Recommendations of the Senate Sub-Committee on Sri Lanka Qualification Framework

Transcription

1 Recommendations of the Senate Sub-Committee on Sri Lanka Qualification Framework The sub-committee appointed by the Senate to study the guidelines provided in the Sri Lanka Qualification Framework (SLQF) met several times and solicited representations from various departments. Based on these consultations, deliberations and representations the subcommittee arrived at the following recommendations to be implemented by the OUSL. 1. In principle the OUSL should adopt the SLQF recommendations with necessary adjustments to suit the structure of the OUSL as an ODL institute 2. The OUSL levels shall comply with the SLQF levels 3. According to the SLQF the maximum credits allowed per year for a student are 30. In the OUSL the maximum credits allowed per year from the regular courses are 36. It is recommended that this arrangement should be continued. Thus it is defined that 1 SLQF credit is equivalent to 1.2 OUSL credits. Accordingly Table 1 presents the minimum total credits for various qualifications. 4. Given below is the manner in which Notional Learning Hours* (NLH) could be described depending on the study activity involved. Type of activity Studying printed lesson material which includes reading and understanding the session, completing the activities in the sessions, preparations for day schools and all other learning activities related to the printed session For practical work, including laboratory / field work/ clinical work / micro-teaching / teaching practicum OUSL defined / scheduled unit One session 1 hour Number of NLH 5 hours 1.5 hours Day school 1 hour 1 hour Assessment/assignment 1 hour 1 hour On-line support 1 hour 1 hour Literature search 1 hour 1 hour Writing dissertation 1 hour 1 hour Comments For each 1 hour of laboratory/ field/ clinical studies scheduled by OUSL, half an hour of independent studies are recommended. Notional learning hours include time allocated for conducting practical work, preparation, writing any reports and the time allotted for assessments

2 5. An OUSL credit may be viewed as a measure of the knowledge/skill gained by a student by engaging in the activities listed above in section 4. Consequently number of notional learning hours per credit depending on the type of course could be described as below. Type of course Regular course with printed lesson materials as the major component and other study activities Number of NLH per OUSL credit Industrial training 75 Comments Activities include training, writing any reports related to the training and assessments Research 75 Activities include laboratory/field work, literature survey, writing of the dissertation and assessments This can be further expanded in the future as new types of courses are introduced. 6. Table 2 presents the specifications for the various qualifications awarded by the OUSL 7. Tables 3 to 9 present the observations on the necessary adjustments that need to be done in the currently offered programmes from Certificate to Masters Levels to comply with the recommendations given in this document. *In SLQF credits system, the student workload of a full time study programme is defined as 1500 notional hours per year. Notional learning hours include direct contact hours with teachers and trainers, time spent in self- learning, preparation for assignments, carrying out assignments and assessments. Submitted to the Senate for necessary discussion and approval. Prof. SA Ariadurai (Chairman) Dean / ET Dr. BMP Mendis Dean / HSS Dr. SP Karunanayake Dean / Education Dr. SS Iqbal Dean / NS Prof. GD Lekamge Faculty of Education Prof. GRR Ranawaka Faculty of NS Prof. TM Pallewatta Faculty of ET Dr. G. Bandarage Faculty of NS Dr. SAMANS Senanayake Faculty of ET Dr. A Ariyaratne Faculty of Education Dr. SN Morais Faculty of HSS Dr. KRM de Silva Faculty of HSS

3 Table 1: Minimum Total Credits for Qualifications Qualification Minimum Total Minimum Total OUSL Credits SLQF Credits Certificate Advanced Certificate Diploma Higher Diploma Bachelors degree *Honours Bachelors degree Postgraduate Certificate Postgraduate Diploma Masters degree with course work Masters degree with research Master of Philosophy degree [Minimum of 2 years] Doctoral degree 108 [Minimum of 3 years] 90 *A clarification has been sought from the UGC with reference to naming this degree

