18 - Greece - Organisational variations, alternative structures
The Hellenic Open University (HOU) is an Organizational Variation of University Education, which was
founded by a 1992 law and is an independent and fully self-governed Higher Educational Institution
having the form of a Legal Entity of Public Law. The HOU has its registered offices in Patras, having
annexes in various cities around the country.
Distance Studies – General Objectives
The mission of the Hellenic Open University (ΕΑΠ/EAP) is to provide distance undergraduate and
postgraduate education and adult education, by developing and utilising appropriate educational
materials and teaching methods. Among the goals of the ΕΑΠ/EAP is to promote scientific research
and to develop technology and methodology in the field of distance learning.
In particular, this institution guarantees higher education studies, irrespective of the candidates’ age,
i.e. it ensures them a “second chance” for lifelong learning and training. Also, the ΕΑΠ/EAP offers
University studies to those who cannot attend classes or laboratories for whatever reason.
The HOU is organizing various programs of graduate and post graduate studies, which lead to the
following degrees:
Degrees
Master Degrees
Post-doctoral degrees
Graduate education certificates
Post-graduate education certificates
Thematic units attendance certificates.
Distance Study – Admission Requirements
Holders of a general upper secondary school leaving certificate or an equivalent certificate from
secondary education either in the country or abroad are eligible for admission without examinations. If
the number of interested parties exceeds the number of places available, the selection is done by
lottery draw and the following shall apply to the selection of candidates: a) priority is given to
candidates being at least 23 years old. If the demand is higher, lots are drawn. b) If places are still
available after the above order of precedence is complied with, candidates are selected by way of
lottery anew.
Degree Holders of Higher Education (University Institutions or Technological Educational Institutions)
of a relevant discipline can be admitted to the Postgraduate Study Programs. Following the submission
process of the applications and the recommendation of the respective Faculty, the Administrative
Board of the EAP specifies the conditions required for the submission of applications per curriculum.
Teaching Method/Teaching Aid
The objectives of the Hellenic Open University (ΕΑΠ/EAP) are achieved through the use of methods of
teaching and learning from a distance. These methods are based on high quality educational material
which must be appropriately developed in terms of both form and content in such a way as to
guarantee high quality self-education and frequent assessment of students. This material is traditional
(books, notes, evaluation forms), audio-visual (sound tapes, videotapes, optic discs) and in any other
electronic form (multimedia and Internet).
The methodology used for EAΠ/EAP Undergraduate Programmes of Study is that of distance learning,
which for each thematic unit includes:
five (5) meetings of tutors with students;
four (4) to six (6) compulsory assignments which are sent to the tutor;
distance counselling communication between the tutor and students;
laboratory practice of students at the laboratories of the EAP at Patras (wherever this is provided
in the Curriculum); and
final and repeat examinations held for each thematic unit all over Hellas at the same time.
The postgraduate students can attend the programme of studies of their choice from wherever they
live in any region of Hellas or abroad. The tutors’ meetings with the students will be held in the
following cities: Patras (ΕΑΠ/EAP head offices), Athens, Thessaloniki, Herakleio, Ioannina, Xanthi,
Piraeus and Larisa.
As regards the ΕΑΠ/EAP Postgraduate Programmes of Study leading to a Postgraduate Specialisation
Diploma (ΜΔΕ/MDE) or to a Certificate of Postgraduate Study, the methodology used is also that of
distance learning, which for each thematic unit includes:
five (5) meetings of tutors with students;
four (4) to six (6) compulsory assignments which are sent to the tutor;
distance counselling communication between the tutor and students; and
final and repeat examinations.
The postgraduate students can attend the programme of studies of their choice from wherever they
live in any region of Hellas or abroad. The tutors’ meetings with the students will be held in the
following cities: Patras (ΕΑΠ/EAP head offices), Athens and Thessaloniki.
Courses offered
As for the academic year 2007-2008 the following courses operated, which lead to the acquisition of
the respective degrees:
Degrees
Studies in the Physical Sciences
Computer Science
Administration of Businesses and Organisations
Studies in Hellenic Culture
Studies in European Culture
Spanish Language and Culture
POSTGRADUATE SPECIALISATION DIPLOMAS (ΜΔΕ/MDE)
Administration of Tourist Enterprises
Administration of Health Units
Administration of Health Services of the National Health System
Banking
Administration of Cultural Units
Environmental Planning of cities and buildings
Environmental Planning of infrastructure works
Quality Assurance
Postgraduate Specialisation for English Language Teachers
Postgraduate Specialisation for German Language Teachers
Postgraduate Specialisation for French Language Teachers
Studies in Education
Adult Education
Seismic engineering and anti-seismic structures
Technical Works Management
Postgraduate specialization in computer systems
Studies in Orthodoxy
Graphic arts – Multimedia
Waste management
Advanced studies in Physics
Environmental degradation and protection
Postgraduate specialization for Physical Sciences Teachers
Postgraduate studies in Mathematicsv
Business Administration (MBA)
Business Administration (MBA) To complete the undergraduate programme and be awarded a degree,
the student must successfully complete and be examined in at least twelve (12) Thematic Units. The
student choses one (1) to three (3) Thematic Units per year (minimum duration of studies is 4
academic years).
For the completion of the post graduate studies and the awarding of a Post Graduate Diploma, the
successful completion and examination of (4) thematic units and the completion of a dissertation are
necessary. The dissertation corresponds to one to two Thematic Units depending on the Program.
For students to complete their postgraduate studies and receive their Certificate of Postgraduate
Study, they must complete and have been successfully examined in one (1) Thematic Unit (duration of
studies at least one academic year).
The participation of the students in the studies’ fees, as these were introduced in the academic year
2005-2006, was set at €700 per module of graduate program and €850 per module of post graduate
program. The aforementioned amounts are valid up to the completion of the minimum duration of
studies. The Administrative Board can approve scholarships entailing the full or partial exemption from
the above share of costs for up to 10% of students. Hellenic Open University (E.A.P.)
Eurydice - the information network on education in Europe
Date: 2009
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