Promoting quality in higher education through global partnership
www.apiit.edu.lk
APIIT Graduate School
Admissions Ofce
APIIT City Campus
388, Union Place, Colombo 02, Sri Lanka
Tel: (+94) 11 2675060 Fax: (+94) 11 2687249
Email: info@apiit.lk Web: www.apiit.edu.lk
Welcome
Thank you for your interest in our Graduate School.
This brochure provides an introduction to the APIIT Graduate School and
the MBA and MSc programmes we ofer. For further details, please contact
the Admissions Ofce at our City Campus.
www.apiit.edu.lk 3
A NOTE FROM THE CEO
Welcome to the APIIT-Sri Lanka Graduate School.
We are delighted that you are interested in joining the APIIT
community of students studying on Stafordshire University awards.
Stafordshire University has a long history in ofering postgraduate
awards in the UK and APIIT-Sri Lanka has been validated since 2005
to ofer Stafordshire University Masters degree programmes in
Colombo.
Stafordshire University is a public university in the UK, that is
committed to providing high quality learning opportunities to all its
students. In the recent past, the University has been awarded
teaching scores of excellent or commendable repeatedly by the
Quality Assurance Agency, UK. The Quality Assurance Agency is an
independent body that evaluates British University awards with a
view to safeguarding public interest in sound education standards.
APIIT-Sri Lanka and Stafordshire University have a strong focus on
developing our students as independent learners and therefore
place signifcant emphasis on student-centred learning supported
by information technology. We provide ample opportunities to
develop new skills or embed existing ones to enhance your career
potential.
The purpose of this booklet is to present an introduction to the Asia
Pacifc Institute of Information Technology-Sri Lanka and
Stafordshire University, and the Masters Degree programmes we
ofer. The resources/ facilities available to support the teaching/
learning process and the other student support services are also
outlined. Hopefully, this will allow you to take an informed decision
to enrol in a Masters Degree programme that is in line with your
career aspirations.
However, all our strengths cannot be adequately refected in a
brochure like this. The strength of our expert panel of lecturers and
the professional student support services provided by our
administrative and support staf cannot be captured on these pages.
You are therefore invited to visit our campus to inspect the facilities,
meet with the students and staf and experience for yourself the
excellent academic environment we have created for a higher quality
learning experience.
Sincerely,
Dr. Athula Pitigala-Arachchi, PhD
Chief Executive Ofcer
APIIT Graduate School
www.apiit.edu.lk
APIIT Graduate School
4
APIITSRI LANKA
The Asia Pacifc Institute of Information TechnologySri Lanka
(APIITSri Lanka) was incorporated in September 1999 in partnership
with the Asia Pacifc Institute of Information TechnologyMalaysia
and Stafordshire University, UK. APIIT-Sri Lanka has the Board of
Investment approval to ofer higher education in Computing / ICT,
Business Management and Legal Studies. APIIT-Sri Lanka also has
credit transfer arrangements with a number of reputable universities
in the UK and Australia and thus forms part of an international
collaboration in cross border education.
APIIT-Sri Lankas principal purpose is to provide higher education
opportunities of international standard with a view to producing
globally competitive graduates who will meet the demands of the
modern society and contribute to socio-economic development. To
achieve these objectives, APIITSri Lanka provides excellent
opportunities for classroom learning, independent and group
studies and research.
APIITSri Lanka commenced its operation in 2000 as an IT training
institute and expanded its academic provision in 2003 to include
Business Degrees and in 2009 to provide legal education. Since 2011,
APIITSri Lanka has been validated to conduct 26 degree
programmes in Computing, Business Management and Law,
including 6 Masters Degrees. Presently, APIITSri Lanka ofers the
largest portfolio of British Degree Programmes in Sri Lanka.
The degree programmes ofered at APIIT-Sri Lanka are internal
degree programmes and the certifcates awarded by Stafordshire
University are identical to those awarded to internal students
studying in the UK.
In a period of ten years, APIITSri Lanka has expanded rapidly and
grown in stature. Today, APIITSri Lanka has emerged as one of the
leaders amongst higher education institutes in the private sector.
APIIT-Sri Lanka is known as a responsible provider of tertiary
education and is held in high esteem in academic circles both in Sri
Lanka and abroad.
The cornerstone of success has been the consistent upholding of
high standards and quality of education programmes. This is
achieved through constant attention to critical factors that underpin
quality, namely, the adoption of international curricula to suit the Sri
Lankan context, recruitment of highly qualifed and competent
lecturers, strategic investments to maintain the teaching facilities at
the cutting-edge and efcient delivery and management of
educational programmes.
