The most sought after BSc. Applied Accounting Degree in Sri Lanka
Most students who face the Sri Lankan Advanced Level Examination at present achieve the proficiency required to enter university education. Although the percentage of those who so qualify increases marginally every year, the opportunities available for students to enter university given the limited educational facilities are very low. It is therefore a necessity that students who do not have the opportunity to enter university but who possess the requisite knowledge of their chosen field are given a viable alternative – i.e. the opportunity to follow another accepted degree.
In today’s educational environment where various degree courses are available, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) – a responsible organisation with a 55 year history of creating chartered accountants in Sri Lanka – has taken the timely step to implement its ‘Applied Accounting Degree’ programme to fulfil a much needed gap in education. The following is prepared from a transcript of an interview conducted with the CEO of CA Sri Lanka, Mr Aruna Alwis and Director of the Faculty of Accounting and Business Studies Dr Tikiri Andarawewa to publicize this step by CA Sri Lanka.
In today’s educational environment where various degree courses are available, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) – a responsible organisation with a 55 year history of creating chartered accountants in Sri Lanka – has taken the timely step to implement its ‘Applied Accounting Degree’ programme to fulfil a much needed gap in education
Could you give an introduction to the Applied Accounting Degree Course?
‘ The Applied Accounting Degree is a course which has the approval of the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka. The course spans three years and each year consists of two terms and its focus on practical knowledge is a speciality. The delivery of the degree moves away from the traditional method in that it’s not only limited to lectures but also encourages self-study by students and is designed to sharpen their soft skills, communication and presentation skills and use of technical methods. This ensures that the student is a well-rounded graduate fully equipped with the entrepreneurial capabilities necessary for the world of business.’
Who does the Applied Accounting Degree Course cater to?
‘Students who have passed the local or international A-level examinations with three passes and who don’t have the opportunity to enter local universities due to space constraints can gain entrance to this course. In addition, those who are employed and have fulfilled those requirements can also gain entrance to the course.
We have also made allowances for CIMA members and students, those who have passed the GCE A-level examination and completed the AAT qualification and those who have achieved the SLIATE Diploma to be able to complete this degree with the appropriate exemptions from certain sub- jects in accordance with the level of education achieved.’
Could you give an overview of the facilities available for the Applied Accounting Degree course?
‘Students will have access to fully equipped lecture halls, libraries and modern computer labs within the CA Sri Lanka compound and will also have access to extra-curricular activities which form part of the usual university environment. The panel of lecturers consists of highly qualified lecturers from state universities who are professors, PhD and doctorate holders in their respective fields.
The lectures will be conducted on a Full Time, Part Time and Weekend basis to accommodate student needs.
Furthermore, students who are in their third year on the course will be integrated into some of the leading companies in the country for ‘Industrial Training’. Loan facilities have also been arranged for students in order to facilitate fee payments for the course.’
What are the additional advantages students can gain from following the Applied Accounting Degree Course?
The degree has attracted foreign students including from Oman who chose the CA Sri Lanka degree due to its ‘most relevant’ cur- riculum.
The CA Sri Lanka degree has also received a significant international boost after receiving accreditation from CPA Australia, one of the world’s largest accounting bodies which recognized the CA Sri Lanka Applied Accounting degree as an entry qualification to follow the CPA Programme. Further, one of Australia’s top universities, La Trobe University entered into a partnership with CA Sri Lanka allowing students following CA Sri Lanka’s BSc. Degree in Applied Accounting the opportunity to transfer into La Trobe University’s Accounting Degree programme in Australia.
Students also have the added advantage of being able to address any problems they have with the syllabus due to the continuous assessments which will be conducted throughout the course. Furthermore, student achievements are marked at every stage of the degree by being awarded an Advanced Diploma on completion of the first year, a Higher Diploma on completion of the second year and the Applied Accounting Degree on completion of the third year. If students need to exit their studies at any point, they could exit the course at any of those stages and join the course when they are able to continue their studies again from that point onwards, perhaps while in employment.
This is a great opportunity for students who have completed their A- Levels in 2014 and is seeking to gain admission to a course which has also being recognised at an international leve