ABOUT US
The Department of English has been conducting Extension Courses in English since 1983.
The Diploma programs (SLQF Level 3) offered by the Extension Courses in English are designed for teachers, employed persons and those seeking employment.
In addition, the Extension Courses in English offer three (SLQF Level 1) short-term certificate courses for those who wish to build confidence in speaking English, develop effective office communication skills, and gain a foundation in teaching English Literature.
All courses are conducted during the weekends.
DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH
Suitable for those who want to develop their language skills to meet professional demands.
Suitable for teachers of English language and literature attached to any school and educational institution in Sri Lanka
Suitable for teachers who teach other subjects in English medium or hope to teach in English Medium in Sri Lankan schools or higher education institutions
KEY INFO
FOR DIPLOMA IN ADVANCED ENGLISH- DIP (ADVANCED ENGLISH)
1. G.C.E. A/L with 3 passes or equivalent qualification; OR
2. G.C.E. O/L with 6 passes or equivalent qualification (department specifications may
apply) and 3 years’ experience in a relevant field; OR
3. Completion of a Certificate Course in the relevant subject/field from a recognized
institution, accepted by the Department and 3 years’ experience in a relevant field;
AND
4. Pass the selection test by the Department.
FOR DETE & DEMI
G.C.E. A/L with 3 passes or equivalent qualification OR
2. G.C.E. O/L with 6 passes or equivalent qualification (department specifications may
apply) and 3 years’ experience in a relevant field. OR
3. Completion of a Certificate Course in the relevant subject/field from a recognized
institution, accepted by the Department and 3 years’ experience in a relevant field
AND
4. Shown proof of current or future assignment as a teacher of English for Dip (ETE) &
teacher in English medium instruction for Dip (EMI) AND
5. Passing the selection test by the Department.
All Diploma programmes offered by the Department of English are one year of study with240 contact hours. The year consists of 40 teaching sessions. Each session is of 6 hours duration.
Classes will be held on weekends only.
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Dip (Advanced English) – applicants may select one of the options.
Saturday OR Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 03:00 p.m.
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Dip (ETE) And Dip (EMI)
Sunday 8.00 am – 03.00 pm
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A Selection Test will be conducted in September 2026 to select eligible applicants.
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The selected candidates will be enrolled in the respective Diploma Programme,
which is scheduled to commence in October 2026.
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Once enrolled, students will be informed of the class timetable, registration
procedure, and other course-related information.
Application Details
ECE office, Department of English invites applications for the following Diploma Programmes commencing in October 2026:
Application Period
19 July 2026 – 31 August 2026
Please Follow These Instructions to Complete the Google Form
- Course Selection
Please ensure that you have selected the Diploma Programme you wish to apply for before completing the application form.
- Application/Selection Test Fee
Pay the Application/Selection Test Fee of LKR 2,500 (Two Thousand Five Hundred Rupees) to any branch of People’s Bank using the following account details:
Account Name: University of Colombo
Bank: People’s Bank
Account Number: 3040 284 00 003
*Please don’t forget to write the student’s name and the NIC number clearly on the bank slip
Please upload a scanned copy of the original payment receipt. Retain the original receipt and submit it at the time of registration.
- Online Payment Option
If you wish to make the payment online, please use the University’s online payment portal:
Select:
Application Fee – Post Graduate – Faculty of Arts
Then proceed with the rest.
Please note the Payment reference: write the above bank account (304028400003)
After completing the payment, download the payment confirmation or take a screenshot of it and upload it to the Google Form.
- Important Notes
- The Application/Placement Test Fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
- The date, time, and venue of the Selection Test will be communicated to applicants via email.
- Applications must be submitted online only. Printed or emailed applications will not be accepted.
- Please read the course descriptions carefully before submitting your application.
- To ensure that your application is processed in time, please pay the selection test fee and submit your application on or before 31 August 2026.
The web link to the application is given below. Please fill the form to apply for the Diploma courses.