APIITSri Lanka is certifed as conforming to ISO 9001:2008
international standards for quality management.
www.apiit.edu.lk 5
STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY, UK
Stafordshire University in the UK is a major player in international
education, and has its origins in the early 1900s. The university has
evolved as one of the most innovative universities with a proven
track record of continuous achievements and excellence in
providing high quality tertiary education. It is a public UK university
and a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and
is recognised by the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka.
The University has a student population of approximately 12,000
full-time and 3,000 part-time students. In addition, the University has
some 5,000 students studying overseas on Stafordshire University
awards in China, France, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Oman,
Vietnam, Singapore, Spain and Sri Lanka. Over 1,000 students
studying in the APIIT City Campus in Colombo form part of this proud
international learning community.
Stafordshire University has been awarded "Excellent" and
"Commendable" teaching scores, 13 consecutive times, by the
Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) in the UK.
Stafordshire University is internationally renowned for producing
high calibre graduates who are in great demand from employers and
who have the skills to build rewarding careers. By developing strong
links with industry, Stafordshire University ensures that the students
are equipped with the relevant skills, knowledge and confdence to
succeed in today's demanding workplace.
Stafordshire University has a longstanding relationship with
APIIT-Sri Lanka. The relationship is based on a shared vision, which
encompasses a commitment to provide learning experiences of high
quality, recognition of the importance of equal opportunity, and the
training of graduates who will be immediately efective in
employment.
With the highest quality teaching, outstanding overseas partners, a fantastic
learning environment - plus the chance to broaden your experiences and make
new friends - Stafordshire University is a well-proven route to future success.
Professor Christine King DL
Vice-Chancellor (1995 - 2011)
www.apiit.edu.lk 6
Staffordshire University
Faculty of Computing,
Engineering & Technology
With over 40 years of experience, the Faculty is one of the largest and
most experienced providers of computing programmes in the UK
and ofers a wide range of study areas at both undergraduate and
postgraduate levels. The policy of the Faculty is to develop
programmes that are relevant to the needs of industry and
commerce, leading to enhanced employability of graduates.
The Facultys impressive range of resources for Computing Science
and Applied Computing based in the Octagon building comprises in
total 1000 networked Computers used for teaching, research, staf
and student work and is supplemented by teaching and open access
resources provided by Information Services. The laboratories are
packed with state-of-the-art software and hardware resources
refecting current trends in the development of computing,
engineering & technology subject areas.
Business School
For over 30 years, Stafordshire University Business School has been
providing high calibre business and management education. The
school provides specialist services to businesses and in-company
courses designed and delivered specifcally with business
partnerships. The school has established business villages located
close to campuses to ofer services to new business entrepreneurs.
Their education department is extremely prestigious and has
excellent quality ratings.
The content of the Business School courses are constantly being
updated to refect the changing face of business. As a result,
Stafordshire Business School graduates have an excellent track
record in gaining employment in many sectors and part time
students have achieved signifcant promotions directly due to the
skills and qualifcations gained.
APIIT Graduate School
APIIT GRADUATE SCHOOL
The APIIT Graduate School ofers Maters Degree Programmes of Stafordshire University, UK. These programmes are designed to go beyond
the realm of academia to provide a practice-oriented training of international standard enabling graduates to advance their career by
integrating ICT and Management.
Vision
The Vision of the APIIT Graduate School is to be a centre of excellence for graduate education and research in the Asia Pacifc Region with a
global reputation for quality and high standards.
Mission
The Mission of the Graduate School is to produce highly competent professionals who are globally competitive in the relevant felds. This will
be achieved through attention to the following:
Up-to-date, internationally recognized curricula adapted to the needs of the local environment
Well-trained, qualifed, and competent lecturers
Foreign visiting lecturers to give a global perspective to the programmes
Direct input by experts working in the Industry
Excellent resources and support facilities and the use of state-of-the-art technology
An environment conducive to academic pursuits
To achieve its mission, APIIT Graduate School oers up-to-date, internationally recognized master degree programmes with curricula adapted
to the needs of the local industry and commerce.
www.apiit.edu.lk 7
FEATURES OF THE MASTERS DEGREES
Internal British Degrees
APIIT Graduate School ofers Internal British Masters Degrees with
global recognition. The MBA programmes from the Business School
and MSc Programmes from the Faculty of Computing, Engineering
and Technology are internal degrees from Stafordshire University,
UK.
