UCL FOUNDATION PROGRAMME - A DIRECT PATHWAY TO A SOFTWARE ENGINEERING DEGREE IN THE UK

The University of Central Lancashire ( UCLan) is a well- known provider of career-focused degrees, providing undergraduates with the necessary skills needed for thriving on a global industrial arena. Ranked among the top 3.3% of world universities by the Centre for World University Ranking in 2017, UCLan is at the forefront of developing degrees centered around ever evolving concepts such as software engineering.

Locally, UCLan is exclusively affiliated with Universal College Lanka ( UCL), UCL’s collaboration with UCLan has resulted in bringing Sri Lankan students, the opportunity to study for the industry renowned BSc ( Hons) in Software Engineering. Developed in consultation with experts of the software industry, such that the curriculum and experience gained is inclusive of all components at the forefront of technological advancements, the degree moulds the undergraduate for direct employment after completion of the degree programme. This aligns with UCL’s vision of developing a highly skilled workforce aimed at the current and future needs of the Sri Lankan industry market.

Providing insight into the International Foundation Year ( UIFY) and the BSc( Hons) in Software Engineering degree curriculum, Mr. Thepul Ginige, Senior Lecturer and Programme Coordinator at UCL had this to say. “The use of technology is increasing in most parts of everyday life, and there is a constant need for the software behind it to be updated, maintained and improved. Our foundation and software engineering degree programme will therefore focus on a student’s software development skills, in a practical and hands-on manner.” He went on to say that the course is a diverse one, covering all the basic knowledge required, from understanding customer requirements to designing and implementing new software.

Students at UCL receive entrance into the Software Engineering degree programme upon completion of the foundation programme (UIFY), while students who have completed their Advanced Level examinations can begin directly with the degree. The third year of their degree will consist of a one- year industrial placement in one of Sri Lanka’s top twenty five blue chip companies, providing the undergraduate with the opportunity to work on live projects for actual clients. The placement year equips the undergraduate with a perfect blend of a high degree of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, creating an invaluably holistic learning experience.

In order to ensure that its students receive only the best in terms of education and expertise, UCL regularly conducts guest lectures by leading personnel in the software industry, providing the undergraduates with professional insight and advice. UCL also annually hosts several training workshops that enhance knowledge, skills and practical application of the degree’s content.

UCL’s priority is to ensure that what its students learn is relevant, up to date and is what employers seek for in a potential employee. The guidance they receive at UCL will help them challenge conventional thinking, tailor their own solutions to problems in software engineering and provide a direct pathway for them to specialize in any futuristic technology the industry puts forth.

Further information regarding the International Foundation Year programme ( UIFY) and the BSc( Hons) in Software Engineering can be obtained via contacting UCL on the hotline 0774110000 or by visiting the campus at 503, Sri Jayawardenapura Mawatha, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte.