University of Sri Jayewardenepura pioneered the academic programmes in Polymer Science and Technology in Sri Lanka by offering the MSc in Polymer Science & Technology at the Department of Chemistry in early seventies. Having produced large number of postgraduate degrees in the field, the department of chemistry started the first undergraduate programme in Polymer Science and Technology in 2005. After thirteen years of successful journey, a new department called Department of Polymer Science was established in 2018.
Currently, the department offers three undergraduate degree programmes, i.e., one at SLQF level 05 and two at SLQF level 06. These programmes are highly sorted degree progrmmes in the faculty and admission to them requires high Z-scores at G.C.E (A/L) examination. Students who have studied in Biological Sciences and Physical Sciences are allowed to enroll in the degree programme.
Polymer industry has been identified as a trust area in the Sri Lankan economy and earn large portion of foreign exchange to the country. Being a natural rubber producing country, Sri Lanka has a well-developed rubber industry. Sri Lanka exports both dry rubber based and latex based products. As an example, Sri Lanka has the world largest industrial tyre manufacturing industry. In addition, large number of latex-based products are exported. Our degree programmes are well-recognized by the industry and large number of alumni are working in responsible position in the industry.
Finally, our degree programmes, especially four-year (SLQF Level 6) programmes, are highly recognized internationally. Hence, graduates of DPS have excellent opportunity to obtain fully funded scholarships for research degrees leading to PhDs.