4 Table 2: Recommended Specifications for OUSL Qualifications Qualification Minimum Entry Qualifications for OUSL Exit Level Specifications (Minimum Credits) SLQF / OUSL OUSL SLQF Foundation I None - 36 at Level 1 Certificate Grade 9 or equivalent 1 36 at Level 1 30 at Level 1 Foundation II GCE (O/L) or Level 1 or equivalent 2 36 at Level 2 Advanced Certificate GCE (O/L) or Level 1 or equivalent 2 36 at Level 2 30 at Level 2 Diploma 3 36 at Level 3 30 at Level 3 Higher Diploma GCE (A/L) Bachelors degree or credits Honours Bachelors degree credits at at Level 3 Level 2 or or equivalent equivalent 4 72 of which 36 at Level 4 60 of which 30 at Level 4 72 credits of which 36 at Level 5 90 of which 30 at Level 5 at Levels credits at Levels 6 & 4 of 3, 4 & 5 of which of which 36 at Level 6, 120 of which 30 at Level 6, which 36 at at Level 5 in with 9 credits of research at with 8 credits of research at Level 4 or relevant field or Level 6 Level 6 equivalent equivalent Postgraduate Certificate Bachelors degree in relevant subject area 7 24 at Level 7 20 at Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma Bachelors degree in relevant subject area 7 30 at Level 7 25 at Level 7 Masters degree with course work Bachelors degree in relevant subject area 7 36 at Level 7 30 at Level 7 Masters degree with research Bachelors degree or Level 6 or 7 qualifications in the relevant area of study 8 72 of which 36 at Level 8 of which 18 credits of research at Level 8 60 of which 30 at Level 8 of which 15 credits of research at Level 8 Master of Philosophy degree Honours Bachelors degree or Bachelors degree with a GPA of 9 72 at Level 9 60 at Level (or above) or Level 7 / 8 qualifications in relevant field Doctoral degree MPhil or Masters or MPhil student with Honours Degree with a GPA of 3.0 (or above) after 1 year successful progress with the recommendation of the Faculty at level at level 10

5 Table 3: Observations on the currently offered FOUNDATION with reference to the Recommendations Recommendation: Foundation II: GCE (O/L) or Level 1 or equivalent Faculty Programme Level No. of credits Entry Qualification Comments/Suggestions Natural Foundation Certificate in Science 2 36 Passes in 6 subjects at GCE (O/L) with Science and Mathematics or equivalent Engineering Technology Foundation courses for Technology 2 36 GCE (O/L) with C pass in Maths

6 Table 4: Observations on the currently offered CERTIFICATE PROGRAMMES with reference to the Recommendations Recommendation: Foundation 1: No entry qualification; Certificate: Grade 9; offer a minimum of 36 credits at Level 1 Certificate in Pre-school Education (CPE) Over 18 years, GCE (OL) with 6 Education 1 36 passes including Mathematics and First Language Certificate in Social 1 & each at For Level 1 - over 18 years For Level 2 two passes in GCE Needs adjustment with regard to awarding in line with SLQF Levels 1 & 2 A/L or Level 1 or equivalent Certificate in Professional English 2 18 Placement Test Inadequate amount of credits Certificate in Basic English 0, 1 18 Placement Test Inadequate amount of credits Certificate in Basic Tamil 0, 1 18 Placement Test Inadequate amount of credits Humanities & Certificate in Basic Sinhala 0, 1 18 Placement Test Inadequate amount of credits Social Certificate in English for Academic Purposes Registration for the BMS degree Inadequate amount of credits 0, 1 & 2 18 (Management Studies) and sitting the Grading Test Certificate in English for Academic Purposes Registration for the LLB degree Inadequate amount of credits 0, 1 & 2 18 (Legal Studies) and sitting the Grading Test Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management 2 36 Passes in 6 subjects at GCE (O/L) or Level 1 of Social or equivalent The programme may be named as Advanced Certificate in...

