 5 departments of the School of Engineering, the library, the Hall of Residence, a student restaurant (there is a second restaurant in the city center), and the university gym.
Three Departments of the School of Engineering (Departments of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Chemical Engineering) are located off-campus, in separate buildings in Kozani, and two on campus (Department of Mineral Resources Engineering and Department of Product & Systems Design Engineering). The Department of Mechanical Engineering is housed in two buildings, one with the department administration service, lecture rooms (also shared for Chemical Engineering courses), teaching staff offices (Bakola & Sialvera street), and a second with laboratories and engineering machine shops (13, Argyrokastrou street).
The Departments of Mineral Resources Engineering, and Product and Systems Design Engineering are located on the main campus in Kila, Kozani. All Departments cater for cutting-edge training and research in state-of-the-art laboratories.
The School of Economic Science runs 7 Departments, 4 of which (Accounting and Finance, International and European Economic Studies, Regional and Cross-border Development Studies and Management Science and Technology) run courses in Kozani. The Departments of Business Administration, and Statistics & Insurance Science , and the Department of Economics run courses in Grevena, and Kastoria, respectively.
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences is located in Florina (3rd km Florina-Niki) and Kastoria. The School runs 4 Departments in Florina (Primary Education, Early Childhood Education and Psychology), and one in Kastoria (Communication & Digital Media), where there is also a student restaurant and library.
The School of Agriculture is located on the University farm in Florina, which houses the administration services building, the main building, the hall of Residence and student restaurant, the library and sports facilities.
The School of Fine Arts is located in Florina (3rd km Florina-Niki), and in the village Psarades, Prespes, where there are laboratories and exhibition areas.
The School of Science runs courses in Kastoria (Fourka) in 2 Departments, the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Informatics.
The School of Health Sciences is located in Ptolemaida, and runs 2 courses in the Department of Midwifery and the Department of Occupational Therapy.
The University of Western Macedonia offers free meals to students in all cities. There are 2 student restaurants in Kozani (on campus and in the city centre), 2 in Florina (in the buildings of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the School of Agriculture), in Ptolemaida, and on campus in Kastoria and Grevena.
Free accommodation is offered in the Halls of Residence in Kozani (campus), Grevena and Florina.
Schools & Departments
| Schools | Departments |
|---|---|
| School of Engineering
(Kozani) |
|
| School of Economic Science |
|
| School of Science
(Kastoria) |
|
| School of Health Sciences
(Ptolemaida) |
|
| School of Agriculture
(Florina) |
|
| School of Humanities &
Social Sciences |
|
| School of Fine Arts
(Florina) |
|
School of Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering
The Department of Mechanical Engineering, former Department of Engineering and Management of Energy Resources, was founded in 1999 (Presidential Decree, Government Gazette, 179/6.1999 vol. A), and originally belonged to the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. It is located in Kozani, a city closely related to energy and electricity generation, as approximately 70% of the total amount of electricity in Greece is generated in the power plants located in the area.
In 2004, the Department was transferred to the University of Western Macedonia and was the first department running a degree course in the School of Engineering (Ministerial Decree 134881 a/Β1/23.12.2003, Government Gazette 1975 / 31.12.2003). Later in 2009, it was renamed to Department of Mechanical Engineering (Presidential Decree 47, Government Gazette 61/27-04-2009, vol.I), and in 2019, it was merged with the Department of Mechanical Engineering, TEI of W. Macedonia (Law 4610 / 7-5-2019, Government Gazette 70/issue Α/7-5-2019).
Courses in Mechanical Engineering cater for fundamental education and acquisition of professional skills, and qualify students for continuously promoting technological advances, and achieving outstanding positions in Greece and abroad. They are mainly aimed to:
- qualify students with a thorough grounding in the basic principles of Mechanical Engineering
- offer in-depth training and skills to enable students to implement acquired knowledge
- cater for outstanding education, which will allow students to meet industry and societal needs
- deliver high quality teaching and assessment in all taught subjects
- ensure successful prospects and careers in Mechanical Engineering
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering [https://ece.uowm.gr/], former Department of Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering, was founded in Kozani in 2005 (Government Gazette. A 192/2005). In May 2019, it was renamed to Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (Law 4610/2019, (Law 4610 / 7-5-2019, Government Gazette 70/issue Α/7-5-2019)). Courses foster cutting-edge education and training in contemporary areas of Computer Science, Software and Systems Technologies, Telecommunications and Networks, Electronics and Electrical Engineering, and Energy Generation.
