The Open University of Cyprus, in Lefkosia, is the only distance learning university in Cyprus. Modelled on the British Open University, the Open University of Cyprus was established to fill an important gap for open and distance education in the higher education system of the Republic of Cyprus, in response to the growing demand for continuing education and lifelong learning. It is the first and only Higher Education Institution in Cyprus that provides open and distance education at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Placing great emphasis on research, the OUC promotes research programmes aiming towards the development of methodologies and corresponding high technologies for open and distance learning.MethodologyThe Open University of Cyprus style of teaching is called "open and distance learning". More specifically, students have the opportunity to learn in their own time without having to be present at the premises of the University to be able to attend lectures, seminars or labs, as it is the case with conventional universities.The Open University's degree structure and credit system is based on the concept of Thematic Units (or Modules) adaptable to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). The teaching load of an OUC's Thematic Unit corresponds to approximately three (3) semesters at any conventional university. The duration of each Thematic Unit is ten (10) months. OUC students have access to an e-learning platform, an electronic portal where practical information concerning studies at the Open University and related regulations and procedures are posted, as well as information regarding Study Courses, course materials and student workload.