Students who would be eligible for Higher Education would most certainly be curious to know about the various opportunities they may have to continue with their desired career. Royal Institute of Colombo as the Affiliate Centre of the University of London would be such an opportunity to progress with one's education.

Following are some frequently asked questions and responses in assisting the student making that right decision.

Q: How long has RIC been in tertiary education?
Royal Institute introduced two University of London degrees as far back as 1990. But due to the remarkable growth in demand for university of London degrees, Royal Institute of Colombo was established in 2006 to cope up with the increased demand. RIC currently offers 15 Degrees in the areas of Finance, Economics, Accounting, Banking, Business, Information Systems, International Relations, Law, Management, Mathematics, and Sociology and Diplomas in Economics, Law and Social Sciences under the International Programme of the University of London. In recognition of the level of commitment and support provided in delivering the University of London International Programme, Royal Institute of Colombo has been awarded the status of Affiliate Centre by the University of London.

Q:What would be the future prospects of students studying for a University of London Degree at RIC?
The Degree courses are structured in such a way as to have the 1st year studies on a full-time basis while the balance two years would be on a part-time basis in order that students may gain professional qualifications and work experience. Our experience is that most students get employed even before their final results are out.

Q:Are there any special advantages in reading for an LL.B degree?
Yes, they are exempted from sitting the Sri Lanka Law College entrance examination and yet could qualify as an Attorney-at-Law by sitting the Law College examination and be a practising lawyer with an edge over others. They also will be eligible to apply for Solicitors / Barristers in the UK.

Q:What would be the cost of reading for a degree at RIC?
If you read for a University of London Degree at RIC, it would cost you a fraction of the cost of studying for the identical Degree at the University of London/ LSE in the UK.

Q:What is the guarantee that I get the same Degree if I study for it at Royal Institute of Colombo?
A unique feature of RIC programmes is that development of the syllabuses, course material, guidelines and evaluation of answer scripts are all done by the academics of the University of London. All examinations are also held by the University of London itself. The University closely and regularly supervises the delivery of our programmes and students of the International Programmes are examined to the same standard as that required of students enrolled at the University's constituent colleges. University of London is bound by statute to ensure that all students in the international programme attain the same academic standard.

Q:What about RIC's results?
Our final year results have been in the range of 95% to 100% throughout which include a high percentage of 1st Classes. Every year, quite a number of students have achieved "Top marks in the World" in subjects they have offered for their degrees and diplomas and received University of London awards. Royal Institute is proud to state the brilliant performance of one of its students who read for the LL.B Honours degree at RIC. It was Mr. Milhan Ikram Mohamed who, through his superb performance, obtained a First Class Honours in the LL.B degree during the 2009/2010 academic year which undoubtedly, is an extremely rare feat.

The University of London has confirmed that 14,000 students from all over the world consisting of students from its International Programmes and those of the constituent colleges of the University of London sat the LL.B degree examination but only 6 students including Mr. Milhan Ikram Mohamed of Royal Institute of Colombo obtained LL.B First Class Honours.

Q:What are the facilities offered?
We provide state-of-the-art facilities and other resources. The automated library which is one of the best in Sri Lanka has an extensive collection of all text books numbering over 12000 and other reading material recommended by the University of London for various programmes that are offered. Additionally, students are provided on-line access to the University of London library as well as the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) of the University's portal to enable students to access many resources and external sites.

Q:Can one who is already a graduate start a degree in a different discipline?
Yes, they can complete any of the University of London degrees offered by Royal Institute of Colombo on a part-time basis and complete the degree in 2 years instead of the normal 3 years.

Q:What about the academic staff?
Lecturers who are really up-to-date, genuinely involved with their subjects and enthusiastic. Most of them have been with the RIC for over 15 years. The academic staff brings with them a mix of experience in both business and academia. Many lecturers are working professionals and they bring hands-on experience that proves to be invaluable to the learning curve of students.

Q:Are there alternative pathways to read for a Degree if one does not possess the normal A/Level requirements?
Yes. If you are not quite ready for study at the Degree level straightaway, you can still read for a Degree through a Diploma of the University of London and complete the Degree within the normal 3 years.
Q:When I earn a Degree through the RIC, am I entitled to participate at a convocation ceremony?
Yes. You will be entitled to participate not only at the RIC convocation ceremony, but also you can participate at the convocation ceremony of the University of London held annually in the United Kingdom.