Access to a British Degree after O/L’s Accelerates your Journey in Higher Education with APIIT
APIIT School of Computing offers an exciting specialised degree in the field of Computer Networks and Security. Wellknown for its Computing and Software Engineering programmes, this novel programme adds a new dimension to APIIT’S academic provision. Considering the strong curriculum of this degree and the increasing demand in the market, it is no wonder that APIIT is excited about its latest venture - grooming top Computer Networks and Security professionals!
Following is an interview with Dr. Dhananjay Kulkarni ( DK), Programme Leader of
APIIT – Sri Lanka, incorporated in September 1999 in partnership with the Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology – Malaysia and Staffordshire University, UK offers tertiary education in Computing/it, Business and Legal studies. These degree programmes are conducted over a period of three years enabling students to graduate in early twenties with a prestigious Internal British Degree awarded by Staffordshire University. APIIT-SRI Lanka also facilitates credit transfers to a number of reputable universities in the UK and Australia and thus forms part of an international collaboration in cross border education.
Staffordshire University is an internationally accredited higher educational institute in the UK with state- of-the-art facilities to support teaching and learning. A comprehensive quality assurance framework ensures that APIIT –Sri Lanka offers similar facilities and learning experiences to students studying at its City Campus in Colombo. Accordingly, all programmes at APIIT are quality assured by Staffordshire University and students are awarded with the same degree certificate offered to those studying in UK. t he APIIT Sch o o l Computing. Can you tell us a little about the APIIT School of Computing and its vision?
DK: The APIIT School of Computing offers Degree programmes in Computing/ IT. Equal emphasis on theory and practice of computing and an industry oriented project towards the latter part of the programme are the distinctive features of the Computing Degrees. The School of Computing is driven by a vision to be the leading Computing School in the country with a global reputation for academic excellence; its mission is to produce IT professionals who are effective in a competitive international
of environment. All our programmes have been designed to be relevant to the current industry requirements, thus ensuring employability of graduates. This is the biggest advantage our students have – securing employment with ease. What are the degrees offered by the School of Computing? : The Computing School offers degrees in the following specializations: ( 1) B. Sc. / B. Eng. (Hons) in Computing Science, ( 2) B. Sc. / B. Eng. ( Hons) in Software Engineering, and (3) B. Sc. / B. Eng. ( Hons) in Computer Networks and Security. Computer Networks and Security seems new and interesting, what is this programme about?
Higher education is the single most important contributor to success in life. Higher education leads to better careers and higher earnings. Numerous studies have demonstrated again and again that graduates earn several times more than non-graduates in a lifetime. Not surprisingly, millions of students all over the world pursue higher studies. In Sri Lanka too, a large number of students aspire to university education. Unfortunately, opportunities for higher education in Sri Lanka are very limited. Less than 3% of students enroll in university education in Sri Lanka whereas the enrolment rate in most developed countries exceeds 50%.
Nonetheless, a large number of students go through the Advanced Level that prepares students for university entrance. At the end, only a fraction gets selected for university education leaving a couple of hundred thousand students stranded in the process. Thus, at the end of 2 years of intense A/L study, the vast majority is not permitted in the higher seats of learning; nor are they prepared for employment. This is an enormous waste of resources and best years of our youth.
Identifying the limited capacity for higher education in the state sector, APIIT, a leading higher education institution in the country, provide opportunities for A/L qualified students to enroll in globally recognized British degree programmes. Students who possess two A/L passes could secure enrollment in IT, Business Management or Law degree programmes conducted at the APIIT City Campus in Colombo and, on completion of 3 years of study, they would receive their degrees from Staffordshire University, UK. Three intakes per year allow students to enter higher education as soon as they are ready without wasting precious time.
Interestingly, APIIT has come up with a novel approach to provide a fast-track route to higher education for Ordinary Level qualified students through a comprehensive skills development programme of 8months duration. The APIIT Foundation Course is designed to prepare students after O/L for uni- versity education. Upon successful completion, students have a choice to join an internal British degree programme in Computing/ IT or Business Management at APIIT. The course equips students with IT and mathematical skills, communication skills and general study skills in addition to prerequisite subject knowledge demanded by the degree programmes. At a time when students are required to acquire qualifications at an increasingly younger age, the APIIT Foundation Course gives O/L students a head start in higher education.
Staffordshire University is amongst the leading UK universities which offer their degree programmes in Sri Lanka. Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) in the UK has rated Staffordshire University’s teaching and learning methods as “Excellent”. Staffordshire University has been rewarded with the Best Teacher Training Award and adjudged as the best new university by computing employees. Over 5,000 overseas students study for Staffordshire University programmes in China, Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and many other EU countries. Over 1,200 students studying at the APIIT City Campus in Colombo form part of this proud international student community.
APIIT has established a longstanding collaboration with Staffordshire University. Since its inauguration in the year 2000, APIIT-SRI Lanka has been offering programmes in partnership with Staffordshire University. Students who enrol for APIIT programmes have the option of continuing their education and completing the degree in Sri Lanka or transferring to Staffordshire University in the UK. Further, students have the option to transfer to over twenty other affiliated universities in the UK and Australia. Students who continue to follow the Staffordshire University programmes at APIIT will receive the internal degree certificate of Staffordshire University.
APIIT has earned a reputation for providing higher education programmes of high standard and learning opportunities of high quality. APIIT teaching and learning facilities are considered as the best in the country. The state-of-the-art facilities and the panel of highly qualified and dedicated lecturers provide guidance and support to the students to perform to their full potential. In addition to its full-time lecturers, industry experts are also drawn in to share their experience to keep students abreast of current trends and advancements in the corporate sector.
In view of the outstanding resources available for education and the robust student support services, student attainment is high. Over 80% of APIIT students have obtained first or second class upper degrees in the past. Study programmes at APIIT are constantly revised and reviewed to meet global standards and trends. APIIT is not only about higher education. Students are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities too. Student Activity Club at APIIT comprises several committees and clubs for students to partake in numerous recreational activities, to contribute to community development and to improve their leadership and team working skills. Further, social and cultural activities are organized to develop socio-cultural harmony. Consequently, students find employment immediately after graduation with high profile placements in the industry. Further, feedback from the industry attests that APIIT graduates are most effective in employment.
With its strong international relations, global standards and singleminded focus on quality in higher education, APIIT has emerged as the higher education institute of choice to achieve one’s dreams and career goals.
APIIT is pleased to invite prospective students and parents to visit the APIIT City Campus at 388, Union Place, Colombo 2 on weekdays from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm and on Saturdays from 8.30 am to 1.00 pm. You may also contact Yoga or Senani at the Admission Office on 7675107/ 2675060 or info@apiit.lk for further information and assistance.