Our mission is to improve the quality of life and to promote the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. We do this by providing degree programmes, courses and other interventions, as well as research, consultancy and services focusing on responsible lifestyles, physical activity and effective resource management.
Our Department is unique in its focus on education for physical activity and sports, health and nutrition, textiles and fashion, and family resource management, and one of the few departments focusing on individuals and families as responsible consumers. It strongly embraces an active learning methodology and extension of teaching and learning to the community and other settings.
Our Department serves to further the Faculty of Education’s mission as an entity, which strives to help citizens have meaningful lives and to help societies flourish.
We focus on education, communication and project-based approaches related to health, nutrition, physical activity, consumer issues, finance, textiles and family wellness and contribute to national goals for lifelong learning, healthy communities and sustainable development.
We collaborate with other departments and entities within the Faculty and University to provide a rich and applied learning experience for students who are aiming to take up a career in education, consumer, youth, food or health related fields. Our programmes provide training which can lead to job opportunities and entrepreneurial endeavours primarily in the areas of education and wellness. Our academic staff members also supervise students’ research at undergraduate and graduate levels. An important continuing role of department members is in the paper setting, correcting and management of national examinations at SEC, Intermediate and Advanced Level.
We promote the University’s internationalisation through learning and research agreements with foreign universities and institutions, along with the organisation of international conferences, workshops and other professional development initiatives.
Our staff members are active in community outreach through establishing links with schools, clubs, associations and national and international organisations with an interest in PE, sport and NFCS related fields, and through support of their various initiatives. HPECS staff offer professional development courses for teachers during annual in-service sessions and staff development programmes in schools, for other professionals in clubs and associations, and also through short courses offered at the University. They embark on community projects with governmental or non-governmental organisations, as well as contribute to regular school activities such as Health weeks and Sports days. They also contribute to the mass media, including regular participation in radio and TV programmes.
We serve on a variety of university, national, international and other leadership and policy-making boards and committees (e.g. foundations, government entities, local sports clubs and national sports associations), bringing the NFCS and PE perspectives and expertise to the table and also representing the best interests of the respective professions whilst fostering human wellbeing.