University of Szeged
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The University of Szeged (Template:Langx; also abbreviated USZ<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>) is a public research university in Szeged, Hungary. Established as the Jesuit Academy of Kolozsvár in present-day Cluj-Napoca in 1581, the institution was re-established as a university in 1872 by Emperor Franz Joseph I. The university relocated to Szeged in 1921, making it one of the oldest research universities in Hungary. It went through numerous changes throughout the 20th century and was eventually divided into distinct independent universities.
The current University of Szeged was formed in 2000 and is made up of twelve constituent faculties and nineteen doctoral schools, which consist of a range of departments and research groups. Each faculty functions autonomously. In addition to these, the university also operates the Health Centre of the University of Szeged, an extensive teaching hospital responsible for public regional healthcare, and three laboratory schools, which combine public education and teacher training responsibilities. The faculties and associated buildings do not form one single campus, as the buildings are scattered around downtown Szeged, although the Health Centre and the buildings of the Department of Arts are adjacent to each other. Being part of the Bologna zone, most majors are divided into a Bachelor's and Master's and PhD programmes, but the so-called one tyre-master (undivided) programmes are also.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The university also operates the Klebelsberg Library, the largest university library in Central Europe, and six university presses. In the fiscal year of 2014, the university had an operating budget of US$220 million.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The University of Szeged has educated a large number of notable alumni, including Nobel laureates Albert Szent-Györgyi and Katalin Karikó, political scientist István Bibó, and poets Attila József and Gyula Juhász.
History
1581-1871: Founding and predecessors
The earliest predecessor of today's university was established by Stephen Báthory in the city of Kolozsvár in 1581<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> as a Catholic academy, with a profile in humanities and theology.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite book</ref> The academy offered university-level education in arts and different departments were organised by 1598.<ref name=":1" /> Before the establishment of a full university system, the academy stopped functioning in 1605 due to the reformation and the Long Turkish War.<ref name=":1" /> It was eventually re-opened with Habsburg support in 1698 as the Jesuit Academy of Cluj, and was granted the title Universitas by Maria Theresa in 1753.<ref name=":1" /> The university was notable for educating Saxon, Romanian and Hungarian students and the university press published books in three languages.<ref name=":1" />
Following the dissolution of the Society of Jesus in 1773, the university was taken over by the Piarist teaching order, who was responsible for improving modernising education: the Faculty of Law was established in 1774, with the Faculty of Medicine following in 1775.<ref name=":1" /> Multiple departments made up these faculties. King Joseph II downgraded the university to a Royal College of the Academy in 1784, which hindered its further progress.<ref name=":1" /> Still, the institution became the largest college of Transylvania. The Faculty of Theology was closed down in 1786, and the other faculties offered a wide range of education, including economics and sciences.<ref name=":1" /> Following the Civic Revolution and War of Independence of 1848–1849, the Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Law were closed, with the latter functioning as an independent academy starting 1863.<ref name=":1" />
1872-1944: University of Cluj and move to Szeged
The predecessor to the modern university was the University of Kolozsvár, founded in 1872 by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria.<ref name=":0"/> The university was established as a four-faculty institution following European example: the Faculty of Arts, Languages and History, the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, the Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences, and the Faculty of Medicine were established.<ref name=":1" /> 269 students were enrolled in the university programmes in the first school year.<ref name=":1" /> The university became Ferenc József University of Cluj in 1881.<ref name=":1" /> Following this, the number of students grew sharply and the university had become an important centre of education at a national level.<ref name=":1" /> After the Unification of Transylvania with Romania in December 1918, the University was evacuated and in 1921, after the Trianon Treaty, it started to activate in Szeged.<ref name=":1" /> At the time, the institution had 62 functioning departments within its four faculties.<ref name=":1" /> Between 1922 and 1931, the university saw a great amount of development: teaching hospitals were built along the river Tisza, and other university buildings, including the research institutes on Dóm Square and the Auditorium Maximum at the Faculty of Arts, were built.<ref name=":1" /> Among its teachers were Albert Szent-Györgyi, one of the founders of the Faculty of Science, who received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1937 for his discoveries in connection with Vitamin C.<ref name=":1" />
In 1940, the university was divided into two legally separate entities: a smaller part moved back to Cluj, while the larger part remained in Szeged, and was established as a new institution under the name Miklós Horthy University.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
1945-1999: Separate institutions
Following the Soviet occupation of Szeged in October 1944, the university acquired the name University of Szeged.<ref name=":1" /> During this period, entrance exams were introduced and teacher training also became an important role of the institution.<ref name=":1" /> With the new constitution of 1949, Russian language teaching and teaching of Marxism–Leninism was introduced.<ref name=":1" /> Structural changes of this period include the renaming of academic titles and ranks.<ref name=":0" />
In 1951, the Faculty of Medicine was separated from the other three faculties and was established as an independent institution under the name Medical University.<ref name=":1" /> It later acquired the name Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical University, while the other faculties assumed the name Attila József University.<ref name=":0" />
2000-today: University of Szeged
By 1996, there had been multiple institutions offering tertiary education in Szeged. As a result, the leaders of these, including those of the Attila József University, the Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical University, the Gyula Juhász Teacher Training College, and the Franz Liszt Musical College, signed a letter of intent that the Szeged University Association be established.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
On 1 January 2000, the institutes were unified as the University of Szeged. Functioning as a public university, the institution comprised ten faculties, the number of which ultimately reached 12. Since 2004, a new system in tertiary education was established, which divides most majors into a Bachelor's and a Master's programme.
