UCL to Launch the Only 4-Year British BEng (Hons) Electrical & Electronic Engineering Degree in Sri Lanka
The Management and Course Team at Universal College Lanka (UCL) were interviewed recently about their plans and preparations to launch the BEng (Hons) Electrical & Electronic Engineering Degree in Sri Lanka. Excerpts from the interview are presented below, with views expressed by Mr Gihan Silva, CEO – UCL, Dr Dhananjay Kulkarni, Dean of Academic Affairs, Mr Maduranga Pillai, Programme Coordinator, and Dr Nishan Dharmaweera, Consultant – School of Engineering.
Questions for Mr Gihan Silva, CEO - UCL Can you tell us about UCL’s partnership with University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)?
As Sri Lanka’s premier transnational higher education provider, UCL has been privileged to maintain a progressive partnership with the prestigious University of Central Lancashire since 2017 to offer world- class British education to discerning students in Sri Lanka. Established in 1828, the University of Central Lancashire is one of the largest universities with a staff and student community approaching 38,000 as a multi-campus university and leading the way in modern learning today. The University of Central Lancashire was recently named the ‘University of the Year’ at the prestigious Edufuturists Awards 2023, in recognition of the innovation and progressive practices across the educational sector to ignite change and transform learning for the benefit of society and future generations.
UCL offers a choice of employment– focused degree programmes awarded by the University of Central Lancashire, including the BSc (Hons) Software Engineering, BA (Hons) Business and Marketing, BA (Hons) International Business and MSc Digital Marketing Communications which can be completed in Sri Lanka at its modern campus in Rajagiriya.
What is the rationale behind launching a 4-year Engineering degree in Sri Lanka?
The Sri Lankan Electrical and Electronic Engineering sector has been identified as an important contributory sector within the integrated, export-led, national economic development strategy. In a local context, the Electrical and Electronic Engineering sector possesses high potential to attract FDI, generate large export earnings, stimulate innovation, and research & development. Globally, the Electrical and Electronic sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world, valued at over $ 5 Trillion in 2023. Living in a world where human lives, livelihoods, and lifestyles are all visibly defined, determined, and driven by technology, the global necessity and demand for Electrical and Electronic will only grow and expand. This will generate employment opportunities for qualified and skilled electrical and electronics engineers locally and internationally.
UCL is proud to introduce the Only 4-year British BEng (Hons) Electrical and
Electronic Engineering Degree which can be completed in Sri Lanka and allows graduates to secure both local and international professional membership and recognition.
What is the cost of study and are students eligible for scholarships at UCL?
UCL is pleased to offer the 4- year BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering Degree at an introductory fee of LKR. 2,950,000. In addition, UCL will offer generous Scholarships up to 75% based on outstanding academic, sports and leadership achievements for the inaugural intake in October 2023. We believe this is a much lower investment than going abroad for higher studies, with the same quality and learning experience one would have in the UK.
Questions for Dr Dhananjay Kulkarni, Dean of Academic Affairs Can you tell us a little bit about your faculty, support services, and how you plan to deliver this exciting new programme at UCL?
At UCL, we take immense pride in our exceptional faculty, comprising of academics with extensive international exposure. Our faculty’s commitment to maintaining world-class educational standards is commendable. Around 75% of our staff hold advanced degrees (PhD/ MSc) and boast substantial teaching and research expertise in their respective domains. The average teaching experience is more than 10 years.
In the realm of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, we are privileged to have Dr. Nishan Dharmaweera, a leading figure in the field who is a Consultant at UCL, playing a pivotal role in shaping and leading our new programme. With his wealth of experience and leadership background at one of the leading state-owned Universities, he is poised to help UCL establish a robust and well-connected team. Serving as the Programme Coordinator, Mr. Maduranga Pillai will liaise between the University and the UCL team. With over 50 dedicated educators and industry experts onboard across all our programmes, we are confident in our faculty’s ability to deliver engaging, student-centric instruction. We anticipate outstanding student achievements within the inaugural year of the programme.
UCL offers support services akin to those of top-tier universities, prioritizing student well-being and success. Our Student Well-being team and Student Advisors work closely with students to address initial challenges and academic needs. We provide complimentary support for English language proficiency and communication skills. Our collaborative approach with parents and inclusive feedback mechanisms have consistently yielded high student satisfaction rates. As we embark on this new programme, we are committed to upholding global standards, employing student-centric techniques, and integrating practical activities to nurture soughtafter engineers. We eagerly anticipate an exciting journey of learning and growth at UCL.
How will UCL ensure that students have industry-required skills?