The Masters Degree programmes are closely monitored and quality
assured by the Stafordshire University to ensure that the prescribed
standards are maintained.
Flexible Programme Delivery
The programmes are ofered on a semester basis and provide a
fexible study pattern to facilitate the participation of working
professionals/executives. Modules are delivered during weekday
evenings/weekends over a period of 12 weeks.
Industry-based Dissertations
Students will have the opportunity to complete industrybased
dissertations that are directly relevant to their work or current
organisations. Training on research methods will be provided to
enhance knowledge and understanding of research. The research
work is an integral part of the Master programmes and is closely
supervised by faculty members from APIIT-Sri Lanka &
APIIT-Malaysia.
Industry Seminars
APIIT Graduate School organises series of Industry Seminars in
Management and IT disciplines to provide up-to-date exposure to
latest technologies and developments in IT industry and commerce.
Outstanding Faculty
APIIT Graduate School has an outstanding panel of lecturers
consisting of highly qualifed and competent academics. The
full-time staf is supplemented by well experienced industry leaders
as resource persons. Foreign lecturers are also part of the lecture
panel providing a global perspective.
Modern Infrastructure
APIIT Graduate School teaching facilities include a full-fedged
library, comfortable lecture theatres, syndicate rooms and extensive
IT resources that are comparable to facilities available in developed
countries.
In addition, dedicated online facilities are available for students to
access study materials and library resources.
Excellent Student Support Services
APIIT Graduate School students are provided with individual
assistance on academic matters through our mentoring system. In
addition, personal supervisors are also assigned to advise and
support the students in their dissertations.
Flexible Payment Schemes
Students are provided with fexible payment schemes for paying
their fees. The course fee, which is payable upfront or in installments,
includes the cost of tuition fee, course materials and
assessment/examination fees.
www.apiit.edu.lk 8
APIIT Graduate School
www.apiit.edu.lk
MSc
Technology
Management
MBA
Finance
MBA
MBA
HRM
MSc
Computer
Science
MSc
Software
Engineering
Masters Degree Programmes
franchised by
Stafordshire University, UK
8
Examination and Assessment
Assessment methods vary between modules but the overall strategy
is to have a balanced set of assessments across a variety of methods
that will include examinations, assignments, open analysis cases,
portfolios, projects and dissertations. The type of assessments is
explicitly stated on all module descriptors. Assessment methods
attempt integration between theory and practice by a variety of
means and students are expected to capitalize on their current and
prior experiences.
The award consists of nine taught modules (15 credits each) and a
dissertation (45 credits). Students will learn Business Research
Methods before embarking on their dissertation. Each student will
be assigned a supervisor to guide and support in order to
successfully complete the dissertation.
Postgraduate Certifcate/ Diploma is awarded on successfully
passing four or eight modules respectively. The Masters is awarded
on passing eight modules, the business research methods and the
dissertation.
www.apiit.edu.lk 10
MBA Programmes
Master of Business Administration programmes comprise three
levels of award: Postgraduate Certifcate, Postgraduate Diploma and
Masters Degree. Depending on the number of credits earned,
students would be awarded a Postgraduate Certifcate (PgC),
Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) and/or Master of Business
Administration (MBA) Degree in the relevant feld. The duration of
the programme is 2 years. Students have to complete 9 taught
modules. The Business Research Methods module is a prerequisite
for the dissertation worth 45 credits in a selected feld of study. The
lectures will be conducted in the evenings and weekends to
facilitate the participation of working professionals/ executives.
MBA
MBA HRM
MBA Finance
Unique features of MBA Programmes
Experiential education where the lecturer and students are
encouraged to infuse direct experience with the subject
content.
Opportunities to participate in overseas residential workshops.
Opportunities to network globally.
Admission Requirements
The qualifcations required for admission are a minimum of second
lower honours degree (2:2) or higher in any discipline. Preference is
given to candidates with 2 years of work experience. Applicants with
suitable professional qualifcations and/or experience may be
considered in the absence of a degree.
APIIT Graduate School
APIIT Graduate School
MBA
The MBA programme provides an advanced course of study of
management within a rapidly changing business environment. The
MBA study will explore contemporary approaches to the practice of
management and develop individuals of high capability who can
apply their knowledge and skills within contemporary business
organisations. Students will develop their understanding and ability
to apply a range of learning and research methodologies and
strategies that are appropriate to business administration. Students
will develop critical skills to assess and evaluate the academic
literature and other forms of research output that inform current
debates within the felds of business and management. Furthermore
the award aims at developing ideas and proposing business
solutions, taking into account the needs of stakeholders and the
changing and possible competing business drivers.