Department of Chemical Engineering
The Department of Chemical Engineering [https://chemeng.uowm.gr/], founded in 2019, (Law 4610 / 7-5-2019, Government Gazette 70/issue Α/7-5-2019)) is one of the four Departments of Chemical Engineering in Greece. It caters for outstanding education in chemical engineering, with particular emphasis on new technologies. It is located in Kozani, a coal-intensive region with serious environmental problems, which require post-mining landscape research and implementation of decarbonization policy models for the transition towards a sustainable energy system. In this context, and under the current rapidly changing local and international conditions, the role of the UoWM Department of Chemical Engineering is considered prominent.
Department of Mineral Resources Engineering
The Department of Mineral Resources Engineering [https://mre.uowm.gr/], was founded in Kozani in 2019 (Law 4610/2019, Government Gazette 70/issue Α/7-5-2019). State-of-the-art research is focused on the subject areas of energy and non-energy Mineral Raw Materials, prospecting and exploitation of mineral resources, mining, geotechnical and environmental engineering. Graduates are awarded the Diploma of Mineral Resources Engineering, and are eligible for working as licensed Mineral Resources engineers (article 14, PD. 99 / Government Gazette 188 AA / 5.11.2018).
Department of Product and Systems Design Engineering
The Department of Product and Systems Design Engineering [https://ide.uowm.gr/], was founded in Kozani in 2019, (Law 4610 / 7-5-2019, Government Gazette 70/issue Α/7-5-2019)). The course involves a holistic approach to product and systems design, from concept to manufacturing, focused on systematic, multidisciplinary education and training in design, manufacturing processes and industrial management.
It is directly related to Industrial Design, including, inter alia, courses in CAD technologies, materials engineering, manufacturing processes, CNC machines, interaction and interface of digital systems, and marketability and brand identity.
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences [http://www.edu.uowm.gr/site/] runs courses in 4 Departments (Primary Education, Early Childhood Education, Psychology in Florina, and Communication and Digital Media in Kastoria).
Department of Primary Education
The Department of Primary Education [https://eled.uowm.gr/] was founded in 1990-91 and formerly belonged to the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Presidential Decree 544/1989). Courses are aimed at catering for academic and applied teaching and research in Education, providing fundamental theoretical background and training for a future career, and enabling graduates to address pedagogical issues and problems; in addition, they foster continuing education and training.
Degree holders are entitled to work as teachers in Primary Schools.
Department of Early Childhood Education
Courses in the Department of Early Childhood Education [https://nured.uowm.gr/], established in Florina, (Presidential Decree 99/1993) are focused on:
- catering for and fostering academic and applied teaching and research in Education,
- providing sound theoretical and practical background for a successful professional career,
- enhancing studies in Education and enabling graduates to address pedagogical issues, and resolving pedagogical problems,
- fostering continuing education and training.
Degree holders are entitled to work as teachers in nursery schools.
Department of Psychology
The Department of Psychology [https://psy.uowm.gr/], was established in 2019 (Law 4610 / 07.05.2019, Government Gazette 70/issue Α/7-5-2019, Article 14).
The Department caters for a degree course in Psychology (non-specialization). Graduates are awarded a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology (Level 6, National Qualifications Framework), and are eligible for further specialist graduate training in psychology and job placements as licensed Psychologists (non-specialization) by applying to Regional Health Directorates (Law 991/1979, Government Gazette 278/20, 12. 1979, A ').
Department of Communication and Digital Media
The Department of Communication and Digital Media [https://cdm.uowm.gr/] was established in 2019 (Government Gazette 70/issue Α/7-5-2019) in Kastoria. Although it is a newly established department, it formerly ran courses in Communication and Digital Media, TEI of W. Macedonia, and displayed academic excellence and status among Higher Educational Institutions in Greece. Courses in Communication and Digital Media provide students with a theoretical and practical background focused on managing complex and challenging communication-related issues.
In 2013, the course incorporated Digital Media in its academic field of study, thus, enhancing the significance of advances in new media technologies and their role in the discipline of communication studies.
