The state- of- the- art APIIT City Campus
APIIT Graduate School has announced the launching of six new postgraduate degree awards in the disciplines of Business and Computing. The new MBA and MSc postgraduate awards are internal British degree programmes awarded and validated by Staffordshire University, UK.

APIIT Graduate School was established with the aim of producing highly competent professionals who are globally competitive in the relevant fields and contribute to the socio economic development of the country. In order to achieve its mission, APIIT Graduate School now offers up-to-date, internationally recognized Master's degree programmes with curricula adapted to the needs of the local industry and commerce.

Some of the unique features of the postgraduate programmes that are conducted at APIIT Graduate School are:

" Internal British Master's Degree:

At APIIT Graduate School, students will be studying for an internal British MBA or MSc qualification. MBA programmes from the Business School and MSc Programmes from the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Technology are internal degrees from Staffordshire University, UK. All Master's awards are closely monitored by Staffordshire University to ensure that the quality standards are maintained. The APIIT Graduate School currently offers the following Master's degree programmes:

• MBA
• MBA Finance
• MBA HRM " MSc in Technology Management
• MSc in Computer Science
• MSc in Software Engineering
• Flexible programme delivery:

Undertaking postgraduate study and reaping benefits of Master's qualification require skillful and balanced investment of time. To facilitate the participation of working professionals/executives, postgraduate programmes are offered on a semester basis and provide a flexible study pattern. Modules are delivered during two weekday evenings and one weekend over a 12-week semester. In a semester students will follow two modules each having 36 contact hours. Generally students are given one week for revision before the final examination or course work submission. Students are further encouraged to carry-out independent studies leading to the completion of continuous assessment and coursework.

" Academic faculty:
APIIT Graduate School has an excellent panel of lecturers who offer a stimulating and challenging learning experience. Our full-time faculty is supplemented by visiting lecturers, experienced industry leaders and experts. In addition to Staffordshire University, APIIT Graduate School collaborates with international partners from Malaysia and India to share resource personnel.

" Industry-based dissertations:
The research work is an integral part of the Master's programmes and is closely supervised by faculty members from APIIT-Sri Lanka and APIIT-Malaysia. Students are encouraged to complete an industry-based dissertation that is directly relevant to their work. Training on research methods will be provided to enhance knowledge and understanding of research.

" Excellent student support services:
The APIIT Graduate School provides a supportive study environment. Students are provided with individual assistance on academic matters through our mentoring system. In addition, personal supervisors are also assigned to advise and support the students in relation to their dissertations. Furthermore, students will have access to a range of Staffordshire University services including access to comprehensive online research databases.

" Modern infrastructure:
APIIT Graduate School teaching facilities include a full-fledged library, comfortable lecture theatres, syndicate rooms, study rooms and extensive IT resources that are comparable to facilities available in developed countries. In addition, dedicated online facilities are available for students to access study materials and library resources.

Dr. Gayan Jayakody (Ph.D (UK)), the Programme Leader - Postgraduate awards at APIIT Graduate School explained several aspects a student should consider in deciding whether to pursue a postgraduate qualification. He emphasized the different approaches to master level teaching and the expectation of a Master's level graduate. "Studying for a postgraduate qualification is quite different to studying at undergraduate level. Mainly because the field of study will be much focused and much deeper and you will come to know your chosen field of study so well that you can be said to have mastered it. The nature of learning also differs. Unlike undergraduate studies, graduate studies require considerable amount of time spent on doing research and self studies. Generally, the examinations will be more open ended but requires a great deal of critical thinking, disseminating and sharing of ideas through writing and presenting."

He also mentioned that, pursuing a postgraduate degree programme is a considerable investment of time and money. But the benefit of obtaining a postgraduate qualification that imparts relevant skills and knowledge will not only advance the potential to earn money in the long run but also enable the student to enjoy a higher level of job and career satisfaction. Furthermore, as a result of a student going through the master's level learning, students will become more skillful and confident in their chosen subject area.

With its strong international relations, global standards and single-minded focus on quality in higher education, APIIT has emerged as the higher education institute of choice to achieve one's dreams and career goals. Surely, it's more than a degree that you will receive at APIIT. Students wishing to experience the APIIT Advantage and register for the inaugural intake of the MBA and MSc programmes in October 2011 are advised to contact Erandi on 0777 535393 or info@apiit.lk, or visit APIIT City Campus at 388, Union Place, Colombo 2 for further information and assistance.