UCL Introduces a World- class British Degree in Business and Marketing
The exiting new degree is seen to revitalise the industry with versatile marketers
UCL ( Universal College Lanka), the premier transnational higher education provider in Sri Lanka, launched its new and exciting degree programme, BA (Hons) Business and Marketing awarded by its exclusive partner university, the University of Central Lancashire at a specially themed panel discussion “Marketing Education for Corporate Success” on 15th September 2022 at the state- ofthe- art UCL campus, to an august audience.
The event was presided over by the guest panelists Dr. Robin Carey, Head of the School of Business of the Lancashire School of Business and Enterprise of the prestigious University of Central Lancashire, UK; Mr. Ravi Jayawardena, Group Chief Executive Officer of Maliban Group; Ms. Onalie Dissanayake, Country Head ( Sri Lanka & The Maldives) of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK; Mr. Steven Enderby, Director, Mr. Gihan Silva, CEO and management, faculty and staff of UCL, along with distinguished invitees.
Mr. Steven Enderby, Director – UCL, welcomed the audience with his opening remarks on how resilient businesses are built on exceptional marketing effort followed by the themed Panel Discussion, “Marketing Education for Corporate Success”. Joining the special edition, Dr. Robin Carey spoke on international perspectives of marketing education, whilst Mr. Ravi Jayawardena lent his wealth of expertise and business acumen on the importance of business and marketing education for Corporate Success, and Ms. Onalie Dissanayake highlighted the necessity for academic knowledge combined with professional education for a successful career.
Following on from the scintillating views and insights from the industry experts which also covered daily work insights, to key attributes looked for in budding marketers by prospective employers, to fundamental principles and professional cataclysms, the panel highlighted the dynamic opportunities in this thriving industry.
The Unique Value Addition for Aspiring Students – Modern Content and Industry-Driven Internships
The value, scope and potentiality of Business and Marketing as a professional qualification was explained by Dr. Robin Carey while the benefits to a budding Marketing professional from a degree like this was highlighted by Ms. Onalie Dissanayake. The skills, traits and qualities required to thrive in this industry was discussed by Mr. Ravi Jayawardena. The factors that would attract a student to join this industry and the real-life experience of marketeers were also discussed. This unmatched blend of modern academic content, professional preparation and industry exposure is exactly what the BA (Hons) Business and Marketing degree will offer to discerning students.
The modern content of the BA ( Hons) Business and Marketing degree gears students in the right direction, offering knowledge, practical applicability, and a value-added internship, in the 3rd year of the degree programme.
The one-year industry placement/ internship provides practical marketing experience in a variety of areas including brand management, sales, marketing communication, digital marketing, marketing research, customer service, international marketing, public relations, new product development, event management etc, at leading organisations in diverse industries in Sri Lanka allowing students to immerse themselves in the corporate world with a definite edge over other graduates.
This structure empowers the student to understand professional processes in top corporates, inclusive of blue- chip companies and multinationals. This exposure gives the student an impetus to leverage in to his or her career in a more focused manner from degree- to- career. What is expected of the students is to acquire an attitude to do the right thing and be open-minded as well as compete on a global platform.
The benefits of such a degree are myriad. Students not only enter a dynamic and interesting field, but they also get to meet a plethora of people and learn on the job skills like multi-tasking, handling difficult customers, and working hard to gain recognition.
The programme was professionally navigated by Mr. Gihan Silva, whilst being at the helm of UCL has a wealth of expertise managing local and global brands of repute.
This one- of- a- kind BA ( Hons) Business & Marketing Degree programme is awarded by the prestigious University of Central Lancashire, celebrating 194 Years of academic excellence, the earliest established British University to offer Degree Completion programmes in Sri Lanka in an exclusive partnership with UCL. It is ranked among the Top 15 Universities for Entrepreneurs in the UK and is the first UK Modern Higher Education Institution to appear in the QS World University Rankings. It is currently ranked in the Top 3.7 percent of all universities worldwide and is recognised by the University Grant Commission. All students who enrol are considered as Internal students of the University of Central Lancashire and have the opportunity of progressing for the final year of the degree to the parent campus in the UK and secure post study work visa to gain international exposure.
The qualified, experienced and dedicated faculty at UCL have produced 100% pass rates in the University of Central Lancashire degree programmes offered at UCL, and 80% of its graduates achieved First Class Honours at the inaugural Graduation Ceremony of the University of Central Lancashire in Sri Lanka. The programme details of the Business & Marketing Degree which has been developed based on industry demands globally according to the latest research findings was highlighted by Dr. Dhananjay Kulkarni, Dean of Academic Affairs, the internship programme with leading corporates and multinational organisations was described by Mr. Hussain Moosajee, Programme Coordinator, Business and Marketing, UCL’s commitment to academic excellence, its student track record and student life at UCL was highlighted by Dr. Devangi Perera, Head of School of Business whilst Ms. Erandi Dodamwala, COO delivered the vote of thanks.
Further information on the BA (Hons) Business and Marketing degree programme can be obtained by visiting the state- ofthe- art UCL Campus at Rajagiriya or by contacting them on 0774 110 000 or info@ucl.lk.