School of Economic Science
Department of International and European Economic Studies
The Department of International and European Economic Studies [https://iees.uowm.gr/] was founded in 2019 (Law 4610/2019, Government Gazette 70/issue Α/7-5-2019). It is a most promising department of economics combining core modules with contemporary trends in economics aimed at qualifying students with a thorough grounding in theoretical and practical issues in the discipline of International and European Economic Studies.
Course structure is focused on economics, in particular, Internationalization and international entrepreneurship, globalization and European economic integration, and international economic relations between the EU and Greece. In addition, it includes courses in International Business Administration and Accounting.
Department of Management Science and Technology
The Department of Management Science and Technology [https://mst.uowm.gr/] was founded in 2019 (Law 4610/2019, Government Gazette 70/issue Α/7-5-2019) in Kozani. Courses are focused on building links and collaborating with business stakeholders on a local and national basis, providing students with in-depth and all-embracing knowledge and skills for careers in a dynamic and ever-changing world, in both national and global markets and economies.
Department of Accounting and Finance
The Department of Accounting and Finance [https://accfin.uowm.gr/] was founded in Kozani in 2019 (Law 4610 / 2019, Government Gazette 70/issue Α/7-5-2019). It runs courses, which provide students with outstanding education and state-of-the-art training in the discipline of Accounting and Finance.
Course structure is built on innovation-intensive issues in Accounting and Finance, tantamount to curricula in highly recognized international universities, fully adjusted to the academic and occupational requirements in Greece, in the relevant field.
The course aims at qualifying students with:
- a thorough grounding in the most current trends in Accounting and Finance
- IT skills to keep up with advances in their field of study
- comprehensive and outstanding education which meets national and international standards
Taught courses offer in-depth education and training in business-related issues and contexts. First- and second-year courses include Marketing, Management, Mathematics - Statistics, Computer Science etc., whereas specialist courses, such as International Accounting Standards, Administrative Accounting, Cost-Accounting, Financial Management, Finance are offered in the 3rd and 4th years of study. Graduates are eligible to apply for postgraduate degree programs (Master’s and PhD) in Greek and international universities.
Department of Economics
The Department of Economics was founded in 2019 (Law 4610/2019, Government Gazette 70/issue Α/7-5-2019), in Kastoria. It delivers outstanding teaching, and research in Economics and caters for state-of-the-art curriculum-based studies, which meet national and global market requirements and standards. The Department offers courses in two specialist areas: a) Financial Analysis and b) Business Economics.
It is engaged in intense research activity in key areas of Economics, and displays substantial contribution to national research programs, by enhancing knowledge in economics, applying critical analysis of economic relations and institutions, and carrying out cutting-edge and high-quality research in major issues of Economics.
As the only department of economics in Western Macedonia, it is focused on regional-related research in close collaboration with local public stakeholders, municipalities and enterprises, with a view to elaborating on national, regional, local and sectoral systems production, workforce and product demand, innovation, development and growth. It also supports extraversion qualities in business, institutions, trade, financial relations, services, and strategies, which promote competitiveness and excellence.
The Department of Economics is engaged in intensive research in major contemporary fields of Economics and has made a significant contribution to national economic research. It plays a central role in fostering education in economics, critical analysis of economic relations and institutions, and promotes outstanding research on a national and international basis in all economics-related subjects.
Department of Business Administration
The Department of Business Administration [https://ba.uowm.gr/] is located in a state-of-the-art building in Grevena.
Courses cater for fundamental and contemporary education and skills in business administration principles and issues, in a variety of product and service sectors, to enable students to acquire a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the modern business world. They are focused on accounting, marketing, finance, logistics, IT systems and economics.
Department of Regional and Cross-border Development Studies
The Department of Regional and Cross-Border Development Studies [https://rdcbs.uowm.gr/] was founded in Kozani (Law 4610/2019, Government Gazette 70/issue Α/7-5-2019) in 2019. Courses are focused on regional development with particular emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, competitiveness, regional policies and the economy. In addition, they aim at enhancing studies in the Socio-Economic and Sustainable Development of Regions and their Cross-Border Development Policies, and qualify students with all-embracing knowledge of local, regional, national and global issues related to development and cooperation, with emphasis on decision-making and implementation of policies within the framework of European cooperation through interdisciplinary approaches. Students can combine quantitative regional analysis skills in statistics, econometrics, cartography and geographical information systems in the public and private business sectors. Notably, it is the only academic department in Greece, which focuses on cross-border studies within a dynamic economic and social context.
Department of Statistics and Insurance Science
The Department of Statistics and Insurance Science [https://stat.uowm.gr/] was founded in Grevena in 2019 (Law 4610 / 7-5-2019, Government Gazette 70/issue Α/7-5-2019) in the School of Economics.
Courses are structured on the basis of two specialist areas, Statistics and Insurance Science , and cater for state-of-the-art education and training in contemporary labor-market-related issues, providing significant career opportunities to graduates in the context of the global financial in times of economic crisis and youth unemployment.
School of Fine Arts
Department of Fine and Applied Arts
The Department of Fine and Applied Arts [https://eetf.uowm.gr/], was founded in Florina in 2006 (Presidential Decree 169/2006).
It runs courses which aim at:
- fostering and promoting education and training in painting, sculpture and applied arts, and particularly in photography, video, digital art (animation, 3D animation), illustration art prints, industrial design and interior decoration. Special emphasis is placed on highlighting cultural heritage and how it has been affected by major European art trends.
- qualifying students with state-of-the art training for careers in art
- catering for outstanding education and training for teaching jobs in primary and secondary education
School of Science
Department of Informatics
The Department of Informatics [https://cs.uowm.gr/] was founded in Kastoria (Law 4610/2019, Government Gazette 70/issue Α/7-5-2019). It aims at promoting education and training in Informatics and qualifying students for careers in IT companies and education (Secondary or Higher). In addition, it caters for cutting-edge research and postgraduate studies.
Course curriculum includes core and elective courses in Informatics, which provide fundamental education in IT and familiarize students with field issues.
Department of Mathematics
The Department of Mathematics [https://math.uowm.gr/] was founded in 2019 in Kastoria (Law 4610 / 07.05.2019, Government Gazette 70/issue Α/7-5-2019).
It offers Bachelor's degree courses in Mathematics (non-specialist areas), Level 6 (National Qualifications Framework).
School of Agriculture
Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture [https://agro.uowm.gr/] was founded in Florina in 2019 (Law 4610/2019, Government Gazette 70/issue Α/7-5-2019).
Courses are aimed at:
- continuously updating education in issues related to agricultural and livestock farms and agri-food business
- encouraging innovation in production, organization and disposal processes, to enhance the comparative advantage of Greek agricultural and livestock products
- emphasizing the sustainability of natural resources, the welfare of productive animals and the quality of agricultural products, and minimizing the adverse effects on climate and biodiversity
- promoting rural area development by implementing rural and regional policies
Courses last five years, and include core and specialist modules in agriculture (first three years). At the end of the 6th semester students are opted for one of the prescribed pathways, i.e. Crop Production, Animal Production and Rural Economy, lasting 4 semesters.
School of Health
Department of Occupational Therapy
The Department of Occupational Therapy [https://ot.uowm.gr/], founded in Ptolemaida in 2019 (Law 4610/2019, Government Gazette 70/issue Α/7-5-2019), aims to promote education and research in Occupational Therapy, and qualify students for professional careers and development.
It is one of the two University Departments of Occupational Therapy in Greece, catering for outstanding education, training and skills in the field.
Department of Midwifery
The Department of Midwifery [https://mw.uowm.gr/], founded in Ptolemaida in 2009, caters for education and training in obstetrics, gynecology, neonatology, ethics, family planning/contraception, sex education, research, health care and prevention.
It aims to promote outstanding education and applied research in Midwifery issues, and qualifies students for pursuing a career in Midwifery.
Undergraduate study
Course Curriculum
A Course Curriculum includes compulsory, elective and compulsory elective courses, course description, teaching hours per week, teaching and assessment methods, prerequisites, etc. It also contains the academic and teaching staff qualifications required for implementing curricula and achieving learning outcomes.
According to the National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education, Course Curricula also describe the learning outcomes and qualifications acquired from the course, the individual course units, tutorials or training. In addition, they include ECTS credits (Ministerial decision F. 5 / 89656 / Β3 / 13.8.2007, B’1466), and the qualification levels specified in the National Qualifications Framework and the European Qualifications Framework for Higher Education.
First-cycle curricula also include at least one compulsory foreign language course.
