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Bachelor of Arts General (External) Degree Programme

The Bachelor of Arts General (External) Degree Programme offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka provides an opportunity for individuals to pursue higher education in the field of arts. This programme is designed to cater to a diverse group of learners by integrating flexibility with academic rigor, making it an ideal choice for those seeking professional growth or personal enrichment in the arts.

The Centre for Open and Distance Learning (CODL), located at No. 02, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, plays a pivotal role in overseeing all aspects of the programme. This includes candidate registration, coordinating academic activities, and conducting lectures via a modern online platform. This comprehensive approach ensures that students can access quality education regardless of their geographical location, equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to excel in their academic and professional endeavours.

 

Intended Learning Outcomes: BA General (External) Degree Programme

 Upon successful completion of the BA General (External) Degree Programme, graduates are expected to:

·      Develop Core Knowledge in Humanities and Social Sciences

Acquire foundational and advanced knowledge in various disciplines of humanities and social sciences, enabling them to analyze, interpret, and critique concepts, theories, and practices in these fields.

    ·      Enhance Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills

Demonstrate the ability to think critically and apply analytical reasoning to solve complex problems, evaluate ideas, and make informed decisions in academic and practical contexts.

    ·     Strengthen Communication and Language Proficiency

Exhibit strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to express ideas clearly and effectively in academic, professional, and social settings.

    ·     Foster Interdisciplinary Understanding

Integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines to approach societal, cultural, and global challenges with a well-rounded perspective, fostering innovative solutions and adaptability.

 ·       Cultivate Research and Inquiry Skills

Demonstrate the ability to conduct research, formulate hypotheses, collect and analyze data, and present findings systematically, contributing to academic and professional knowledge.

  ·      Apply Ethical and Social Responsibility

Understand and practice ethical principles in personal and professional life while engaging in community service and contributing to societal development.

  ·    Adapt to the Digital and Online Learning Environment

Exhibit proficiency in using digital tools and online platforms for effective learning, collaboration, and professional development, preparing for a technologically-driven world.

  ·    Prepare for Lifelong Learning and Career Growth

Embrace lifelong learning habits, enhancing employability and career prospects while contributing meaningfully to national development and global initiatives.

  ·    Promote Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusiveness

Develop an appreciation for cultural diversity and inclusivity, fostering respect and understanding in multicultural environments.

  ·     Contribute to Nation-Building and Global Citizenship

Utilize the skills and knowledge acquired through the programme to actively participate in community development, nation-building, and addressing global challenges with a sense of responsibility and purpose.

• Three passes in G.C.E. Advanced Level in any stream (Old Syllabus)

or

• Three passes in G.C.E. Advanced Level in any stream (New Syallabus)

or

• Minimum of 5-year experience in an Educational, Administration and managerial role in government or private sector    

or

• Any other qualification acceptable to the Senate of the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka may be considered for eligibility to be enrolled in a study programme and such alternative criteria will be adopted only with the concurrence of UGC. Should have passed at least three subjects including a Language subject in one sitting at the G.C.E A/L examination. (At least 30 marks should have been obtained at the General Common Test).

• University will give the priority for the students who are successfully completed any certificate or diploma programme conducted by the CODL, SUSL and quota will be consisted 15% of the total intake.

 

 

1.     Selection Criteria:

Applicants are short-listed depending on the number of applications received and will be called for an interview for the final selection.

 

1.     Procedure of Registration

Candidates who meet the specified educational qualifications are registered for the Bachelor of Arts General (External) Examination each year, following the invitation of applications through a newspaper advertisement and the university's website. Candidates are strictly instructed to apply only using the forms issued by the Centre for Open and Distance Learning (CODL) of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, which can be downloaded from the university's website. It is the candidates' responsibility to obtain the relevant applications in a timely manner. The qualifications mentioned will be considered sequentially to determine the number of students registered annually. The final authority to decide the number of students admitted to the course rests with the Senate of the university.

Medium of Study

The External Degree Programme is offered in Sinhala except English and Chinese.

-------------------------

 

2.     Bachelor of Arts General (External) Degree Programme Fees

Amount payable for the Bachelor of Arts General (External) Degree Examination I.

Fees for Details and Application  

Rs.1000/-

(Non-refundable)

Registration Fee

Rs. 5000/-

(Non-refundable)

1st Installment

(beginning of the Ist Year  Ist Semester)

Rs. 40,000/-

2nd Installment

(beginning of the Ist Year  IInd Semester)

Rs. 40,000/-

3rd Installment

(beginning of the IInd Year  Ist Semester)

Rs. 40,000/-

4th Installment

(beginning of the IInd Year  IInd Semester)

Rs. 40,000/-

5th Installment

(beginning of the IIIrd Year  Ist Semester)

Rs. 40,000/-

6th Installment

(beginning of the IIIrd Year  IInd Semester)

Rs. 40,000/-

Total Amount Payable

Rs.240,000/-

 

Account No. 002246875 of the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. The applicant's name, address, NIC number, and the name of the degree course should be correctly indicated in the payment. The bank receipt must be sent along with the application.

Applications should be sent to:

Senior Assistant Registrar,

Center for Open and Distance Learning,

Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka,

P.O.02, Belihuloya 70140

+94 452280179

 

For further information:

Mrs. Lareena Abdul Haq,

Course Coordinator,

Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages.

lareenahaq@ssl.sab.ac.lk

+94 777372977 

 

Subjects prescribed for the Bachelor of Arts (General) External Degree Programme

• Sinhala

• English

• Chinese

• Economics

• Statistics

• Geography

• IT

• Library Science

• Political Science

• Sociology

 

Course Criteria

1.   Foundation Courses (FC)

 

EFBM & ST 001         Basic Mathematics and Statistics 

EFEN 001                    English Language Level 1(UTEL 3)

EFIT 001                     Computer Fundamental Level 1 (Introduction to Information Technology)

EFEN 002                   English Language Level 2(UTEL 04)

EFIT 002                     Computer Fundamental Level 2 (Basic Computer Applications- MS Office Package)

EFEN 003                   English Language level 3 (UTEL 5)

EFIT 003                     Computer Fundamental Level 3 (Probability and Statistics)

EFWBT 001                Internship

 

     2.   Professional Skills Related Courses (PSRC)

 

EPSRC 001                 Fundamentals Economics

EPSRC 002                  Soft Skills and Personality Development

EPSRC 003                 Introduction to Human Resource Management

EPSRC 004                 Small Scale Business Management

EPSRC 005                 Fundamentals in Management

 

     3.   Core Courses (CC) 

Course Units under main Subjects

These Foundation Courses and Professional Skills Related Courses support to Core Courses and increase soft skills of the students and thereby the employability rate of them will be increased. 

 

Course Units under main Subjects

These Foundation Courses and Professional Skills Related Courses support to Core Courses and increase soft skills of the students and thereby the employability rate of them will be increased. 

New programme delivery and learner support services will be provided.

New programme includes semester system, e- learning for knowledge sharing, new methods of open and distance learning.

*Note: All students should follow a non-GP with 3-credit compulsory internship within 300 hours (around three months) during the III year II semester on weekday basis.  

New student assessment and evaluation criteria will be implemented. 