Since 2000, numerous developments have taken place. In 2004, a new university building was opened under the name Attila József Study and Information Centre. The building contains the Klebelsberg Library, the Career Centre, the Students' Service Office, and several study spaces.<ref name=":0" /> In 2010, the university acquired the title research university.<ref name=":0" /> 2014 saw the inauguration of the ELI-ALPS Research Institute, focusing on attosecond light pulse research.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2021, the university senate voted in favour of an operative transformation.<ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref> As a result, the university will be sustained by a state-established foundation instead of operating as a public university.<ref name=":3" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The decision resulted in a nationwide controversy surrounding the model change of numerous universities in Hungary.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Campus
The University of Szeged has an urban campus, meaning that the university buildings are scattered throughout the city centre without comprising a continuous university campus.<ref name=":4">Template:Cite web</ref> Nevertheless, the Health Centre bears a close resemblance to a campus, with the teaching hospitals being in one area. The main administrative building, the Rector's Office is on Dugonics Square, while the twelve faculties are housed in several buildings in downtown Szeged.<ref name=":4" />
Important university buildings include the research institutes surrounding Dóm Square in a U-shape, and the Attila József Study and Information Centre on Ady Square. The building houses the Klebelsberg Library, the Career Centre, the Students' Service Office, and many study spaces.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The university also has ten dormitories for Hungarian and international students.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Other buildings and sites affiliated with the University of Szeged include the Biological Research Centre,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> the ELI-ALPS Research Institute<ref name=":2" /> and the Health Centre.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The SZTE Botanic Garden is a 24-acre garden outside the city centre and is home to more than 40 protected species whose natural habitats are only found in Hungary.<ref name=":5">Template:Cite web</ref> Primarily a research garden, its main purpose is to maintain its rose garden, rock garden and taxonomical collection, and to organise science lessons.<ref name=":5" />
Organisation
Central governance
The university's formal head is the rector, currently László Róvó.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> His responsibilities include maintaining in- and out-of-building relationships and making strategic decisions concerning education. Currently, there are four prorectors, responsible for strategy, education, research and development, and international relations, respectively. The chancellor is responsible for the economical management of the institution. The current chancellor is Judit Fendler.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Both the chancellor and the rector are part of the Senate. Consisting of 49 decision-making delegates, the Senate make decisions on organisational changes and statutes.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Since 2000, the institute has functioned as a public university.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Faculties
Being a collegiate university, the University of Szeged is made up of twelve constituent faculties, along with a central administration. The faculties are:<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Each faculty is led by the dean.<ref name=":6">Template:Cite web</ref> The dean is appointed for five years and is responsible for overseeing education, research and human resources within the faculty, as well as maintaining a relationship with each department and the rector.<ref name=":6" /> The dean is also the leader of the Faculty Council, the decision-making body of each faculty.<ref name=":6" /> They are helped by a varying number of vice-deans.<ref name=":6" /> Each faculty consists of several institutes, usually organised according to broad research areas.<ref name=":6" /> These are responsible for educational decisions, courses, and research and development within the institute.<ref name=":6" /> The institutes are further divided into departments, which are on the smallest organisational level.<ref name=":6" /> They have immediate responsibility concerning courses, exams and research within the department.<ref name=":6" /> For interdisciplinary research involving multiple institutes or departments, research groups may be established.<ref name=":6" />
Academic profile
Research
The university has nineteen doctoral schools and several research groups. 14 research groups are supported by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, among others in areas like pharmaceutical chemistry, biotechnology and environmental technology.<ref name=":7">Template:Cite web</ref> 700 research areas are covered at the 19 doctoral schools of Szeged.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The researchers of the university have had 25,000 publications in journals and conferences.<ref name=":7" /> They have also had 41 patents and 52 know-hows.<ref name=":7" />
Teaching and degrees
Hungarian universities adopted the Bologna objectives in 2004, and as a result, most fields of study have been divided into a Bachelor's and a Master's programme.<ref name=":8">Template:Cite web</ref> Medicine, pharmacy, and dental studies, architecture, law and teacher training programmes remain single-cycle programmes called "undivided programmes".<ref name=":8" />
Undergraduate programmes usually last three to four years and result in a bachelor's degree.<ref name=":8" /> These usually involve earning 180 or 240 credit points and the writing of a Bachelor's thesis.<ref name=":8" /> Postgraduate programmes last one or two years and result in a master's degree.<ref name=":8" /> In many areas, distance-learning programmes are also available.<ref name=":8" /> Doctorate programmes are also available as an optional study course.<ref name=":8" />
Admission
Tertiary education in Hungary is non-compulsory and admission is elective.<ref name=":8" /> The requirements for bachelor's degree programmes include taking the Matura exam, the general school-leaving exam in Hungary.<ref name=":8" /> In most programmes, there is an additional requirement of taking the exam in at least one subject at an advanced level. In some programmes, would-be students have to pass a practical examination or a test.<ref name=":8" /> Currently, the university has 21,000 university students, studying a total of 134 majors. Szeged offers 52 full-time degree programmes at Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral level.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
