TL;DR. BA degree meaning: it stands for Bachelor of Arts, a bachelor's degree that Sri Lankan institutes now also use for business, hospitality, fashion and education programs. The letters tell you the degree family, so compare the subject, length, awarding university and entry rule on each course page.
Students searching for a BA often expect only literature or social science. The programs on Uplift show a wider picture, because UK-linked universities label many subjects as a Bachelor of Arts. This guide explains the term and shows where it appears.
What is the BA degree meaning for Sri Lankan students?
BA stands for Bachelor of Arts. It is a bachelor's degree that traditionally covers humanities, languages, social science and creative subjects. In the UK system that many Sri Lankan partner degrees follow, a university can also award a BA for subjects such as business administration or marketing.
Hons means honours, so a BA (Hons) is the honours version. Our undergraduate meaning and BSc Hons meaning guides explain the honours label in detail.
Which BA programs are listed on Uplift?
The programs below are examples from the programs listed today at ESOFT Uni, where London Metropolitan University awards the degree.
The BA (Hons) in Business Administration is listed as 3 years full-time, with tuition of LKR 1,620,000 in total.
The BA (Hons) in Marketing is listed as 3 years full-time, with tuition of LKR 1,620,000 in total.
The BA (Hons) in Fashion is listed as 3 years full-time, with tuition of LKR 1,820,000 in total. Our fashion design degree guide covers the full route and the top-up.
The BA (Hons) in Education (Top Up) is listed as 1 year part-time, with tuition of LKR 750,000 in total.
At Universal College Lanka, the BA (Hons) International Business is listed as 3 years full-time. Browse more in the business and art and creative design study areas.
What is the difference between a BA, a BSc and a BBA?
A BA is a Bachelor of Arts and a BSc is a Bachelor of Science. A university chooses the label it prefers for each subject, so the same field can carry different letters at different institutes. Read the course structure rather than the letters. Our guide to the ESOFT business administration degree shows what a BA in business contains.
What entry rule applies to a BA?
Each program sets its own rule.
The ESOFT Uni business administration and marketing pages ask for three A/L passes or an equivalent foundation qualification, and say an HND or equivalent Level 5 qualification may allow entry into Year 3. English proficiency is required.
The ESOFT Uni fashion page asks for three A/L passes or a relevant foundation qualification, may ask for a portfolio, and requires English proficiency.
The ESOFT Uni education top-up asks for a relevant foundation degree, HND or equivalent Level 5 qualification.
The Universal College Lanka page asks for two S passes in any stream at the local A/L, plus a C in O/L English.
If you are working from an HND, read how a top-up degree works.