7 Table 4: Observations on the currently offered CERTIFICATE PROGRAMMES with reference to the Recommendations [Contd..] Recommendation: Foundation 1: No minimum entry qualification; Certificate: Grade 9; offer minimum of 36 credits at Level 1 Minimum entry qualification: Foundation II: GCE O/Levels; offer minimum of 36 credits at Level 2 Natural Engineering Technology Certificate in Wildlife Conservation & Management 2 18 including 3 credits research project None Certificate in Laboratory Technology 2 18 Up to G.C.E. (O/L) Certificate in Environmental 2 Certificate in Computer Networks and Security Certificate in Professional Computer Applications Certificate in Applied Earth Science 2 18 including 3 credits research project including 3 credits research project Certificate in Applied Electronics 2 18 Certificate in Food Science 2 18 including 3 credits research project Certificate in Industrial Studies 2 36 Over 18 Years Passes in 6 subjects at GCE (O/L) with C in English or equivalent Pass in English at GCE O/Level or equivalent Pass in English at GCE O/Level or equivalent Pass in Science, Maths and English at GCE O/Level or equivalent Pass in Science, Maths and English at GCE O/Level or equivalent Pass in Chemistry at GCE (A/L) or equivalent or GCE (O/L) + 3 yrs experience in Food industry or followed short course in Food Science Level, number of credits, entry qualification do not conform to the recommendations Level and number of credits do not conform to the recommendations Level and number of credits do not conform to the recommendations Level and number of credits do not conform to the recommendations Level and number of credits do not conform to the recommendations Level and number of credits do not conform to the recommendations Level and number of credits do not conform to the recommendations Level and number of credits do not conform to the recommendations Level does not conform to the recommendations. If the entry qualification is changed the programme can be named as Advanced Certificate in Industrial Studies

8 Table 5: Observations on the currently offered ADVANCED CERTIFICATE PROGRAMMES with reference to the Recommendations Recommendation: Minimum entry qualification: GCE (O/L), or Level 1, offer minimum of 36 credits at Level 2 Education Advanced Certificate in Pre-School Education (ACPE) 2 36 Over 18 years, CPE GCE A/L or Equivalent, Upgrade to Diploma (already in the process of Advanced Certificate in Tourism and Hotel 3 36 GCE O/L with 5 years of being upgraded) Humanities Operations certified experience and Social Selection Test/ Certificate in Inadequate amount of credits. With additional Advanced Certificate in English 3 18 Professional English with credits can be upgraded to Diploma. 3 C passes or Level does not conform to the recommendations. Natural Advanced Certificate in Laboratory 3 36 Pass at CLT or permanent Can be named Diploma in... Technology TOs in universities Engineering Needs modifications. According to Advanced Certificate in Technology 3 60 Technology recommendations it is in Diploma level

9 Table 6: Observations on the currently offered DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES with reference to the Recommendations Recommendation: Minimum entry qualification: GCE (A/L), or 36 credits at Level 2 or equivalent, offer minimum of 36 credits at Level 3 Education Diploma in ECPE 2 nd year 4 36 Eligibility for Level 3 courses Name should change as Higher Diploma Diploma in ECPE 1 st year 3 36 ACPE or GCE (AL) or 36 credits at Level 2 Diploma in Youth Development 3 & 4 72 (36 at each Level) Name should change as Higher Diploma Humanities Diploma in English & English Language and Social Teaching 3 & 4 72 (36 at each Level) Selection Test Name should change as Higher Diploma Name should change as Higher Diploma Natural Engineering Technology Diploma in Management 3 & 4 72 (36 at each level) Diploma in Science 3 & 4 72 (36 at Level 3, 30 at Levels 4, remaining from levels 3/4/5 GCE A/L or level 2 in Social sciences or ESBM Diploma in Nursing 3 & Diploma in Microbiology 3 Diploma in Natural Resources and Ecotourism Diploma in Industrial Studies 3 & 4 Diploma in Technology 3 & including 9 credits research project 36 including 9 credits research project 78 (of which 18 at Level 4) + 30 weeks Industrial Training 99 (of which 24 at Level 4) + 30 weeks Industrial Training GCE (AL) or 36 credits at Level 2 or equivalent GCE (AL) or 36 credits at Level 2 or equivalent Credits at Level 4 and name do not conform to the recommendations Total credits and Name do not conform to the recommendations Needs modifications. According to recommendations it is in Higher Diploma level Needs modifications. According to recommendations it is in Higher Diploma level

