The two colleges constitute the Recognised Teaching Centers of the University of London
in Greece, after a rigorous evaluation process
Athens, June 8, 2026 — Athens International College and IMS College organized a special event for the official presentation of the University of London’s programs in Greece, marking the University’s first official presence in the country through its two Recognised Teaching Centers .
The event took place on Monday, June 8, 2026 , at the Grand Hyatt Athens , with the participation of institutional guests, representatives of the University of London , the academic community and business executives.
The University of London, one of the most historic university institutions and one of the largest university networks in the world, chose Athens International College and IMS College as both Recognized Teaching Centres in Greece, after a rigorous and long due diligence. As part of this process, the ability of the two colleges to meet the academic, organizational and quality requirements of the University of London, was assessed in depth.
Through this partnership, students in Greece gain access to University of London programs affiliated with universities such as the Royal Holloway, Goldsmiths, Queen Mary and UCL , which are among the most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom.
The event was addressed by H.E. the British Ambassador to Greece, Mr. Matthew Lodge, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Professor Mr. Dimitris Bourantonis , the Director of the British Council in Greece, Mrs. Anastasia Andritsou, as well as the President of the Panhellenic Association of Colleges, Mr. Konstantinos Pappas. A message was also delivered by ProVice – Chancellor of the University of London , Professor Phil Allmendinger , underlining the importance of the University’s presence in Greece.
During the event, the programs offered in Greece through the two Recognised Teaching Centers were presented. Athens International College offers the International Foundation Programme presented by Dr James Abdey, Associate Professor (Education) in Statistics at the London School of Economics, the BSc Business Administration presented by Dr Yu Zheng, Director of external programmes, University of Royal Holloway and the MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence presented by Dr. Sarah Rauchas, Programme Director MSc Data Science, while IMS College offers the Global MBA presented by Prof. Dimitrios Koufopoulos, Programme Director GLOBAL MBA, University of London, the Masters in Laws – specialisation in Maritime Law presented by Prof. Helen Xanthaki, Dean of PG Laws, Programme Director Masters in Laws (LLM) and the MSc Accounting and Financial Management presented by Prof. Alan Parkinson, Programme Director MSc in Accounting & Financial Management and Prof. Lynsie Chew, Programme Director MSc in Accounting & Financial Management.
University of London Programme Presentations
Particular emphasis was placed on connecting the programs with the modern needs of the labor market and with fields of knowledge that are in strong demand, such as business administration , artificial intelligence, data analysis, finance, shipping and maritime law.
As part of the event, a panel discussion was held on the topic “The Future of Work and the Value of Education”, with the participation of distinguished representatives of the business community, shipping, the legal market and the academic community.
The discussion was attended by Professor Panagiotis Alexakis , former President of the Athens Stock Exchange, Mrs. Christina Antoniou, CEO & Vice President of DAIKIN Hellas , Mrs. Elia Liatakis , General Manager IKON / Omnicom BBDO Group PR , Mrs. Anna Kalathaki , President of Navios Maritime Partners L. P. , Mrs. Vivi Koliopoulou , President of WISTA Hellas and Insurance Manager at Angelicoussis Group , Mr. Polychronis Perivolaris , Lawyer and Vice President of Hellenic Maritime Law Association , and Mr. Konstantinos Bachtsevanis , Solicitor and Master Mariner and member of Hellenic Maritime Law Association .
The discussion highlighted how the demands on graduates and young professionals are changing, as well as why internationally recognized education, specialization, critical thinking and adaptation skills are becoming increasingly important.
Konstantinos Kesentes , CEO of Athens International College , stated: “The recognition of Athens International College as Recognised Teaching Center of the University of London is a significant milestone and confirms our unwavering commitment to academic quality and international education. Through this partnership, students in Greece gain access to University programs of London , which are affiliated with leading British universities, while remaining in their home country. Our aim is to offer an educational experience that combines high-level knowledge, critical thinking and skills with real value in the job market.».”
Aphrodite Ferentinou, CEO of IMS College stated: “ IMS ’s collaboration College with University of London essentially reinforces a 31-year educational path, based on quality, consistency and a close connection to the needs of students and the market. The selection of IMSCollege as a Recognised Teaching Centre, following a demanding evaluation process, is for us a confirmation and a responsibility. Through the programs Global MBA , LLM with specialization in Maritime Law and MSc Accounting and Financial Management , we seek to offer studies in Greece with international recognition, academic rigor and practical value for the professional development of participants.”
Professor Phil Allmendinger , ProVice – Chancellor (Education) of the University of London , said: “We are excited to welcome Athens International College and IMS College in our Recognised Teaching Centres network. Our learning centres are vital partners in our mission to provide quality higher education to students around the world. They create local learning communities that support our students throughout their studies, while maintaining the high academic standards for which the University ofLondon is known for. This partnership will open up new opportunities for students in Greece to gain British higher education, continuing our nearly 200-year tradition of promoting accessibility to education.”
The event concluded with the joint commitment of the two colleges to support the University’s presence of London in Greece with an emphasis on quality, international perspective, academic credibility and a meaningful connection to the professional future of students.
About with the University of London
The University of London is the largest provider of international online and distance learning programs in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with 17 member universities of its federation, with the aim of improving access to higher education worldwide.
The University of London promotes educational accessibility, research excellence and the creation of social benefit.
With more than 40,000 students in 190+ countries, the University continues its mission to provide high-quality education globally.
The University of London Federation is made up of 17 distinguished universities, helping to make London the world capital of Higher Education, as it is home to more top universities than any other city in the world.
The University of London is also a national leader in the humanities, promoting and facilitating research across different disciplines, as well as championing the importance of humanities studies for society.
Although its headquarters are in London, the University of London was founded on the principles of inclusion, diversity and collaboration. Its global community is united by a shared belief that the power of collective expertise can transform people’s lives.