P
g
C
/
P
g
D
Current Modules:
Managing Strategy
Operations Management
International HRM
Professional & Academic Support Skills
Managing Change and Leadership
Managing Through Information
Managing a Diverse Workforce
Economics and Marketing
M
B
A
Business Research Methods
Dissertation
8 www.apiit.edu.lk 11
P
g
C
/
P
g
D
Current Modules:
Managing Strategy
Managing Risk
Operations Management
Corporate and Global Strategy
Professional & Academic Support Skills
Managing Change and Leadership
Managing Through Information
Economics and Marketing
M
B
A
Business Research Methods
Dissertation
MBA Human Resource Management
The aim of the MBA in HRM programme is to provide students with
the understanding and ability to apply a range of learning and
research methodologies and strategies that is appropriate to
business administration with an emphasis on the HRM context.
Students will develop critical skills to assess and evaluate the
academic literature and other forms of research output that inform
current debates within the feld of HRM. Furthermore the award aims
at developing ideas and proposing business solutions, taking into
account the needs of stakeholders and the changing and possible
competing business drivers in the HRM context.
MBA Finance
The aim of the MBA in Finance programme is to provide students
with the understanding and ability to apply a range of learning and
research methodologies and strategies that is appropriate to
business administration with an emphasis on fnancial contexts.
Students will develop critical skills to assess and evaluate the
academic literature and other forms of research output that inform
current debates within the felds of Finance. Furthermore the award
aims at developing ideas and proposing business solutions taking
into account the needs of stakeholders and the changing and
possible competing business drivers.
P
g
C
/
P
g
D
Current Modules:
Professional & Academic Support Skills
Managing Change and Leadership
Managing Through Information
Economics and Marketing
Managing Strategy
Managing Risk
Managerial Finance
International Finance
M
B
A
Business Research Methods
Dissertation
8
APIIT Graduate School
MSc Programmes
Master of Science programmes comprise three levels of award:
Postgraduate Certifcate, Postgraduate Diploma and Masters
Degree. Depending on the number of credits earned, students
would be awarded a Postgraduate Certifcate (PgC), Postgraduate
Diploma (PgD) and/or Master of Science Degree (MSc) in the
relevant feld. The duration of the programme is 2 years. Students
have to complete 8 taught modules of 15 credits each and a
dissertation worth 60 credits in the selected feld of study. The
lectures will be conducted in the evenings and weekends to
facilitate the participation of working professionals.
MSc Technology Management
MSc Computer Science
MSc Software Engineering
Admission Requirements
MSc Technology Management
The qualifcations required for admission are a minimum second
lower honours degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent in
non-computing or computing discipline. As an alternative the
candidate may have suitable equivalent professional qualifcations
or experience that may be considered in the absence of a degree.
MSc Computer Science / MSc Software Engineering
The qualifcations required for admission are a minimum second
lower honours degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent in computing
discipline. Other graduates who have appropriate experience may
be considered for entry, as exceptionally would be non-graduates.
The aim of the general admissions policy is to ensure that the
students become successful and beneft from the study programme.
www.apiit.edu.lk 12
Examination and Assessment
Assessment scheme will vary between modules, but the overall
strategy is to have a balanced set of assessments across a variety of
methods that will include individual coursework assignments,
group-work assignments, presentations, demonstrations, written
reports, end of module examinations and viva.
The award consists of eight taught modules (15 credits each) and a
dissertation (60 credits). Students will learn research methods before
embarking on their dissertation. Each student will be assigned a
supervisor for guidance and support in order to successfully
complete the dissertation.
Postgraduate Certifcate/ Diploma is awarded on successfully
passing four or eight modules respectively. The Masters is awarded
on passing eight modules and the fnal dissertation.
