The Maria Curie-Sklodowska University (UMCS) is a state institution of higher education established in Lublin, Poland in 1944. It offers academic programmes at undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels at ten faculties: of Chemistry, Biology and Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science, Law and Administration, The Humanities, Economics, Pedagogy and Psychology, Philosophy and Sociology, Political Science, and Arts.
UMCS also runs the Foreign Languages Teaching Centre, Academic Sports and Physical Education Centre and the University's Polish Language and Culture Center for overseas students.
The standard offer of the Polish Language and Culture Centre is adjusted to diversified needs and requirements of participants and includes supplementary trips to major Polish cities, social events and visits to museums and theatres. The Centre offers a variety of tailor-made courses for foreigners who want to improve their language skills and broaden their knowledge on the history and culture of Poland.
An important educational institution is the university's Main Library with a network of faculty libraries, as well as the British Council Library and Alliance Franc?aise UMCS branches. The University Centre for Open Courses provides a wide variety of supplementary courses. The university also has its own Botanic Gardens.
The University has 29 500 students, 839 doctoral students and over 1800 superbly educated academic staff and highly qualified specialists in many fields. The University has several branches or affiliated colleges located in other towns of the region. All this makes the Maria Curie-Sklodowska University the largest university in eastern Poland.
The Maria Curie-Sklodowska University has developed numerous contacts to further academic collaboration with other universities and colleges in the world. It is a member of international academic bodies and participant in many programmes of academic cooperation like:
7th Framework Programme, the Lifelong Learning Programme: Erasmus, Comenius, Grundtvig, Leonardo da Vinci, Jean Monnet, Thematic Network programmes, the Baltic University Programme with European partners, and e.g. the Fulbright student and scholar exchange programme with US partners.
The University carries out regular student and faculty bilateral exchange programmes with:
Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven, Pa.,
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, Erie, Pa.,
Urbana University, Urbana, Ohio
University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho.
The University's international cooperation also includes the growing numbers of overseas students and academic teaching staff studying and working in Lublin.
The University is a member of the European University Association, Copernicus Campus and other international organisations. Its professors are experts for the United Nations, the State Committee for Scientific Research, Ministry of Education and many other Polish and international institutions. Its institutes and departments are valued highly in the ranking charts prepared by the State Committee for Scientific Research. The Maria Curie-Sklodowska University co-operates closely with the local government and business; the vice Rector for Research represents the University in the Council of a Sci-Tech Park in Lublin. Through its Foundation the University offers project development services to large companies, SMEs and the local community.
Studying at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) in Lublin has been a pleasure since the very first day. The city has a unique charisma, and the campus atmosphere is indescribable. UMCS is a place not only for sciences and acquiring knowledge, but also for friendship. Also, the quality of the courses are extremely high. I had the chance to compare my studies with other universities here in Poland, Europe and even in North and South America and I am sure that I am at the right place. In a very few words, I just love this University and the people there.
Bruno Schivinski – Management and Sociology Student, Brazil.
