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Monash College · Diploma

Monash College Diploma of Science

A Monash College diploma in science, taught at UCL in Sri Lanka, with a transfer pathway to Monash University in Australia or Malaysia.

Awarded by

Monash College logo

Duration

8 months

Intakes

February, June and October

Awarded by

Monash College, Australia

Study at

UCL campus, Rajagiriya

Level

Diploma (after A/Levels)

Overview

Overview

The Monash College Diploma of Science is taught at UCL in Sri Lanka after your A/Levels. It is designed as a pathway into Monash University.

You study chemistry, biology and science communication, with electives such as mathematics, physics, statistics and management.

UCL chemistry laboratory

Start after A/Levels

Begin your Monash pathway in Sri Lanka as soon as you finish your A/Levels.

A pathway to Monash University

Enter Year 2 of your degree at Monash University in Australia or Malaysia.

Finish in 8 months

Three intakes a year: February, June and October.

Scholarships up to 40%

Awarded for exam results, leadership and sport. You do not need straight A’s to qualify.

Modules

Course structure

The units that make up the diploma.

Core units
  • Chemistry 1 (MCD4390)A fundamental understanding of chemistry is relevant to many of the tasks encountered by professional engineers.
  • Blueprint for Life (Biology 1) (MCD4410)The aim of this course is for students to learn about the function of plant and animal cells – this is examined with an emphasis on energy fixation, storage, and usage.
  • Chemistry 2 (MCD4400)This unit builds your understanding of general and physical chemistry, exploring how chemicals behave through a range of real-world case studies.
  • Life on Earth (Biology 2) (MCD4420)The study of biology allows you to gain a greater understanding of our world – the living resources and the ecosystems upon which we rely.
  • MCD4460 – Science Communication to Influence ChangThe unit explores how science can help address global challenges such as climate change, resource degradation, inequality and natural disasters, with a strong focus on communicating scientific ideas to non-specialist audiences.
  • Business Statistics (MCD2080)Designed to provide skills in data analysis and statistical processes as applied to business and basic business computations and techniques.
  • Functions and their Applications (MCD2130)Focuses on the behaviour of functions and examining some of the applications to the real world.
  • Advanced Mathematics (MCD4490)Develops knowledge and skills in mathematical logic, circular function, complex numbers and vectors.
  • Engineering Mathematics (MCD4500)This unit covers the core mathematics needed for first-year engineering, including vector algebra and geometry, linear algebra and matrix operations, and eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
Electives
  • Managing People and Organisations(MCD2040)Enables students to develop an understanding of how organizations are managed and apply analytical skills to a range of managerial and organisational issues.
  • Physics for Engineering (MCD4160)Relates key principles of physics to engineering and technology, and shows how physics, including quantum and nanoscience, creates useful new technologies.

Modules are indicative and may change. Optional modules run subject to availability.

Your lecturers

Meet your programme leader

Maduranga Pillai

Programme leader · Monash College Diploma of Science

Maduranga Pillai

Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader · Master of Business Studies, University of Colombo

Maduranga Pillai has more than ten years of experience in higher education, covering teaching, programme leadership and curriculum development in engineering, physics and applied sciences.

  • 10+ yearsteaching
  • 10+ yearsat UCL

View profileLinkedIn

Teaching team

All academic staff

Pathway

Progression to Monash University

The Diploma of Science takes you into Year 2 of a Monash University degree. Each campus offers its own range of degrees, so explore both lists before you choose.

AustraliaMonash University, Melbourne

Bachelor of Science

Specialisations

  • Anatomy and Developmental Biology
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Astrophysics
  • Biochemistry
  • Chemistry
  • Climate and Atmospheric Science
  • Computational Science
  • Developmental Biology
  • Earth Science
  • Ecology and Conservation Biology
  • Genetics and Genomics
  • Geographical Science
  • Human Pathology
  • Immunology
  • Mathematical Statistics
  • Mathematics
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology
  • Physics
  • Physiology
  • Plant Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Pure Mathematics
  • Zoology

MalaysiaMonash University, Kuala Lumpur

Bachelor of Food Science and Technology

Bachelor of Medical Bioscience

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Specialisations

  • Applied Microbiology
  • Biotechnology
  • Genomics and Bioinformatics
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Tropical Environmental Biology
  • Food Science and Technology

Monash University is ranked 31st in the world (QS World University Rankings 2027), and 2nd for Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 19th for Nursing and 26th for Life Sciences and Medicine (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026). The degree you are awarded reflects the specialisation you choose. Entry to Monash University depends on completing the diploma successfully and meeting the entry requirements of your chosen degree.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Requirements set by Monash College for the Diploma of Science. Not sure you meet them? See your other options.

Age

17 or older

If you are younger, you may be offered a deferred place.

A/Level results

Score of 6

Sri Lankan A/Levels: your best 3 academic subjects from one sitting, where A = 5, B = 4, C = 3 and S = 1. Cambridge or Edexcel A Levels: score of 5.

English

A/Level English B

Or IELTS 6.0 with 6.0 in writing, Pearson Test of English 50 (writing 50), or Duolingo English Test 105.

Don’t meet every requirement?

Talk to a counsellor. We will check your results and your options with you, free.

Fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

Download the current fee schedule, and check which scholarship you could qualify for.

Tuition fees

Current fees and payment plans

Get the full fee schedule for this programme as a PDF.

  • Full tuition fees and payment dates
  • Flexible instalment plans
  • Early bird discounts for advance registration

Scholarships

Up to 40%

Awarded for exam results, leadership and sport. You do not need straight A’s to qualify.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Short answers to what applicants ask most.

Who is the diploma for?

Students who have completed A/Levels or the Monash University Foundation Year and want to enter Year 2 of a Monash University degree.

How long does it take?

8 months.

When can I start?

There are three intakes a year: February, June and October.

Where does it lead?

To Year 2 of a Monash University degree in Australia or Malaysia. The degrees are different in each country. See where this diploma takes you.

What English level do I need?

Sri Lankan A/Level English B, or IELTS 6.0 with 6.0 in writing. Other English results are accepted. See the full entry requirements.

Can I get a scholarship?

UCL offers scholarships of up to 40% for exam results, leadership and sport. A counsellor can tell you what you could qualify for.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes. Flexible instalment payment plans are available.

Related programmes

Related programmes

All programmes

UCL campus building in Rajagiriya

Enquire

Talk to admissions

Apply online or talk to a counsellor about entry routes, fees and scholarships for this programme.

Apply now

Start your application for the next intake.

Call admissions

077 311 0000. Speak to a counsellor about this programme.

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