 

Continuous Assessments - 40 Marks –

Extensive oral examination, open book examination, MCQ, structured questions, case studies, essays, creating a poster or info graphic, video presentation, narrated power point presentation, projects, timed online exams, take home exam, team based assessments

End-Semester Examination- 60 Marks (Written Examination)

 

Selection of Subjects

1st Basket 

2nd Basket 

3rd Basket (Compulsory) 

Political Science

Library Science

English Language Level 1 (FC)

Sociology

IT

English Language Level 2(FC)

Chinese

Economics

English Language Level 3(FC)

Geography

English

Computer 1(FC)

Fundamental Level

Statistics

Sinhala

Computer 2(FC)

Fundamental Level

 

Chinese

Computer 3(FC)

Fundamental Level

 

 

Basic Mathematics &  Statistics(FC)

 

 

Fundamentals Economics (PSRC)

 

 

Fundamentals in Management (PSRC)

 

 

Soft Skills and Personality Development (PSRC)

 

 

Introduction to Human Resource Management (PSRC)

 

 

Small Scale     Business Management(PSRC)

 

Note: The above table shows ALL THE AVAILABLE subjects that can be selected by a student according to their own preference.

Students are required to select one subject of their choice from Basket 1, and another subject from Basket 2.

Additionally, all students must choose the relevant subject, listed in Basket 3, so that they complete the compulsory subjects.

Please note that selecting two subjects from the same basket is strictly prohibited.

Both foundation and professional skills courses are mandatory. All compulsory courses must be completed, and the remaining credits should be fulfilled through core courses aligned with the two selected major subjects. The programme offers ten major subjects: Economics, Statistics, Information Technology, English, Sinhala, Chinese, Geography, Political Science, Sociology, and Library Science. The subjects offered in each semester across the different major areas are detailed in the tables below.

Structure and Design of Curriculum

Note: Students are encouraged to select their preferred courses from the options listed in Table (Selection of Subjects). For your convenience, detailed information regarding the subjects offered by each department is provided below.

 

 

1. Department of English Language Teaching

 

Course No

Type of course

Course Title

Year I Semester II

EFEN 001 (3)

FC

English Language Level 1

Year II Semester I

EFEN 002 (3)

FC

English Language Level 2

Year II Semester II

EFEN 003 (3)

FC

English Language Level 3

 

 

2. Department of Economics and Statistics

 

Course No

Type of course

Course Title

Year I Semester I

EFBM&ST 001 (3)

FC

Basic Mathematics & Statistics 

EPSRC 001 (3)

PSRC

Fundamentals of Economics

EECO 111 (3)

CC

Introduction to Microeconomics

ESTC 111 (3)

CC

Introduction to Statistics

Year I Semester II

EECO 121 (3)

CC

Introduction to Macro economics

ESTC121 (3)

CC

Mathematics for Statistics

Year II Semester I

EECO 211 (3)

CC

Intermediate Microeconomics

EECO 212 (3)

CC

Intermediate Macroeconomics

ESTC 211 (3

CC

Theory of Probability

ESTC 212 (3

CC

Sampling Techniques & Experimental Designs

Year II Semester II

EECO 221 (3)

CC

Economy of Sri Lanka

EECO 222 (3)

CC

Development Economics

ESTC 221 (3)

CC

Time Series Data Analysis

ESTC 222 (3)

CC

Statistical Inference

Year III Semester I

EPSRC 004 (3)

PSRC

Small Business Management & Entrepreneurship

EPSRC 005 (3

PSRC

Fundamentals of Management 

EECO 311(3)

CC

Monetary Economics

EECO 312 (3)

CC

International Economics

ESTC 311 (3)

CC

Distribution Theory

ESTC 312(3)

CC

Operational Research

Year III Semester II

EECO 321(3)

CC

Business Economics

EECO 322(3)

CC

Environmental Economics

ESTC 321(3)

CC

Computer Package for Statistics

ESTC 322(3)

CC

Regression Analysis

EFWBT (3)

FC

Internship

*FC – Foundation Course      * PSRC - Professional Skills Related Courses    * CC- Core Course

  

3. Department of Geography and Environmental Management

Course No

Type of course

Course Title

Year I Semester I

EGEO 111 (3)

CC

Introduction to Geography

Year I Semester II

EGEO 121(3)

CC

Cartography and field Techniques

Year II Semester I

EGEO211 (3)

