Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Community Development

The Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Community Development at the Open University of Sri Lanka is designed for people involved in youth work in both the public and private sector. It also supports learners who want to broaden their knowledge in community and young life, with a path into the community and development sector as practitioners, policy makers, or researchers.

The programme has a duration of three (03) years and is conducted by the Department of Social Studies, Faculty of HSS. Programme outcomes are described across exit levels using SLQF credits: students can be awarded a Diploma at Level 3 (with specified course credits) and a Higher Diploma at Level 4, and the BA is awarded after completing Level 3, 4, and 5 course credits including Continuing Education credits. Degree competencies include building arguments using theories, concepts and data, communicating ideas, independent learning, and conducting surveys and research on community and youth.

Applicants who seek admission to the programme are required to have the following qualifications.

• Completion of 30 Course Credits at Level 2 or above from any programme offered by an approved Higher Education Institution, or
• Three (3) passes at the G.C.E (A/L) Examination in any subject stream, or
• Completion of NVQ Level 4 or accredited work experience equivalent to NVQ Level 4, or
• An equivalent or higher qualification acceptable to the OUSL Senate.

• Youth workers, including roles tied to youth-related health interventions
• Youth vocational education roles
• Leadership and civic participation roles
• Financial services roles
• Practitioners in the community and development sector
• Policy makers in the community and development sector
• Researchers in the community and development sector