10 Table 7: Observations on the currently offered DEGREE PROGRAMMES with reference to the Recommendations Recommendation: Minimum entry qualification: Bachelors degree - GCE (A/L), or 36 credits at Level 2 or equivalent, offer minimum of 108 credits of which at least 36 at Level 5 Minimum entry qualification: Honours Bachelors degree - GCE (A/L), or 36 credits at Level 2 or equivalent, offer minimum of 144 credits of which at least 36 at Level 6, with 9 credits of research at Level 6 Bachelor of Education - Natural (BEd-NS) 3, 4, 5 & 6 36 each at 3,4,5 & 6 Should change as Bachelor of Education (Honours) Degrees Bachelor of Education (BEd) - Drama & National Diploma of Drama & Theatre Should change as Bachelor of Education 5 & 6 36 each at 5 & 6 Theatre (BEd-DT) Foundation (Honours) Degrees Education Bachelor of Education (BEd) - Special Eligibility for level 3 &4 (Social Science Should change as Bachelor of Education 5 & 6 36 each at 5 & 6 Needs Education (BEd-SNE) courses) (Honours) Degrees Bachelor of Education (BEd) - Primary Eligibility for level 3 & 4 courses (Diploma Already proposal submitted for Bachelor of 5 & 6 36 each at 5 & 6 Education (BEd-PE) in Early Childhood & Primary Education Education (Honours) Degree Bachelor of Education (BEd) - Early Eligibility for level 3 & 4 courses (Diploma Already proposal submitted for Bachelor of 5 & 6 36 each at 5 & 6 Childhood Education (BEd-ECE) in Early Childhood & Primary Education Education (Honours) Degree Humanities and Social BA Degree in Social B.A in English & English Language Teaching Bachelor of Law (LLB) Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS) 3, 4, & 5 3, 4, 5 & 6 3, 4, 5 & 6 3, 4, 5 & (36 at each Level ) 147 (36 each at 3, 4 & 5 and 39 at Level 6) 144 (36 at each Level) 144 (36 at each level + 21 of continuing education before completion) Diploma in English and English Language Teaching (Pass Level3 and eligibility in all subjects at Level 4)/ Degree with English as a subject/ Degree in the English Medium with 03 years experience in English Language Teaching (Honours) (Honours) (Honours)

11 Table 7: Observations on the currently offered DEGREE PROGRAMMES with reference to the Recommendations [contd..] Recommendation: Minimum entry qualification: Bachelors degree - GCE (A/L), or 36 credits at Level 2 or equivalent, offer minimum of 108 credits of which at least 36 at Level 5 Minimum entry qualification: Honours Bachelors degree - GCE (A/L), or 36 credits at Level 2 or equivalent, offer minimum of 144 credits of which at least 36 at Level 6, with 9 credits of research at Level 6 Bachelor of Science - General 3, 4 & (36 each at Levels 3 & 4, 27 at Level 5, remaining 9 from Levels 3/4/5 or higher 144 with 9 for Research Bachelor of Science - Special 3.4.5,6 Component (36 each at Levels 3 & 72 credits at Levels 3 and 4 and other specific 4, 24 at Level 5, 30 at level 6, grade and GPA criteria balance 18 from 4/5/6) 144 (72 Levels 3 & 4 exempted for Registered Nurse or Diploma Natural Bachelor of Science (Nursing) 3, 4, 5 & 6 in Nursing) and 72 for Levels 5 and 6 Registered Pharmacists, with two years post Bachelor of Pharmacy qualifying experience as a Pharmacist and 3, 4 & General obtained and selection test Registered Pharmacists, with two years post Bachelor of Pharmacy qualifying experience as a Pharmacist and 3, 4, 5 & including 9 research project Special obtained and selection test Minimum credit requirement at level 5 does not conform to the recommendations Minimum credit requirement at level 6 does not conform to the recommendations Conforms to the recommendations (Honours) Conforms to the recommendations (General) Conforms to the recommendations (Honours)

