Athens International College and IMS College organized a special event to officially launch the University of London’s programs in Greece, marking the University’s first official presence in our country.
As noted in the relevant announcement, the University of London, one of the most historic academic institutions and one of the largest university networks in the world, selected Athens International College and IMS College as its two Recognized Teaching Centers in Greece, following a rigorous and months-long evaluation process. As part of this process, the two colleges’ ability to meet the University of London’s academic, organizational, and quality requirements was thoroughly evaluated.
Through this partnership, students in Greece gain access to University of London programs affiliated with universities such as Royal Holloway, Goldsmiths, Queen Mary, and UCL, which are among the most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom.
At the event, which took place on Monday, June 8, 2026, His Excellency the British Ambassador to Greece, Mr. Matthew Lodge, the Secretary General for Higher Education at the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, Professor Dimitris Bourantonis, the Director of the British Council in Greece, Ms. Anastasia Andritsou, and the President of the Panhellenic Union of Colleges, Mr. Konstantinos Pappas.
During the event, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, Professor Phil Allmendinger, delivered a message emphasizing the immense importance of the University’s presence in Greece, and the programs were presented by academics from the University of London, including Prof. Helen Xanthaki, Dr. Yu Zheng, Dr. James Abdey, Prof. Dimitrios Koufopoulos, Prof. Alan Parkinson, Prof. Lynsie Chew, and Dr. Sarah Rauchas, who explained the curriculum structure, career prospects, and admission requirements.
Athens International College offers the International Foundation Programme, the BSc in Business Administration, and the MSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, while IMS College offers the Global MBA, the LLM with a specialization in Maritime Law, and the MSc in Accounting and Financial Management.
Particular emphasis was placed on linking the programs to the current needs of the job market and to fields of study in high 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,” featuring distinguished representatives from the business community, the shipping industry, the legal sector, and academia.
Participants in the discussion included Professor Panagiotis Alexakis, former Chairman of the Athens Stock Exchange; Ms. Christina Antoniou, CEO & Vice President of DAIKIN Hellas; Ms. Elia Liataki, General Manager of IKON/Omnicom PR at the BBDO Group, Ms. Anna Kalathaki, President of Navios Maritime Partners L.P., Ms. Vivi Koliopoulou, President of WISTA Hellas and Insurance Manager at the Angelicoussis Group, Mr. Polychronis Perivolaris, Attorney and Vice President of the Hellenic Maritime Law Association, and Mr. Konstantinos Bachtsavanis, Solicitor and Master Mariner and member of the Hellenic Maritime Law Association.
The discussion highlighted how the demands on graduates and professionals are changing, as well as why internationally recognized education, specialization, critical thinking, and adaptability skills are becoming increasingly important.
Professor Phil Allmendinger, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) at the University of London, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Athens International College and IMS College to our network of Recognized Teaching Centers.
These teaching centers are vital partners in our mission to provide high-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 of London is known.
This partnership will open up new opportunities for students in Greece to access British higher education, continuing our nearly 200-year tradition of promoting access to education."
Konstantinos Kesentes, CEO of Athens International College, stated: "The recognition of Athens International College as a Recognized Teaching Centre of the University of London is a significant milestone and reaffirms our steadfast commitment to academic quality and international education.
Through this partnership, students in Greece gain access to University of London programs, which are affiliated with leading British universities, while remaining in their home country. Our goal is to offer an educational experience that combines high-level knowledge, critical thinking, and skills with real value in the job market."
Aphrodite Ferentinou, Managing Director of IMS College, stated: “IMS College’s partnership with the University of London substantially reinforces a 31-year educational journey based on quality, consistency, and a close connection to the needs of students and the market.
The selection of IMS College as a Recognized Teaching Center, following a rigorous evaluation process, is both a validation and a responsibility for us. Through the Global MBA, LLM with specialization in Maritime Law, and MSc Accounting and Financial Management programs, we aim to offer studies in Greece that are internationally recognized, academically rigorous, and of practical value for the professional development of participants.”
The event concluded with a joint commitment by the two colleges to support the University of London’s presence in Greece, emphasizing quality, an international perspective, academic credibility, and a meaningful connection to students’ professional futures.