Software Engineering Course in Sri Lanka: HND to MSc Routes

TL;DR A software engineering course in Sri Lanka can start as an HND, continue as an honours degree or be taken as a master's after a first degree. This guide compares the routes on Uplift by entry rule, length and award, so you can match a course to your A/L results and your goal.

Several level-specific guides already exist on Uplift, and this page ties them together. Browse the computing study area and the software engineering study area for the live list. The programs come from ESOFT Uni, Universal College Lanka, KIU University, Asian Institute of Business and Science, Lanka Nippon BizTech Institute and Colombo International Campus.

Which software engineering course in Sri Lanka should you choose?

The programs listed today cover diplomas, honours degrees and a master's. Open each course page for the current entry rules.

Which software engineering course suits a school leaver?

The HND routes

The HND in Computing (Software Engineering) at Colombo International Campus is a hybrid program listed at 1 year. Entry is at least 2 A/L passes in any stream, or a recognised foundation qualification in IT or computing. The same institute lists a Pearson BTEC HND in Software Engineering with a Level 3 entry, awarded by Pearson. Our HND in Software Engineering guide covers the first in detail.

The honours degree routes

• BEng (Hons) in Software Engineering at ESOFT Uni: 3 years full-time, awarded by London Metropolitan University, with local tuition of LKR 1,620,000 in total. Entry is a minimum of 2 A/L passes or a relevant foundation program.

• BSc (Hons) Computing Science in Software Engineering at ESOFT Uni: 3 years full-time, awarded by Kingston University, with the same listed tuition. Entry is a minimum of 3 A/L passes or an equivalent foundation qualification.

• BSc (Hons) Software Engineering at Universal College Lanka: 3 years full-time. Entry is 2 simple passes at the local A/L in any stream, with O/L English at C or A/L General English at B.

• BSc Honours in Software Engineering at KIU University: 4 years full-time. KIU lists 3 simple passes in the Physical Sciences or Engineering Technology stream, or any stream with a credit pass in O/L Mathematics and an approved bridging program.

• BSc (Hons) Software Engineering at Lanka Nippon BizTech Institute: 4 years full-time, with fully funded Japan internships for eligible students in the third year according to the institute page. Our Lanka Nippon software engineering guide explains the structure.

• BSc (Hons) Software Engineering at AIBS: listed at 18 months full-time with Edge Hill University named as the awarding university. Entry is 6 O/L passes including Mathematics and English, or A/L passes in any stream, or a recognised IT foundation qualification.

The wider comparison sits in our software engineering degree guide.

Which software engineering course suits a graduate?

The MSc in Software Engineering at ESOFT Uni is a hybrid Kingston University program with listed tuition of LKR 790,000 in total. ESOFT asks for a relevant degree in computing or software engineering with at least second-class honours, and some professional experience is an advantage. Our MSc in Software Engineering guide has the detail.

What do software engineering programs teach?

The program pages describe the focus in their own words. ESOFT Uni says its BEng prepares students to design and develop software systems, from mobile apps to medical robotics. Colombo International Campus lists full-stack development, cloud and AI in its HND.

KIU University describes the principles of analysing, designing, developing and maintaining software systems. Read the module list on each course page, because the mix of programming, design and project work differs between programs.