BSc (External) in Environment, Development and Sustainability

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BSc (External) in Environment, Development and Sustainability

Offered by the Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences

The Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, University of Colombo offers the BSc (External) in Environment, Development and Sustainability degree program with the intension of filling up the education gap in Sri Lanka from secondary school to high education, to enhance the carrier opportunities to meet the demand by corporate and public sector for sustainability and environmental management.

Eligibility

GCE Advanced Level Examination (local) – Three passes in one sitting in Biology/Mathematics/Commerce Streams /Arts (with Geography as a subject)
OR

GCE Advanced Level Examination (local) – Three passes in one sitting in Technology Stream ( Preference will be given to those who have done Biosystem Technology)
OR

Any other equivalent academic/professional qualification acceptable to the faculty and the senate (eg: London A/L, City and Guilds, HNDE, etc. )

Course Fees

For Sri Lankan Students – LKR 200,000/- per year
For International Students – USD 2,500/- per year

For Sri Lankan coming from a foreign territory – 20% discount from USD 2500/- per year

Application Fee: LKR 3,000/-
*The course fee cannot be paid as installments

Dates to be remembered (Intake 2026)

Application deadline for the 2026 intake: September 2025
Interviews for the 2026 intake: September 2025
The final list of the 2026 intake: October 2025
Registration of 2026 intake at CCUC: November 2025
Inauguration of the program for 2026 intake: January 2026
Commencement of the program for 2026 intake: January 2026

For Any Inquiries:

Phone: +94 112503399
Phone: +94 718113301
Email: bsceds@sci.cmb.ac.lk

Programme Duration

The duration of the program is 3 years. During each year, the program is conducted over 2 semesters of 20 weeks. The courses are offered in Blended Mode. 100% of lessons and discussions are conducted online during weekends (Saturday and/or Sunday).

Indented Learning Outcomes of BSc (External) in Environment, Development and Sustainability

The end of the 3 years (SLQF Level 5) BSc in Environment, Development and Sustainability Degree holders should be able to:

Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and proficiency in the terminologies, theories, concepts, and practices relevant to environment, development, and sustainability.
Critically analyze and interpret sustainability challenges and sub-sectors to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement within industrial and environmental contexts.
Apply sustainable development principles to plan, implement, and manage projects, while monitoring outcomes and providing leadership in environmental governance.
Integrate ethical reasoning and global perspectives by adhering to professional standards, codes of conduct, and best practices in sustainable development and environmental sciences.
Exhibit professionalism and a commitment to life-long learning by continuously updating skills and adapting to emerging challenges in employment and sustainability fields.
Communicate effectively and disseminate knowledge, data, and ideas clearly to both specialist and non-specialist audiences through appropriate media.
Work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral teams to achieve sustainability outcomes.

Programme Structure

BSc in Environment, Development and Sustainability will be completed in three years (90 Credits / SLQF Level 5) and it consists of three levels.

LEVEL I: Diploma in Environment, Development and Sustainability (30 Credits)

LEVEL II: Advanced Diploma in Environment, Development and Sustainability (60 Credits)

LEVEL III: BSc in Environment, Development and Sustainability (90 Credits)

Mode of Learning

Since Environment and sustainable development are practical subjects, the highest priority will be given for providing a thorough practical knowledge to the students. The courses are designed including both theory, practical and field workshops. All the courses will be managed through the Learning Management System (EDP_LMS) for enhancing the learning experience. Each student will be allowed to access lecture materials and learning activities maintained on the EDP_LMS. Additional online discussion classes will be held at regular intervals for students to interact with the lecturers.

Programme in a nutshell

A Multidisciplinary Degree Involving

Environmental Management
Basic Skills in Laboratory and Field Techniques
Concepts in Sustainable Development
Essential Skills on Management and Statistics
Knowledge in English Language

Evaluation Criteria

The theory course modules will be evaluated through written examinations and/or assignments where appropriate. Laboratory course modules will be evaluated by assignments and/or semester-end examinations. In some instances, course units may require a mixed-mode evaluation including continuous assessments.

Level Certificates/ Diploma/ Advanced Diploma and Degree awarding criteria can be found under the Degree-Awarding criteria.

Subscribe to the mailing list

You could submit your details to our mailing list in order to get notified when call for applications for 2024. Please note that this is just adding your details to the mailing list only. The applications for the next intake will be called August 2022.