International students may apply for the programmes online and need to submit a form.<ref name=":9">Template:Cite web</ref> They need to upload documents that verify their academic background, language proficiency and general health.<ref name=":9" /> The application process varies by faculty, and would-be students may also need to produce motivational letters or pass an online examination interview.<ref name=":9" />
During the application process, would-be students receive points based on their high school performance and the results of their matura exams and may receive extra credit for outstanding performance and language certificates.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Tuition is generally state-financed. Would-be students must decide whether they would like to opt for the state-financed programme, for which they need more points, or the self-financed programme.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This may be changed later based on the student's academic performance.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Teacher education
Teacher education in Hungary is carried out in a 5 or 6-year, undivided study path.<ref name=":10">Template:Cite web</ref> Would-be teachers need to choose two majors, which may or may not be taught within one faculty. The Teacher Training Centre oversees administrative duties and coordinates teacher education between the four faculties of the university that participate in their training:<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Gyula Juhász Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Science and the Béla Bartók Faculty of Arts.<ref name=":10" /> Those who wish to enroll in one of the teacher training courses need to pass a general aptitude test and may need to pass practical examinations as well.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Teacher training courses range from general courses in the would-be teacher's two majors, as well as specific methodological, pedagogical and psychological modules.<ref name=":10" /> Would-be teachers need to pass one short-term and one long-term teaching practice in each of their two majors to receive a master's degree.<ref name=":10" /> A 6-year programme is available for secondary school teachers and a shorter, 5-year programme is available for primary school teachers.<ref name=":10" />
Teaching practices are organised in collaboration with the university's laboratory schools.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Three laboratory schools are operated by Szeged:
- SZTE István Báthory Laboratory Grammar School and Elementary School
- SZTE Gyula Juhász Elementary School
- SZTE István Vántus Vocational School of Music
These institutions function as university-affiliated state schools. Students of these schools are taught by trained teachers and student-teachers as well, and classroom observations also take place.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Based on Heti Világgazdaság's annual school report, SZTE István Báthory Laboratory Grammar School and Elementary School is Hungary's 32th best high school and the best high school in Szeged based on students' competencies, language performance and university admissions.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Astronomical Observatory
In 1985 the (that time called Attila József) University was gifted a 400 mm astronomical telescope, perfectly suited to the scientific needs of the time, by its partner institution in Odessa, with the aim of facilitating the launch of astronomical research in Szeged. Dr. Károly Szatmáry, the professor of the university, initiated the Szeged Astronomical Observatory Foundation in the summer of 1990, with the aim of providing a proper location for the telescope in Szeged. The foundation started collecting funds, and thanks to donations from individuals, companies and the Attila József University the Observatory<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> was opened at July 6, 1992. For now the astronomical research of the university is done with other telescopes<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and the astronomical observatory is the base of the amateur astronomers of the region. The Astronomical Observatory of Szeged is located<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> next to the SZTE Botanic Garden and is open for the public at Friday's evenings.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Rankings
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Notable alumni and faculty
Template:See alsoThe University of Szeged has educated a large number of authors, scientists and athletes. Notable alumni include Nobel laureate scientist Katalin Karikó, opera singer Krisztián Cser,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> physicists Peter Heszler<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> and László Bela Kish,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> poets Attila József,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Gyula Juhász<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Miklós Radnóti,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> author Mario Szenessy,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Olympic athletes Natasa Janics, Márton Joób and Anita Márton.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Notable professors include Nobel prize-winner Albert Szent-Györgyi, as well as Dezső Csejtei,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Sándor Imre,<ref>Template:Cite thesis</ref> Károly Marót,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Ágoston Pável,<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Antal Szerb,<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Hildebrand Dezső Várkonyi,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> István Bibó,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Ferenc Finkey,<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> János Martonyi,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Gábor Fodor,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> István Rusznyák,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> István Apáthy,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Zoltán Bay,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Lipót Fejér,<ref name=":11">Template:Cite web</ref> Alfréd Haar,<ref name=":11" /> László Kalmár,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Béla Kerékjártó,<ref name=":12">Template:Cite web</ref> László Lovász,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Tibor Radó,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> László Rédei,<ref name=":12" /> Frigyes Riesz,<ref name=":11" /> Béla Szőkefalvi-Nagy<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref> and Afwa Thameur.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
See also
Bibliography
- János Martonyi, József Ruszoly: A JATE története – A Szegedi Tudományegyetem múltja és jelene. Szeged, 1999.
- SZTE the Greatest Community in Town 2019 brochure – Directorate for International&Public Relations
References
External links
Template:University of Szeged Template:Universities in Hungary Template:EPUF Template:Santander Network