Meet Our Partner: UMCS

University of Maria Curie-Skłodowska (UMCS) is a state institution of higher education established in 1944 in Lublin. It is the largest higher education institution in Eastern Poland, with 12 faculties in Lublin.

It offers over 80 programs taught in Polish and English and more than 250 specializations. Students are 16.000, of whom appr. 10% are foreign, with 1600 researcher teachers.

The Faculty of Education and Psychology at Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin ranks as one of the leading national academic centers in the field of education and psychology.

It has an active scientific staff that conducts high-quality research and teaching activities.

The faculty has 1,900 students and offers courses in eight majors: Psychology, Pre-school and Early School Education, Special Education, Cultural Organization, Social Work, Pedagogy, Social Rehabilitation, and Human Resources Development.

The Faculty has an active research and teaching staff. It currently has excellent, modern teaching and research facilities located on the West Campus. The facilities include lecture theatres, lecture rooms and tutorial rooms, a memorial room, computer laboratories and specialist laboratories.

It is characterized by high-quality education and continuous cooperation with employers, providing conditions for building a rich professional experience. It is attractive for both Polish and foreign students. Its priority is internationalization and openness to innovation.

There are two institutes within the faculty – the Institute of Education and the Institute of Psychology, both of which are authorised to award doctoral degrees. The Institute of Pedagogy is authorised to award a postdoctoral degree. 

Activities, experiences, skills and expertise

Located in Lublin, Poland, UMCS is one of the most prestigious institutions in education, psychology, and inclusive digital learning. Internationalization is a key priority of the University and UMCS boasts over 220 international agreements with partners from all over the world. It is a member of several international research networks such as the European University Association, EUniverCities network, Baltic Sea Programme.

In 2017, UMCS was awarded with the HR Excellence in Research logo, which recognizes the institution’s commitment to implement the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for their recruitment. In 2022 this award has been renewed for the next 3 years, confirming that it creates the best possible working conditions for scientists and ensures transparent recruitment rules and adequate space for the development of science, in accordance with European standards. In the same year UMCS became a partner in a consortium of European Universities – ATHENA Advanced Technology Higher Education Network Alliance, which strengthens our capacity to develop our research portfolio and apply for European funds. 

To date, the University has also won many significant titles and awards, such as: “University of Leaders”, “Aurea Praxis”, “Good University – Good Work”. UMCS is also the winner of the competition “The most innovative and creative university in Poland in creating professional prospects”. The University was ranked 1st in Poland in the “internationalization of universities” category, achieving the highest coefficient of internationalization – 6.72%. As part of START DS, they are working on:

✅ Innovative research in digital pedagogy

✅ Training teachers for digital classrooms

✅ Developing methods for inclusive and accessible digital education

✅ Helping schools implement digital transformation strategies

Their research helps teachers, students, and school leaders navigate the challenges of digital learning!