What to Study After A/L Arts Stream in Sri Lanka

TL;DR: Arts stream students have more local options than most people say. Psychology, law, hospitality, human resources, fashion design and English language programs accept arts stream results, and several ask for just three A/L passes in any stream. Match the program to your interests, then confirm the entry rule on its page.

There is a common idea that the arts stream leads to fewer choices. The program pages tell a different story. Many degrees listed on Uplift ask for A/L passes without naming a stream, which means arts students can apply on equal terms.

This guide covers the main routes, what they ask for and what to check before you apply.

Why the stream matters less than you think

Some degrees name a stream. Engineering usually asks for mathematics and physics, and some science degrees ask for the biology stream. Many others in business, law, psychology and the creative fields ask only for passes. Always read the entry rule, because it is the final word.

Degrees that accept arts stream students

Bachelor's

Esoft Uni

BA (Hons) in Fashion (TOP UP) - London Metropolitan University (UK)

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Bachelor's

Esoft Uni

BA (Hons) in Fashion - London Metropolitan University (UK)

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Bachelor's

Esoft Uni

BA (Hons) in Hospitality Management - London Metropolitan University (UK)

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Law

The LLB (Hons) Law at KIU University runs for four years. The page asks for two Credit passes and one simple pass at A/L in any stream in one sitting, and a Credit pass in English and in Sinhala or Tamil at O/L. Our law degree guide explains what comes after the LLB.

Psychology and counselling

Psychology suits students who enjoy reading, writing and thinking about people.

• BSc Honours in Psychology at KIU University: four years, three A/L passes in any stream.

• BSc (Hons) in Psychology at ESOFT Uni: three years, awarded by London Metropolitan University (UK), LKR 1,620,000 in total tuition, minimum two A/L passes.

• Diploma in Psychology and Counselling at KIU University: 12 months, A/L in any stream.

See our psychology degree guide and the counselling course guide for more.

Hospitality and tourism

The BA (Hons) in Hospitality Management at ESOFT Uni is awarded by London Metropolitan University (UK), lists LKR 1,420,000 in total tuition and asks for a minimum of two A/L passes. Read the hotel management degree guide for the wider picture.

Human resources and marketing

KIU University lists four-year honours degrees in Human Resource and Marketing. Both ask for three simple A/L passes in any stream. Arts students with strong communication skills often find these a natural fit.

Creative fields

The BA (Hons) in Fashion at ESOFT Uni runs for three years and lists LKR 1,820,000 in total tuition. It asks for three A/L passes or an equivalent foundation in a creative subject, and a portfolio may be required. See the fashion design guide for the portfolio and top-up options.

English language support

Strong English opens doors in every field. KIU lists English language certificates at elementary, intermediate and advanced levels, each lasting 12 to 18 weeks. They ask only for basic literacy and a willingness to learn. See the English course guide to pick a level.