FAQs – HEALTH SCIENCES

  1. What are the Study Programmes offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences?
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Nursing [BSc Hons in Nursing]
  • Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences Honours [BMLS Hons]
  • Bachelor of Pharmacy Honours [BPharm Hons]
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology [BSc Hons in Psychology]

Higher Diploma in Psychology is an interim qualification of BSc Hons in Psychology programme.

  1. When will applications be called for the Study Programmes?
  • Applications are called once every year through newspaper advertisements.
  • For Academic Year 2020/2021: Applications are called between 11th October to 11th November 2020.
  • Applications must be submitted ONLINE before deadline, using the link in OUSL homepage.
  • International students should contact the International Relations Division. Email dirir@ou.ac.lk; ird@ou.ac.lk.
  1. What are the qualifications required for admission to a Study Programme?

Or use the following link: https://ou.ac.lk/programmes-health-sciences/

Please note:

  • BSc Hons in Nursing, BMLS Hons and BPharm Hons: Applicants must possess prior qualifications in respective field (those having only A/Levels are not qualified for admission).
  • BSc Hons in Psychology: May apply only with A/Level in any study stream or equivalent qualifications.
  • In addition, selection for admission to programmes is based on a Selection test.
  1. Can I know more about the Selection Test?
  • All four Programmes conduct a written selection test. For BSc Hons Psychology degree only, applicants are also required to face an oral examination.
  • BSc Nursing & BSc Psychology Hons programmes: Written selection test will be computer based.
  • BMLS Hons & BPharm Hons Degree programmes: Selection test will be paper based.
  • Nature of the written selection test is informed in the Prospectus.
  • When you apply online, an admission card will be generated informing the date, time, centre, and other details. Must produce a printout of the admission card and NIC at the test.
  • Cut off mark for the selection of students is determined by each department.
  1. How will I know if I am selected for admission to the Programme of Study?
  • List of provisionally selected students based on a merit list, will be published in the OUSL website.
  1. If selected, how do I register for the Programme of Study?
  • Selected students will be informed individually to register for the Programme on a specified date.
  • Must submit originals and photocopies of your educational and other required documents to confirm the registration.
  • Must register on the date specified. Registration after the scheduled registration period will not be permitted.
  • Following initial registration as a new student, you must re-register each academic year.
  1. Do I have to come myself for registration?
  • Yes, it is essential that you come yourself for registration as there are decisions to make.
  • In unavoidable circumstances you may send all relevant documents with copies through another person with a letter of authorization.
  1. Can I change courses after registration?
  • Yes,the OUSL permits to add or drop courses on the add/drop date and to drop courses on the drop date.
  • Add and drop datesare informed in the Prospectus.
  • You cannot drop or add courses for an academic year beyond these dates, without academic and/or financial penalties.
  1. Can I withdraw from the whole programme after registration?
  • You can withdraw from the programme with a refund, provided a request is made before the add/drop date.
  1. How much will I have to pay?
  • Fees payable for the Academic year 2020/2021 by local students are:
Fee (Rs) Nursing BMLS BPharm Psychology
Registration Fee 400.00 400.00 400.00 400.00
Facility Fee 1500.00 1500.00 1500.00 1500.00
Library Facility Fee 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
Laboratory Facility Fee – 1500.00 1500.00 –
Refundable Lab Fee – 2500.00 2500.00 –
Tuition fees per credit:
Levels 03 & 04 – 2870.00 2870.00 2720.00
Levels 05 & 06 3030.00 3100.00 3110.00 3030.00
  • Total amount payable will depends on number of courses a student offers for theacademic year. Also, fees can be paid in two installments for each academic year.
  • Fees stated in the above table are applicable only for academic year 2020/2021 and may change in subsequent years.
  1. Can I get exemptions for prior qualifications?
  • Yes, you may request for specific exemptions from courses based on relevant prior qualifications.
  • Specific qualifications with respect to BSc Hons in Nursing, BMLS Hons and BPharm Hons programmes have been evaluated, and exemptions are granted as informed in the Prospectus.