Course Duration-Exams
Each Academic Year starts on 1st September and ends on 31st August of the following year. It consists of two semesters, lasting for at least 13 full teaching weeks each, followed by a two- or three-week exam period. In September, there is a four-week exam period for the total number of taught courses. Most students complete their studies within the minimum course duration determined by Departments.
Typically, course curricula include four to six courses per semester requiring 18 to 25 hours coursework (lectures and laboratory sessions) per week. Most courses (two thirds) are compulsory; however, there is also a number of elective courses, which students can choose either from their own course curriculum, or from the curricula of other Departments. Therefore, students are given the opportunity, apart from gaining specialised knowledge in their own discipline, to study other specialist subjects, according to their academic interests and needs.
Postgraduate study
Master’s Degree Programmes
The Master’s Degree Programmes offered at the University of Western Macedonia were determined under Law 4485 / 2017 and Law 4610 / 2019.
The University welcomes applications from Greek and international university graduates meeting the entry requirements specified by the Postgraduate Programme Regulations of each department.
In addition, the University of Western Macedonia organises and offers joint Master’s programmes in collaboration with international universities.
Entry requirements and information on the specific programmes are set out in a Protocol of Cooperation between the cooperating HEIs.
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) degrees
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees are available in every Department at the University of Western Macedonia and develop specialist knowledge in a specific field of study and in relevant UoWM disciplines and subject areas. Studies are focused on cutting-edge original research culminating in a PhD thesis to contribute to educational and scientific innovation and advancement.
Regulations for PhD degrees are set out according to article 45, Law 4485/2017 and the decisions made by each Department Assembly, approved by the University Senate and published in the Government Gazette. They are also posted on Department websites and notified to the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs.
Only Master’s degree holders are eligible for PhD programmes.
A minimum of three years of full-time study is normally required, upon the appointment of a Three-member Advisory Committee.
Transport and access
You can travel to, from and within cities with University departments by plane, bus, and train.
Plane
Two airports link Western Macedonia to Athens:
- Filippos Airport in Kozani (http://www.ypa.gr/our-airports/kratikos-aerolimenas-kozanhs-filippos-kakzf ), and
- Aristotle Airport in Kastoria (http://www.ypa.gr/our-airports/kratikos-aerolimenas-kastorias-aristotelhs-kakta).
Bus
Egnatia Motorway links all cities with University departments in Western Macedonia (http://www.egnatia.eu/page/).
- In Kozani, the modern intercity bus service (https://www.ktelkozanis.gr) links the city with the largest Greek cities, and most areas of Western Macedonia. There are also minibuses (https://cityofkozani.gov.gr/diadromes-mini-bus) to and from the University campus.
- The bus service in Florina is available to Kozani, Thessaloniki and Athens (https://www.dromologiaktel.gr/loc_dk/yperastika-ktel/60/yperastika-ktel-flwrinas.htm). Inner city transport to and from the University is offered in modern buses (bus station, 26 Captain Vangeli and 25th March str.).
- There are daily bus services to and from Kastoria (Thessaloniki - Kastoria: 1.40hrs, Athens - Kastoria: 5.30hrs, Ioannina - Kastoria: 1.30hrs) (https://www.ktel-kastorias.gr).
- Grevena is located 484 km from Athens, 170 km from Thessaloniki, 100 km from Ioannina and 140 km from Larissa. Transport is possible through Egnatia Motorway, which links all parts of northern Greece, either by bus (www.ktelgrevenon.gr) or car. Transport to and from the University campus is offered by bus (https://www.ktelgrevenon.gr/dromologia).
- Daily intercity bus services link Ptolemaida to the largest urban centres in Greece (tel. 2463024417) and various areas in the Municipality of Eordea (http://www.astikoktelptolemaidas.gr).
Train
Railway services are available only in Florina. There are regular railway services from and to Thessaloniki (https://tickets.trainose.gr/dromologia).
External links
- University of Western Macedonia - Official Website (in Greek and English)
- University of Western Macedonia Internal Quality Assurance Unit (in Greek and English)
- Hellenic Quality Assurance and Accreditation Agency (HQA) (in Greek and English)
- University of Western Macedonia DASTA Office (Career Office & Innovation Unit) (in Greek)
- "ATHENA" Plan for Higher Education (in Greek)
- Greek Research & Technology Network (GRNET) (in Greek)
- okeanos (GRNET's cloud service) (in Greek and English)