12 B.Pharm (General) degree with a GPA of 2.80

13 Table 7: Observations on the currently offered DEGREE PROGRAMMES with reference to the Recommendations [contd..] Recommendation: Minimum entry qualification: Bachelors degree - GCE (A/L), or 36 credits at Level 2 or equivalent, offer minimum of 108 credits of which at least 36 at Level 5 Minimum entry qualification: Honours Bachelors degree - GCE (A/L), or 36 credits at Level 2 or equivalent, offer minimum of 144 credits of which at least 36 at Level 6, with 9 credits of research at Level 6 Registered Medical Laboratory Technologists, with three years post Bachelor of Medical 3, 4 & qualifying experience as a MLT and Laboratory General (General) obtained and selection test Natural Registered Medical Laboratory Technologists, with three years post Bachelor of Medical 144 including 9 research qualifying experience as a MLT and 3, 4, 5 & 6 Laboratory Special project obtained and (Honours) selection test B.MLS (General) degree with a GPA of 2.80 Bachelor of Software 160 (72 at Levels 5 & 6 of plus additional 36 Minimum credit requirement at level 6 3, 4, 5 & 6 Engineering which 18 at Level 6) credits at Level 3 does not conform to the recommendations 150 (72 at Levels 5 & 6 of Engineering Minimum credit requirement at level 6 Bachelor of Industrial Studies 3, 4, 5 & 6 which 18 at Level 6) + 30 Technology does not conform to the recommendations weeks Industrial Training Bachelor of Technology 189 (90 at Levels 5 & 6 of Minimum credit requirement at level 6 3, 4, 5 & 6 (Engineering) which 30 at Level 6) + 30 does not conform to the recommendations

14 weeks Industrial Training

15 Table 8: Observations on the currently offered POSTGRDAUATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES with reference to the Recommendations Recommendation: Minimum entry qualification: Degree, offer minimum of 30 credits at Level 7 45 including CE First Degree and PGD in Education (PGDE) 7 courses of 9 credits Teaching Experience (Teaching Practice) Education 45 including CE First Degree and PGD in Special Needs Education (PGDSNE) 7 courses of 9 credits Teaching Experience (Teaching Practice) Natural PG Diploma in Environmental Level does not conform to the 6 36 Degree Inter-Faculty recommendations Engineering Technology Postgraduate Diploma in Technology 7 36 Bachelors degree or professional qualification with 2 years experience

16 Table 9: Observations on the currently offered MASTERS PROGRAMMES with reference to the Recommendations Recommendation: Masters degree with course work - Minimum entry qualification Bachelors degree, 36 credits at Level 7 Humanities and Social Masters degree - Minimum entry qualification Bachelors degree or Levels 6 or 7 qualifications, 72 credits of which 36 at Level 8 of which 18 credits of research at Level 8 54 including 18 for Research PGDE with at least Merit Should be increased by 18 credits, to match M.Ed 8 component with the minimum credit requirement of 72. Education 54 including 18 for Learning PGDE Should be increased by 18 credits, to match MATE 8 Portfolio with the minimum credit requirement of (of which 36 at Level 7 & 36 Master of Development Studies and at Level 8 with 18 credits Bachelors degree with 2 years Conforms to recommendations 7 & 8 Public Policy dissertation) + 6 credits adjunct experience courses Natural Engineering Technology Master of Laws in Criminal Justice Administration (LLM) Master of Business Management in Human Resource Management Commonwealth Executive Master of Business Management/ Public Administration (CEMBA/CEMPA) MSc in Medical Entomology and Applied Parasitology MSc in Environmental Inter-Faculty 7 & 8 7 & 8 7 & 8 7 & 8 6 & 7 * Masters of Technology 7 72 (36 at Level 7 and 36 credits at Level 8 with15 credits dissertation 72 (36 each at Level 7 and 8 with 8 credits dissertation 90 International credits (of which 48 at Level 7 & 42 at Level 8) 72 including 18 for research project 72 including 18 for research project 36 each for course work & research project 54 course work & 18 research project LLB or Attorney with 3 years experience Bachelors degree with 3 years experience or equivalent Bachelors degree or professional qualification with 2 years experience Bachelors degree Bachelors degree Bachelors degree or professional qualification with 2 years experience Bachelors degree or professional qualification with 2 years experience Amount of credits research is not sufficient as per the recommendations Conforms to recommendations Conforms to recommendations Conforms to recommendations Levels does not conform to the recommendations Levels does not conform to the recommendations Levels does not conform to the recommendations

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