UCL launches Monash Diploma of Science program

Universal College Lanka (UCL), the premier higher education institute in Sri Lanka which exclusively provides a guaranteed pathway to Monash University, a Top 100 University in the world, ceremoniously launched the Monash College Diploma of Science program on 9 May at a media conference which took place at the UCL Auditorium. 

The event was graced by UCL directorate, executive management and the academic staff. UCL Director Dr. Harsha Alles, UCL CEO Gihan Silva, UCL Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Dhananjay Kulkarni, Program Coordinator MCD Dr. Devangi Perera, Program Coordinator MUFY Asiri Perera and Head of Marketing for Monash Tharanga Senarathna were amongst those who were present to mark the occasion.

The Diploma of Science program was launched in Sri Lanka for students as a pathway which will help them prepare for a Monash Science degree. With over 23 areas of study to choose from, students will be exposed to an interesting and interactive learning environment which will also include hands-on laboratory work and classroom teaching. 

With the immense level of change that is currently taking place around us, global citizens are faced with challenges abound; from environmental burdens and climate change to a growing population and a rapidly expanding technological arena. The Monash Science degree has been designed for the future innovator who seeks to formulate solutions that could bring about relevant change to the world.

Adding his views about the recent course introduction to UCL, the Chief Executive Officer of UCL, Gihan Silva commented, “With the growing demand evident for sciences and science based education, we decided to introduce the Diploma of Science program at UCL to provide an opportunity for students to pursue a globally recognised science program affiliated with a Top 100 university in the world. Making it available here in Sri Lanka benefits students who otherwise were compelled to move to Monash Australia or Malaysia to follow Science based degree program. From UCL’s perspective, this is a step forward in expanding our program portfolio with Monash as well as strengthening STEM education at UCL.”

This type of preliminary approach will allow students to achieve a sense of confidence and immersion as well as the opportunity to ‘tailor-make’ their degree pathway to suit their area of interest through the various study areas that are made available to them. Students have the option of selecting their preferred area of study to major in the following disciplines upon completion of their first year. 

This includes Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Genetics, Environmental Science, Ecology and Conservation Biology, and Financial and Insurance Mathematics. The assessment stage will include group projects, oral presentations, poster presentations, tutorial assessments and a final exam. 

The Diploma stage can be completed in eight months in Sri Lanka at UCL. According to the 2019 QS Graduate Employability Rankings, Monash University was recognised among top global institutions for producing some of the most career-ready graduates with a high employability rate. Monash was also mentioned among the global top 40 for Employer Reputation, enhancing its status as one of the most prestigious universities in the world of which to hire graduates.

This Diploma of Science is the first year equivalent of their chosen Monash University Degree, and upon completion, students can transfer to Monash University Australia. Currently, UCL conducts courses such as the Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY), Monash College Diploma of Business, Monash College Diploma of Engineering and Monash College Diploma of IT, along with their latest launch of the Monash College Diploma of Science. Students who plan to enrol to the Science Faculty at Monash University in Australia following completion of their first year at UCL will have a great advantage of being eligible to receive study grants of up to $ 8,000 from Monash University Australia during this year. Students will also be eligible for scholarships offered by UCL based on their academic, sports and leadership achievements when they enrol for the Diploma of Science and other Monash programs in Sri Lanka.

Commenting on the new program launch at UCL, Dr. Dhananjay Kulkarni, Dean of Academic Affairs stated, “Science is a highly sought-after field in Sri Lanka and abroad. With the strong track record of delivering Monash programs in the past three years, UCL hopes to attract the best students and groom them into future scientists, biologists, bio-technology experts, pharmacologists and genetic engineers. Skilled professionals are certainly needed to make this world a better place, and UCL will be doing its part by producing the best Science graduates!”

Another important aspect that UCL leverages on is their possession of a highly qualified and competent faculty of academics among other private tertiary education institutes in Sri Lanka. Their highly qualified faculty also includes Monash alumni who have completed PhD/ MSc in Science and other fields, thus enabling them to offer students a superior learning experience in this program. 

A well-integrated learning experience that is produced at UCL combines the imparting of knowledge, acquisition of skills, provision of industry exposure and the development of a winning attitude which would in turn, assist students towards carving out a career in their preferred fields, whilst flourishing as sought-after professionals in their industries.