State, society, and higher education in Cyprus : a study in conflict and compromise

Abstract

This paper, beyond being a study of post secondary education in the Republic of Cyprus, explores the connection between the State and society as they impact post-secondary provision. The work initially focuses on the development of the University of Cyprus, the first public University in the Republic, followed by a study of the nature and structure of higher education as a whole. Of particular interest is the proportionally large private post-secondary sector which is purely market driven and provides educational opportunities to Cypriots and foreign students in mostly English language programmes. Post-secondary education· in Cyprus is further examined within the context of 'Knowledge Traditions'. Such 'Knowledge Traditions' have influenced both the construction of the post-secondary sector and societal perceptions of post-secondary education.