Sri Lanka

Welcome to The University of Buckingham!

Buckingham & Sri Lanka

The University of Buckingham is a popular choice for Sri Lankan students wishing to come and study in a UK institution that offers a safe and friendly campus with an international community feel. Our first Sri Lankan student graduated from Buckingham in 1978 and since then we have had the pleasure of enrolling over 80 Sri Lankan students into our different academic schools.  Our Sri Lankan students tell us that what they mostly enjoy about Buckingham is the fact that they can complete their undergraduate degree in two years, giving them a competitive edge over their peers, but also the close-knit community that they encounter in Buckingham.

What our students say

We currently have a dozen Sri Lankan students studying with us in several of the academic schools, and this is what one of our current students, Mohottalalage, has to say about his time so far at Buckingham:

Mohottalalage Bandara studying LLB (Law)

I’ve very much enjoyed my first three months in Buckingham. The University has a very large international community and it has been fun and a great experience for me to learn the different cultures and traditions of a variety of countries. Buckingham is literally green with its acres and acres of green meadows and fields. This reminds me of the paddy fields in Sri Lanka which are also green and cover a very large area. I think people from my country would like Buckingham because of the peace and quietness, the lovely scenery and the very friendly locals.  And of course the cricket! The very moment I heard about the Buckingham Cricket Club I contacted them about practice sessions and now I’m a regular member of the club.

Entry requirements

In order to study at foundation level you must be at least 17 years of age and have attained:

• Sri Lankan GCE O-levels with A and B grades (grade A = 75-100%, grade B = 65-74%).

As proof of English language proficiency you would need one of the following:

• Sri Lankan A-level in English Language at grade C or better
• International GCSE English as a Second Language, extended curriculum  with grade C or higher
• For September start an IELTS score of 5.5, with 5.0 or above in each section
• For January start an IELTS score of 6.0, with 5.5 or above in each section

In order to study at undergraduate level (Bachelor’s degree), you will normally need to have attained one of the following:

• Three Sri Lankan GCE A-levels at grade B or better
• Three GCE A-levels at grade B or better
• IB score of between 29 and 34 (depending on the degree subject)

See also: Undergraduate language requirements

In order to study at postgraduate level (Master’s degree), you will normally need to have attained:

• A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised higher education institution with Lower Second Honours (55%), equivalent to a British Bachelor’s (Honours) degree, with a minimum of a 2:2, depending on the school of study.

See also: Postgraduate language requirements

The grades quoted above give an indication of a typical offer; at the Admissions Tutor’s discretion alternative qualifications or gradings may be considered. All applications will be considered individually and work experience and other interdisciplinary achievements are taken into consideration when deciding upon all applications. Applicants may also be invited to interview.

Our alumni

Our alumni have gone on to have very successful careers in various industries, including: legal services; accountancy; financial services; marketing; education; leisure, tourism and travel; charities, voluntary sector and NGOs; information technology; manufacturing and allied services; consultancy. This is what one of our alumni, Manesh Fernando, has gone on to do with his life, and also what he has to say about his time at Buckingham:

Manesh Fernando (BSc Business Studies, 1994)

I did a degree in Business Studies and graduated with an upper second class degree in 1994. I returned to Sri Lanka and joined Hilton International and have worked for them for the past 16 years in various roles throughout Asia Pacific. For the past 4 years I have been the general manager of the Hilton Colombo Residence, which entails full responsibility for operating a multimillion dollar business.

The University of Buckingham gave me the base and international exposure in a highly multicultural environment to succeed in the multinational corporate world.

Agents

We work closely with counsellors and overseas representatives who can advise you on how to apply for your degree as well as in completing your visa application.

You are not obliged to make an application through an agent but we strongly recommend that you consult with them if you require a visa counselling service. The International Office may be able to assist you with your application and let you know what documentation you need to prepare but are unable to offer advice on visas.

Your International Officer

Representatives from The University of Buckingham travel to Sri Lanka three times a year, usually during March, August and October. See Overseas visits & interviews for more information. If you wish to come and visit Buckingham campus and meet an academic this can be arranged by contacting the International Officer.