CC

Geomorphology

EGEO 212 (3) 

CC

Basic Technique of GIS

Year II Semester II

EGEO 221(3)

CC

Environmental Geography

EGEO 222(3)

CC

Regional Development and Planning

Year III Semester I

EGEO 311(3)

CC

Climatology and Hydrology

EGEO 312(3)

CC

Recreation Geography

Year III Semester II

EGEO 321(3)

CC

Natural Hazards and Disaster Management

EGEO 322(3)

CC

Land use Planning

ESIN 322 (3)

CC

Classical Sinhala Prose

EFWBT (3)

FC

Internship

*FC – Foundation Course      * CC- Core Course

  

4. Department of Information Technology

Course No

Type of course

Course Title

Year I Semester I

EPSRC 002 (3)

PSRC

Soft skills and Personality   Development

EIT 111 (3)

CC

Basic Mathematics for ICT

Year I Semester II

EFIT 001 (3)

FC

Computer Fundamental Level 1 (Introduction to Information Technology)

EIT 121 (3)

CC

Advance Data Analysis Tools 

Year II Semester I

 

EFIT 002 (3)

 

FC

Computer Fundamental Level 2 (Basic Computer Applications- MS Office Package)

EIT 211 (3)

CC

Fundamental of web development 

EIT 212 (3)

CC

Fundamental of programming

Year II Semester II

EFIT 003(3)

FC

Computer Fundamental Level 3 (Probability and Statistics)

EIT 221(3)

CC

Database Management Systems (DBMS)

EIT 222 (3)

CC

Computer Hardware and Networking

Year III Semester I

EIT 311 (3)

CC

Object Oriented Programming

EIT 312 (3)

CC

Graphics Designing and Animation

Year III Semester II

EIT 321 (3)

CC

Web Design and Development

EIT 322 (3)

CC

Computer Aided Design

EFWBT (3)

FC

Internship

*FC – Foundation Course      * PSRC - Professional Skills Related Courses    * CC- Core Course

  

5. Department of Languages

Course No

Type of course

Course Title

Year I Semester I

ECHN 111 (3)

CC

Introduction to Chinese Language

EEN 111 (3)

CC

Advanced Reading Grammar

ESIN 111 (3)

CC

Introduction to Sinhala Literature and Modern

Sinhala Poetry

Year I Semester II

 

ECHN 121 (3)

CC

Verbal Communication I

EEN 121 (3)

CC

Second Language Acquisition

 

CC

Sinhala Language and Grammar

Year II Semester I

 

ECHN 211(3)  

CC

  Construction of Sentences I

ECHN 212(3) 

CC

Verbal Communication II

EEN 211 (3)

CC

Introduction to Western Culture and Society

EEN 212 (3)

CC

Introduction to literary Criticism

ESIN 211 (3)

CC

The Sinhala Novel

ESIN 212 (3)

CC

The Sinhala Short Story

Year II Semester II

 

ECHN 221(3)  

CC

Construction of Sentences II

ECHN 222(3) 

CC

Intermediate Grammar

EEN 221 (3)

CC

Sri Lankan and  Commonwealth Literature

EEN 222 (3)

CC

Literature for Teaching English in Sri Lanka

ESIN 221(3)     

CC

Sinhala Drama and Theatre

ESIN 222(3)

CC

Sinhala Cinema

Year III Semester I

 

ECHN 311(3)  

CC

Composition

ECHN 312(3)  

CC

Translation of Chinese Texts

EEN 311(3)

CC

Modern Literature

EEN 312 (3)

CC

Classical Poetry and Drama

ESIN 311 (3)      

CC

Eastern Literary Criticism

 

Year III Semester II

ECHN 321(3) 

CC

Verbal Communication III

ECHN 322 (3)

CC

Introduction to Chinese Culture

EEN 321 (3)

CC

Writing Across Frontiers

EEN 322 (3)

CC

Translation Studies and Literature in Translation

ESIN 321 (3)

