This blended learning course in academic writing is designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students, early-career researchers, academics, and professionals seeking to strengthen their academic writing skills. Combining face-to-face instruction with online learning, the course provides a flexible and engaging learning experience that enables students to study at their own pace while benefiting from structured guidance, peer interaction, and regular in-person support. By accommodating diverse learning styles, personal schedules, and varying learning paces, the course offers an inclusive and adaptable approach to developing effective academic writing for higher education and professional contexts.
A student who successfully completes all components of the course, including lectures, self-study activities, assignments, and projects, will be able to:
- understand the structure, purpose, and conventions of academic writing.
- plan, draft, revise, and edit academic texts effectively.
- demonstrate an understanding of major academic genres (e.g., essays, research papers, reports).
- utilise grammar, vocabulary, and referencing skills in academic contexts.
- identify and avoid common grammatical, tonal, and stylistic errors.
- develop coherent arguments supported by evidence.
- conduct literature reviews, summarise, paraphrase, and cite sources using appropriate referencing styles (e.g., APA, MLA, etc.)
- produce clear, well-structured, research-based academic texts that demonstrate academic rigour.
- enhance independent learning through online modules while reinforcing knowledge and skills through interactive in-person sessions.
- apply critical thinking and analytical skills through structured writing tasks and feedback.
The course is designed for:
- undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- early-career researchers.
- professionals seeking to publish in academic or scholarly journals.
- individuals preparing for higher education through the medium of English or for international study programmes.
The course covers the following topics:
- Introduction to Academic Writing
- Sentence Structure, Grammar, and Vocabulary
- Paragraph Writing and Cohesion
- Summarising and Paraphrasing
- Writing Introductions and Thesis Statements
- Developing Body Paragraphs
- Writing Conclusions and Outlining
- Argumentative Writing
- Literature Review and Critical Writing
- Research Paper Writing
- Editing, Proofreading, and Peer Review
- Final Project and Presentation
The course will be conducted over a period of four months (16 weeks). Classes will be held on weekends. The class schedule will be communicated to selected applicants.
Medium of Instruction: English
Mode of Delivery: Blended (40% onsite and 60% online)
Teaching and Learning Activities: video lectures, guided readings, LMS-based quizzes, online discussion forums, self-study, pair work, group work, and face-to-face sessions
Formative assessments: online quizzes, peer-reviewed drafts, discussion posts (40%)
Summative assessment: final writing project or portfolio (60%)
To be admitted to this course, applicants must satisfy one of the following academic requirements:
(a) Have completed the G. C. E. Advanced Level Examination with a minimum of a C
grade in General English;
OR
(b) Pursuing tertiary education through the medium of English.
In addition, all applicants must pass the placement test conducted by the Department of English Language Teaching with a score of 40% or above.
- Sri Lankan students: Rs. 40,000/-
- Students from SAARC countries: USD 300
- Other international students: USD 400
Please note: The course fee is non-refundable for all students.
- Download the application form from the Department website: To Download the Application Form
- Pay the application fee of Rs. 1,500/- to the following account at any branch of People’s Bank:
- Account No.: 304028600001
- Email the completed application form together with a scanned copy of the bank payment slip and to caw@delt.cmb.ac.lk on or before 20th August 2026.
- Applicants selected for admission will be required to complete their registration by following the steps below:
- Pay the course fee of Rs. 40,000/- to the designated People’s Bank account (the account number will be provided upon selection).
- Email a scanned copy of the bank payment slip together with a recent passport-size photograph to caw@delt.cmb.ac.lk.
- The course fee may be paid in two instalments: Rs. 25,000/- as the first instalment and Rs. 15,000/- as the second instalment.
- Please note that all payments are non-refundable.
Applicants who complete the registration are required to produce the following documents on the inauguration day of the course:
- A photocopy of the original birth certificate together with an English translation (to ensure the correct spelling of the student’s name on the certificate).
- A recent passport-size photograph for the student identity card (in addition to the electronically submitted copy).
- The original educational certificates for verification (These will be returned immediately after verification).
Telephone: +94 11 258 4200
E-mail: caw@delt.cmb.ac.lk
Website: https://arts.cmb.ac.lk/delt/certificate-in-academic-writing/