External Degrees

The BSc (Honours) in Polymer Products Manufacturing and Industrial Management is a four-year external degree programme designed to develop highly skilled graduates with integrated expertise in polymer science, product manufacturing technologies, and industrial management. The programme responds directly to the growing demand for professionals who can bridge advanced material science with modern industrial practices in the polymer, rubber, plastics, and allied manufacturing sectors.

Offered by the Department of Polymer Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, this programme adopts a unique hybrid learning model, combining online and on-site lectures with compulsory on-site laboratory sessions and industrial training. This structure ensures both academic flexibility and strong practical competence, enabling students to acquire real-world skills alongside rigorous theoretical foundations.

Through a carefully structured curriculum aligned with the Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF Level 6), the programme equips students with the technical, analytical, and managerial capabilities required to operate effectively in complex manufacturing environments, pursue professional advancement, or engage in further academic and research-oriented pathways.

Unlike conventional external degrees, this programme is built around a strong industry-integrated and practice-oriented learning model, ensuring graduates are academically sound and professionally competent.

Key distinguishing features

Together, these features position the programme as a unique national platform for developing future professionals and leaders in the polymer and manufacturing industries.

Who Should Apply

This programme is designed for motivated individuals who aspire to build professional careers at the intersection of advanced materials, manufacturing, and industrial management. It is particularly suitable for

• A/L Bioscience students interested in applying scientific knowledge to industrial materials, product development, and manufacturing technologies.
• A/L Physical Science students seeking careers in engineering-oriented industries such as polymers, rubber, plastics, composites, and advanced materials.
• A/L Engineering Technology students aiming to upgrade their technical qualifications into a full honours degree with strong academic and industrial recognition.
• Working professionals in polymer, plastics, rubber, and manufacturing sectors who wish to enhance their technical competence, managerial capacity, and career progression through a recognised university qualification.

This programme is ideal for candidates who are industry-oriented, practically driven, and interested in technology-based problem solving, while also developing leadership and management capabilities for modern manufacturing environments.

Minimum Entry Requirements

i. Three passes in one sitting in General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) in the following streams

• • C. E. A/L Examination (local) bio science stream (Chemistry with any other two subjects)
  • C. E. A/L Examination (local) physical science stream (Chemistry with any other two subjects)
  • C. E. A/L Examination (local) Engineering Technology Stream (Science for Technology and Engineering Technology together with any other subject)

or

ii. Three passes in one sitting in an equivalent qualification to the General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) such as Pearson Edexcel or Pearson Cambridge AL

2. A foundation course equivalent to SLQF level 2 after a minimum of 12 years of schooling including the following qualifications

• • City and Guilds, HNDE, SLQF 2/NVQF 4 or higher qualifications in relevant field, etc.

3. Completion of NVQF level 4 or accredited work experience or accredited prior learning followed by a corresponding cognitive bridging programme of minimum 30 credits in the field of bio science/physical science/engineering technology as determined by the faculty and the senate

Candidates who possess the above qualifications are eligible to apply for the degree programme. Shortlisted candidates will be required to sit for an aptitude test, and final selection will be based on the results of this test.

The BSc (Honours) in Polymer Products Manufacturing and Industrial Management is structured as a four-year academic programme comprising eight semesters, with a total requirement of 120 academic credits, in accordance with the Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF Level 6). The curriculum is progressively organized across four academic levels, moving from fundamental scientific and managerial principles in the early years to advanced manufacturing technologies, industrial applications, and independent research in the final year.

The programme integrates theoretical instruction, laboratory-based practical training, industrial exposure, and a supervised research project, ensuring a balanced and coherent learning pathway that develops both technical expertise and professional competence.

The BSc (Honours) in Polymer Products Manufacturing and Industrial Management is delivered through a carefully designed hybrid learning model that combines academic flexibility with strong practical engagement. This approach enables students to balance independent learning with structured face-to-face training in a real university environment.

Key features of the learning experience

• Online lectures covering approximately 50% of the taught course content, conducted on weekday evenings from Monday to Thursday, 6.00 pm to 10.00 pm, enabling flexible participation for both school leavers and working professionals.
• On-site sessions covering the remaining 50% of taught content, conducted on weekends from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm, with 100% of laboratory and practical components delivered physically.
• , providing hands-on training in polymer processing, testing, and characterization.
• A supervised research project, allowing students to undertake independent investigation under the guidance of academic staff.
• An industry-based internship, offering direct exposure to professional manufacturing environments and real-world industrial practices.

This blended structure ensures that graduates acquire not only strong theoretical foundations, but also practical competence, research skills, and industry readiness.

Graduates of the BSc (Honours) in Polymer Products Manufacturing and Industrial Management are equipped with a unique combination of technical expertise, practical skills, and managerial competence, enabling them to pursue diverse and high-value career opportunities across the polymer, rubber, plastics, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

The programme prepares graduates for professional roles such as

• Polymer Production Engineer – overseeing polymer processing operations, manufacturing systems, and product quality.
• Quality Control / Quality Assurance Officer – ensuring compliance with industrial standards, product specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Research and Development (R&D) Executive – contributing to product innovation, materials development, and process optimization.
• Manufacturing Manager – managing production teams, resources, and industrial workflows within manufacturing organizations.
• Process Engineer – designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting polymer manufacturing processes and technologies.
• Technical Sales / Product Specialist – providing technical expertise in marketing, customer support, and industrial product solutions.
• Entrepreneur in the polymer products sector – establishing and managing technology-based ventures in polymer and manufacturing industries.

In addition to immediate employability, the programme also provides a strong foundation for career advancement, leadership roles, postgraduate studies, and research-oriented pathways in polymer science, engineering, and industrial management.

• Application fee including aptitude test fee Rs. 5000.00 (non-refundable)

If selected for admission you have to do the following payments.

• Registration fee Rs. 5 000.00 (non-refundable)
• Refundable laboratory deposit Rs. 10 000.00
• Refundable library deposit Rs. 10 000.00
• Course Fee (Sri Lankan Students) – Approximately LKR 350,000 per year (tentative – final approved fee will be announced soon)
• Course Fee (International Students) – Approximately USD 3,000 per year (tentative – final approved fee will be announced soon)

*If full course fee is paid for 04 years 10% discount will be given

Coming soon…..

Contact Information

Prof. Thusitha Etampawala
Coordinator
0766911980

tetampa@sjp.ac.lk