UCL is dedicated to ensuring our students acquire the industry-required skills. These skills are integral to our curriculum, meticulously designed to align with industry standards. Industry experts will be regularly conducting Guest Lectures and Industrial Workshops, offering practical insights into real-world applications of theories and technologies. Our strategic partnerships and MoUs with leading local and multinational companies in Sri Lanka enable us to groom top-tier students who enter the workforce with unwavering confidence. Furthermore, our internship opportunities enhance their industry-oriented mindset, positioning our graduates for rapid career advancement. In this degree programme, students benefit from two 3-month internships after Year 2/3. With this approach, we are confident that our students will be well-equipped with the industry skills needed to excel in the professional world.
Although the 4-year degree is new, you already have an impressive record of delivering Engineering subjects at UCL. Can you highlight a few achievements?
Absolutely! While our 4-year British degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering is a recent addition, UCL takes immense pride in our 8-year history of successfully delivering related subjects. We have a track record of excellence in teaching Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Practices, and Introductory Electronics and Electrical
Devices, Engineering Design subjects, similar to those in the first year of this programme. Our experienced faculty and abundant resources are poised to support the entire duration of the programme, as we have already resourced the faculty for the next 4 years.
Notably, our students have excelled when transferring to Monash University in Australia or Malaysia. Over the past 7-8 years, UCL students have received an impressive 400+ Global Awards for Excellence. They’ve been recognised as the Best Engineering Graduates at Monash University, a remarkable achievement that both UCL and Sri Lanka can take immense pride in. This success reflects the exceptional talent of Sri Lanka on a global stage. We eagerly anticipate nurturing similarly highcaliber students through this Engineering programme, regardless of their future career paths. Our first batch is set to graduate in 2027, and we’re already excited about the bright future ahead for these young engineers.
How is UCLan involved in quality-assurance and awarding a British degree in Sri Lanka?
UCLan’s involvement in quality assurance and awarding a British degree in Sri Lanka is integral to our commitment to academic excellence. This 4-year programme is developed and quality-assured by the University of Central Lancashire in the UK. Students receive the same prestigious degree certificate as if they had studied in the UK, eliminating the need for international travel. Moreover, UCL is recognised by TVEC and the programmes are recognised by UGC. The delivery of our programmes is closely monitored and reviewed by our international partners and subjected to annual quality audits. Regular interaction with UK delegates and academic teams, coupled with stringent quality assurance processes, guarantees that the programmes adhere to the expected standards. Our unwavering commitment to quality, supported by students and parents, has been a hallmark of our services since our establishment in 2016. It will be no different while delivering this programme as well.
Questions for Mr Maduranga Pillai, Programme Coordinator Can you briefly tell us about the type of subjects which the students will study? How will they be assessed?
Over the course of 4 years, students will delve into a diverse range of subjects, totaling close to 25 different modules. These modules span across various domains, including Mathematics/ Science, Engineering Design, and Engineering Practice. The curriculum has been meticulously crafted to address the contemporary demands of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering field. Students will have the opportunity to engage with captivating subjects such as Digital Electronics and Programmable
Systems, Power Engineering, Microcontroller Systems, Real-Time Embedded Systems, and Machine Intelligence. These topics are carefully chosen to ensure that graduates are wellequipped with the latest knowledge and skills in the field. Students’ performance in these subjects will be assessed using a multifaceted approach. It goes beyond conventional written exams and includes evaluations of their knowledge and a range of other vital skills. Project-based learning methods will be employed, incorporating both group and individual projects. Additionally, students will be evaluated on their ability to work in teams, problem-solving capabilities, and communication skills. Presentations and reports will be integral components of the assessment process. We are confident that the students will enjoy the learning journey.
Is this 4-year degree locally and globally recognised?
The UCLan Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree offered at UCL has been designed to benchmark as per the standards set by both local and international Engineering professional bodies, and as an institution UCL has already started it journey towards obtaining recognition from the same. Students completing the degree will have the possibility of becoming eligible to apply for recognition from Engineering professional bodies at both Local and International levels. As you are aware, all recognised Engineering degrees in Sri Lanka also have a 4-year study duration.
Does UCL have all the facilities, books, equipment needed to deliver the programmme?
UCL boasts a robust history of effectively delivering electrical and electronics-related courses over several years, ensuring that the fundamental requirements of the programme are well-established, and we have carefully identified with the support from the experts in the industry what other resources can add value to the course to enhance the learning experience of the students. UCL is in the process of acquiring these additional resources prior to term start dates. We are now looking forward to our first batch starting in October 2023. Since we already deliver Engineering-related subjects in our other partnerships, much of the equipment and tools needed during the initial years are available on campus.
Questions for Dr Nishan Dharmaweera, Consultant – School of Engineering As an experienced educator in the field, can you tell us about the demand for Electrical & Electronic Engineering graduates and the type of jobs they would do?
Technology plays an important role in the present world and most of these changes are made possible by the advancements of electrical and electronic technology. Please turn to page 19