8
www.apiit.edu.lk 13
APIIT Graduate School
P
g
C
/
P
g
D
Current Modules:
Managing Change & Leadership
Professional and Academic Support Skills
Strategic Planning and Systems Development
Technology Management
Personal Development and Research Methods
Quality and Project Management for Technology
Managing Through Information
Database Technology
M
S
c
Dissertation
P
g
C
/
P
g
D
Current Modules:
Artifcial Intelligent Systems
Strategic Planning and Systems Development
Network Systems and Technologies
Database Technology
Mobile Computer Communications Systems
Object Oriented Software Systems Engineering
Forensic Computing Concepts
Personal Development and Research Methods
M
S
c
Dissertation
MSc Technology Management
This programme focuses on management and technology, most
importantly, the relationship between the two. The award will
provide the students with a multitude of skills and in addition will
encourage the development of the intellectual understanding of
how the complexities associated with technology and business
related areas can be managed in an integrated way. The programme
will demonstrate how the application of computer-related
technology is an integral part of an ecient business environment.
It emphasizes the fact that an eective computer system is a key
factor enabling a business to gain a competitive edge by:
aiding managers in their decision-making policies;
ensuring ecient monitoring of company fnance and
organization;
contributing to the manufacture/production of a high quality
service and product.
MSc Computer Science
This is a Masters degree that is designed to broaden understanding
and knowledge of computer science, and enhance the ability to
apply this within an industry or commerce. In addition to gaining an
in-depth knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies, it also
develops the competence and ability to apply them. On completion
of the course the postgraduate will be a computing professional
with a broad and deep knowledge of the technical material and an
ability to apply it. They will be adept at delivering IT solutions and
systems appropriate for industry and commerce and fully prepared
for a successful career in academia or industry.
MSc Software Engineering
This programme is designed to serve the needs of industry and of
practicing software engineers within industry who have no formal
qualifcations in the subject of software engineering. The
programme is aimed at graduates who have gained signifcant
experience on computing within the industry. This programme
brings together key areas within quality assurance and software
systems development to meet identifed needs. The overall aim of
the programme is to provide an opportunity for professional
development at an advanced level within the area of software
engineering for graduate-level people with industrial experience in
software engineering. The award will provide the candidates with
many core skills and in addition will encourage them to develop
their intellectual understanding of how the complexities associated
with software engineering related areas can be managed in an
integrated way.
P
g
C
/
P
g
D
Current Modules:
Interaction Design
Quality & Project Management for Technology
Object Oriented Software Systems Engineering
Software Engineering Support Environments
Software Quality Engineering
Personal Development and Research Methods
Database Technology
Network Systems and Technologies
M
S
c
Dissertation (60 credits)
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
APIIT-Sri Lanka Graduate School is strategically located at the
heart of Colombo city in close proximity to major corporate
organisations, banks, restaurants and entertainment centres.
APIIT provides a high quality learning environment of
international standard. The state-of-the-art facilities for
undergraduate education comprise comfortable lecture
theatres and syndicate rooms, an extensive IT infrastructure,
library and online resources. The academic facilities conform to
the requirements of Staffordshire University, UK and are
comparable to those in developed countries.
Lecture Theatres
Lecture theatres are designed to accommodate a small group
of students and are equipped with multimedia projectors and
networked computers with access to the Internet. Seating
facilities are arranged to facilitate interactive learning.
Library and Information Service
APIIT Library is an excellent resource for learning and research.
The Library contains a well maintained stock of text books, CDs,
magazines, and journals. Students have access to a
comprehensive collection of materials related to IT/ Computing
and Business related disciplines. Students also have access to
world renowned digital libraries and online resources of
Staffordshire University.
Syndicate Rooms
Syndicate rooms are designed to accommodate small groups
for study sessions. Syndicate rooms are also used for student
group discussions and project work.
IT Infrastructure
APIIT-Sri Lanka has made a major investment in IT/ computing
infrastructure to provide a comprehensive Information and
Communications Technology service to all students. The
Computer Laboratories are well equipped with the latest
technologies and provide unlimited access to the Internet
through high speed broadband connection and Wi-Fi
connectivity. Students have access to several state-of-the-art
computer laboratories with more than 200 computers. The labs
aid independent student learning and research.
Recreational Facility
Student recreational activities are an important part of learning
and provide an overall experience of university education.
Facilities for indoor games and opportunities for social
interaction are provided to help students socialise and relax.
Further, the 6th floor of APIIT City Campus houses Chrysalis the
students cafeteria and is dedicated for recreational activities.
8 www.apiit.edu.lk 14
APIIT Graduate School
APIIT City Campus
388, Union Place,
Colombo 02, Sri Lanka.
Tel: (+94) 11 2675060
Fax: (+94) 11 2687249
Email: info@apiit.lk
Web: www.apiit.edu.lk