CC

Classic Sinhala Verse

ESIN 322 (3)

CC

Classical Sinhala Prose

EFWBT (3)

FC

Internship

*FC – Foundation Course      * CC – Core Course

 

 6. Library Science

 

Course No

Type of course

Course Title

Year I Semester I

ELS 111 (3)

CC

Basic of Library Sciences and Information Management

Year I Semester II

ELS 121 (3)

CC

Information Sources and Services

Year II Semester I

ELS 211

CC

Information and Society

ELS 212

CC

New Technology and Current trend in

Information

Year II Semester II

ELS 221 (3)

CC

Records and Archives Management

ELS 222 (3)

CC

Library Management

Year III Semester I

ELS 311 (3)

CC

Information Sciences Documentation and Communication

ELS 312 (3)

CC

Organization of Knowledge

Year III Semester II

ELS 321 (3)

CC

Practical Classification and Cataloguing

ELS 322 (3)

CC

Information Library

EFWBT (3)

FC

Internship

*FC – Foundation Course       * CC- Core Course

  

7. Department of Social Sciences

 

Course No

Type of course

Course Title

Year I Semester I

EPSRC 002 (3)

PSRC

Soft skills and Personality Development

ESOC 111 (3)

CC

Introductory Sociology

EPSC 111 (3)

CC

Basic Principles of Political Science

Year I Semester II

EPSRC 003 (3)

PSRC

Introduction to Human Resources Management

ESOC 121 (3)

CC

Sociology of Family and Marriage

EPSC 121 (3)

CC

Constitutional and Political Development In

Sri Lanka

Year II Semester I

ESOC 211 (3)

CC

Sociological Theory

ESOC 212 (3)

CC

Introduction to Psychology

EPSC 211 (3)

CC

Theory and Practice of Public Administration

EPSC 212 (3)

CC

International Politics & Diplomacy

Year II Semester II

ESOC 221 (3)

CC

Social Research Methods

ESOC 222(3)

CC

Sri Lankan Society

EPSC 221 (3)

CC

Public Policy and Management

EPSC 222 (3)

CC

Media and Politics

Year III Semester I

ESOC 311 (3)

CC

Development Sociology

ESOC 312 (3)

CC

Sociology of Religions

EPSC 311 (3)

CC

Conflict Management & Peace Building

EPSC 312 (3)

CC

Human Rights

Year III Semester II

ESOC 321 (3)

CC

Counselling and Guidance

ESOC 322 (3)

CC

Sociology of Health, Healing and  Illness

EPSC 321 (3)

CC

Development Planning & Project Management

EPSC 322 (3)

CC

Gender in Politics

EFWBT (3)

FC

Internship

*FC – Foundation Course      * PSRC - Professional Skills Related Courses    * CC- Core Course

 

Note:  Student should follow a compulsory course and required to continue the four core subjects followed in previous semester. In subject codes digit one represents the respective year, digit two represents the respective semester, digit three represents the serial number of the subject

Note: All students should follow a non-GP with 3-credit compulsory internship within 300 hours (around three months) during the III year II semester on weekday basis. Upon completion, students are expected to submit a comprehensive project report based on their internship experience.  

The Bachelor of Arts General (External) Degree Programme is offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka and is delivered through a distance learning mode. All administrative processes related to candidate registration, academic coordination, and the awarding of degrees are managed by the Centre for Open and Distance Learning (CODL), located at No. 02, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya. It is important to note that examinations for this programme will be conducted in-person at CODL.

 

Credit Structure by Semester wise.

Year

Semester

Credits for

Foundation Courses (FC)

Credits for Core Courses (CC)

Credit for

Professional Skills Related Courses (PSRC)

1

1

3

6

6

1

II

6

6

3

2

1

6

12

 

2

II

6

12

 

3

I

-

12

6

3

II

3  *Internship

12

 

Total

 

24

60

15