Universal College Lanka (UCL) is Sri Lanka’s premier higher education institute committed to achieving and maintaining international standards and a higher quality of higher education to students seeking globally recognised degree programmes with its exclusive partnerships with top-ranked universities in the world. With a choice of two-degree programmes; the BA(Hons) in International Business and the BSc (Hons) in Software Engineering awarded by the University of Central Lancashire and the UCL International Foundation Year, a fast track programme awarded by NCC UK, UCL brings the best of British education to Sri Lankan students.

The UCL International Foundation Year (UIFY) programme awarded by NCC UK is an internationally recognised foundation programme which offers the widest choice of pathways to top ranked universities in the UK, USA, Ireland, Canada, Malaysia and Australia. Alternatively, UIFY paves the way to pursue globally recognised Business and IT degrees awarded by the University of Central Lancashire here at UCL, for students who wish to complete their degree programme in Sri Lanka at an affordable cost. Dinu Rajendran, who emerged as the Valedictorian of the UCL International Foundation Year Awards Ceremony 2019, shares her experience at UCL and the route to selecting a top UK degree from the University of Central Lancashire.

Q: Would you mind sharing with us a little background about yourself?

A: My name is Dinu Rajendran, I am 18 years old and schooled at Gateway College Colombo since the beginning of my school life. I completed my O/Levels and joined UCL for their Foundation programme. I am currently pursuing my International Business degree programme from UCLan at UCL.

Q: Why did you decide to follow the UIFY programme at UCL?

A: The main aspect would be that UCL offers a globally recognised foundation programme that could help me to fast track to a university degree soon after my O/ Levels. My parents were also very impressed with UCL, especially after conversing with the management staff. I was convinced that I would choose UCL after I received a tour of the campus and its facilities and was given insight into their teaching methodologies, which were different compared to the traditional methods used in schools and other institutes that I had visited.

Q: What did the foundation cover?

A: The curriculum comprises of six compulsory units that include Business, English, Computing, Mathematics, Communication and Culture Studies. Elective modules focus on further strengthening the knowledge of computing, programming, business, accounting and economics. The UIFY programme helped me to develop a variety of soft skills ranging from communication, decisionmaking, problem solving, selfmanagement, teamwork, professionalism and leadership.

Q: What was your learning experience like?

A: The learning experience during the foundation was very interactive. The academic staff were fully qualified experts in their field and were always available in case we needed any extra support. The library had the resources that we needed for each of our courses, in case we needed any extra references or additional reading material. Class sizes were designed in a manner that each of us received individual attention. Overall the foundation programme provided us with a caring teaching and learning environment. As for me, I can say that the exceptional standard of education allowed me to make a smooth transition to undergraduate level. The skills that I learned are those I will be able to call upon for years to come, whether continuing in further education or entering the job market.

Q: What are you currently studying at UCL?

A: I am currently studying the International Business degree programme from the University of Central Lancashire, UK. I have finished my 1st year and I will be starting my 2nd year in October. I have already attained so much knowledge during my first year itself and am really looking forward to completing the following years as well.

Q: What are your future ambitions and aspirations?

A: My future goal would be to complete this degree and complete my Masters in Business Psychology. I am then planning to start working as a business consultant, as I believe that taking on this role would really fulfill my aspirations. Further, I believe that everything I have gained at UCL will really benefit me in the long run, helping me succeed in the corporate sector as a strong and independent businesswoman.

For further information and assistance on UClan programmes ,visit the UCL campus at 503, Sri Jayewardenepura Mawatha, Rajagiriya or contact them on 0774 110 000