CICRA Campus launches Qualification Scotland programmes in Sri Lanka

CICRA Campus greenlighted to offer Qualification Scotland programmes 

PIC BY PRADEEP PATHIRANA

• CICRA to offer advanced diplomas in cybersecurity and computing under Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework 

By Shannine Daniel

Centre for Integrated Communication Research and Advocacy (CICRA) Campus officially launched its Qualification Scotland programmes recently.

According to CICRA Campus CEO and Director Boshan Dayaratne, Qualification Scotland is a new national body that was created to replace the Scottish qualification authority in line with major education reforms in the country.

As an executive non-departmental public body, Qualification Scotland is sponsored by the Scottish government and serves as an awarding body and a national accreditor. It also manages the Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF), Dayaratne added.

“Qualification Scotland acts as the primary link between government policy and trusted high-quality qualifications,” Dayaratne noted.

“From our initial engagements, it has been clear that CICRA Campus is an institute driven by professionalism and genuine dedication to student success,” Qualification Scotland International Regional Manager Mark Hill stated. 

“The focus on industry relevance, academic rigour and innovation aligns strongly with the values of Qualification Scotland,” he added.

Hill noted that this new partnership was built on three foundations: Quality education without compromise, opportunities without borders and a shared belief that education is a powerful force for personal and national development. 

“We are making sure that Sri Lanka students are getting the opportunities to gain internationally recognised qualifications, benchmarked at high standards,” Hill said.

Accordingly, CICRA Campus will initially offer the Advanced Diploma in Cybersecurity and Advanced Diploma in Computing, with a specialisation in networking, under the SCQF. 

Dayaratne noted that each of these advanced diplomas is equivalent to the first and second years of a bachelor’s degree programme and the students at CICRA Campus can complete their degree in cybersecurity or computing in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA or Sri Lanka. 

According to Dayaratne, CICRA will also offer customised payment plans for students as well as monthly instalments, to ensure that education remains affordable and accessible to many regardless of their financial background. 

The programmes will also be offered on a full-time and a part-time basis, creating opportunities for school leavers and working professionals, Dayaratne noted. 

“We are also actively encouraging students outside of Colombo to join us through our hybrid and online modes of education, as education should not be limited due to location,” he said.

Established in 2006, CICRA specialises in cybersecurity training, consultancy and education in Sri Lanka. 

CICRA Campus is a Tertiary Vocational Education Commission-approved centre for higher education. 

It offers globally recognised certifications and academic qualifications in collaboration with reputed international partners.