Revolutionizing the Future of IT Education: SLIIT Faculty of Computing Introduces Innovative Pathways for Next-Generation Tech Leaders

Recognised and renowned as a pioneer in offering world-class IT education, SLIIT’s Faculty of Computing has launched two new unique IT pathways - BSc (Hons) in Computer Systems Engineering and BSc (Hons) in Computer Science creating graduates who are industry ready and able to achieve global success.

Previously, SLIIT offered students the Bachelor of Science in IT with a range of specialisations. The new BSc (Hons) in Computer Systems Engineering is a hybrid programme comprising of an engineering and computer science degree, enabling students to acquire knowledge in hardware and analytics, and also quantitative skills which is required for Engineers.

With a duration of four years, the degree is integrated with an engineering component creating a multi-faceted graduate who is accomplished in core knowledge areas such as computer systems and electronic engineering, including software and hardware systems, as well as the foundations in mathematics, communication skills, and project management.

In developing highly transferable skills, graduates will have access to a wide variety of career opportunities, including that of a Computer System Design Engineer, Aeronautics Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Computer Hardware Engineer, and Network Engineer, in addition to roles in Academia and Researcher. Notably, the degree is being offered by the Computer Faculty and not the Engineering Faculty.

Head/Department of Computer Systems Engineering, Prof Sanath Jayawardena, said, “The

B.Sc (Hons) in Computer Systems Engineering degree is an innovative programme designed to equip students with a strong foundation in both the hardware and software aspects of computing and embedded systems technology. Our goal is to provide students with the core skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to succeed in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.”

Entry requirements for students for the BSc (Hons) in Computer Systems Engineering include a minimum of two ‘C’ passes and one ‘S’ pass in Combined Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry at the G.C.E. A/L (Sri Lanka) examination in one and the same sitting or a minimum of two ‘B’ passes and one ‘C’ covering the same subjects at the G.C.E A/L Cambridge or Edexcel in one and the same sitting.

The new BSc (Hons) in Computer Science degree aims to create graduates who will have a thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of computing, and participate fully in the potential of the industry as well as research. The programme will produce high-quality graduates with strong analytical and quantitative skills with a comprehensive knowledge of Mathematics,

Programming, Software Engineering, System Modelling, and Research.

Graduates are expected to succeed in a career as Software Engineers, Computer Scientists, High-Performance Computing Specialists, Computational Specialists, Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning Specialists, and Data Scientists.

Head/Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Dr. Kalpani Manathunga, said that “Through the new B.Sc (Hons) in Computer Science degree SLIIT aims to produce graduates who have acquired skills that are highly transferable, proficient in computational thinking, well-versed in analytical and problem solving, attaining high levels of employability and accepted in the global industry.”

The entry requirement for the BSc (Hons) in Computer Science includes obtaining three 3 ‘S’ passes covering Combined Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry/ ICT at the G.C.E. A/L (Sri Lanka) in one and the same sitting or a minimum of 3 ‘C’ passes covering Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry/ ICT at the G.C.E A/L Cambridge or Edexcel in one and the same sitting.

Commenting on the new Degrees, Dean/Faculty of Computing Dr. Nuwan Kodagoda said that “The two degrees will produce high calibre graduates who can work in niche areas in the IT workplace, helping drive innovation and excellence in the industry.”

For more details on both programmes, students and interested individuals may contact the SLIIT Help Desk at +94 11 754 4801 or email info@sliit.lk