  • Applications can also be submitted for evaluation of other qualifications for exemptions. Application form can be downloaded from Faculty of Health Sciences webpage (https://ou.ac.lk/downloads-health-sc/). Must apply with proof before 25.02.2021.
  • Total exemptions granted shall not exceed 60 credits. Exemptions granted should be claimed at Registration for them to be valid.
  1. How are the Study Programmes conducted and when will they commence?
  • Academic activities of programmes will be conducted adopting the distance mode of teaching-learning.
  • Medium of instructions is English.
  • Most academic activities are conducted only at Colombo Regional Centre. Continuous Assessment Tests and Final examinations are conducted at Regional centres.
  • Activities of the Academic Year 2020/2021 are tentatively scheduled to commence in April 2021.
  1. What is the distance mode of teaching-learning?
  • Can pursue learning in your own time and pace, irrespective of location, age or other barriers.
  • Face-to-face teaching sessions are minimal. Noregular lectures as in conventional universities.
  • Learn via self-study course material in the form of written texts& audio/visual aids.
  • Extensive support through online components.
  • Day schools (discussions), tutorials and assignments facilitate learning. Day schools can be face-to-face or via web conferencing (such as Zoom platform).
  • Other teaching-learning activities include compulsory practical components, continuous assessments, and final examinations.
  1. Can I study while being employed?
  • Yes, our university has been established primarily to cater to adults and the employed.
  • Flexible teaching-learning mode is particularly suited for those employed to achieve their higher educational aspirations.
  1. Will I be an external student?
  • All OUSL students are internal students. We provide comprehensive learner support through study material, tutorial support and other academic assistance to all our students.
  1. What is the duration of the Honours Degree Programme and how many credits can I register for?
  • All Honours degree programmes can be completed in a minimum of 04 years. Those who obtain exemptions, may even complete in less than 4 years.
  • Can register for a minimum of 8 credits and a maximum of 30 credits for an academic year. You can decide the workload within this credit limit, depending on the time available for studies.
  • You decide how many years you will spend on completing the programme (whether to complete within minimum duration or take more time).
  • Should complete requirements for the award of the honours degree within 12 academic years from the initial registration to the programme.
  1. What is a credit?
  • A “credit” is the academic value of an Open University course.
  • Time you will have to allocate for studying a course depends on its credit rating.
  • One credit = 50 notional learning hours.
  1. When will I be issued my study material?
  • Course material will be given in electronic format after your registration to the programme is confirmed.
  • Timetables and other relevant course information will also be provided via departmental webpage and the MyOUSL (the online student portal).
  1. Will I be able to obtain a Mahapola or other Bursary awarded by the Open University?
  • You are NOT entitled for Mahapola bursaries if employed.
  • But you may be entitled for other bursaries awarded by the OUSL on merit/need basis.
  • Student handbook and OUSL website provide information on bursaries& how to apply.
  1. How can I get further information and help?
  • Faculty Prospectus and Undergraduate Guidebook: These handbooks provide important information in more detail for prospective and registered students.
  • Orientation and counselling sessions: Provide advice on how to plan studies before registration to a Programme. Each student will also be assigned a personal academic counsellor.
  • Contact staff: After registering, meet academic staff in relevant department and get advice/clarify doubts on academic related queries.
  • Contact relevant Head of Department:
Department  Telephone  Email Post
Head, Nursing 011-2881325 hdnurse@ou.ac.lk P.O. Box 21, Nugegoda
Head, MLS 011-2881146 hdmedilab@ou.ac.lk
Head, Pharmacy 011-2881131 hdpharma@ou.ac.lk
Head, Basic Sc. 011-2881000 ext 663 hdbasicsc@ou.ac.lk
Head, Psychology and Counselling 011-2881000 ext 702 hdpcoun@ou.ac.lk
  • Contact Dean/Health Sciences on 011-2881075 or email: deanhealth@ou.ac.lk. Assistant Registrar on 011-2881355 or email: arhealth@ou.ac.lk
  • OUSL Counselling Unit at Health Centre, Central campus: A professional counsellor is available during week days to offer free and confidential psychological counselling services to promote mental health and wellbeing of registered students. Telephone: 0112881361(Ext: 361); WhatsApp: 070 251 0820; Email: counsellor@ou.ac.lk

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