Chapter 2: From the Technology Stream to University and Careers
Faculties of Technology and their degrees
State universities have set up Faculties of Technology to offer degrees for the Technology stream. Two main degrees are:
Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours, BET (Hons), for students of Engineering Technology. Universities that offer it include Sri Jayewardenepura, Colombo, Ruhuna, Rajarata, Uva Wellassa, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Jaffna, and others (University of Sri Jayewardenepura, n.d.-a; Faculty of Technology, University of Jaffna, 2021). Specializations vary by university. They include construction technology, electro-technology, mechanical and manufacturing technology, instrumentation and automation, and nano science technology (University of Sri Jayewardenepura, n.d.-a; Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, n.d.-b).
Bachelor of Biosystems Technology Honours, BBST (Hons), for students of Bio-Systems Technology, with specializations such as agricultural technology, food production technology, commercial green farming, and environmental technology (University of Sri Jayewardenepura, n.d.-b).
The BET degree is placed at Level 6 of the Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF) (Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, n.d.-a). The University Grants Commission (UGC) has decided that BET programmes will be accredited by the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) according to the Sydney Accord (Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, n.d.-a).
Engineer, technologist, or technician?
The International Engineering Alliance (IEA) describes three tiers of engineering education with international accords: the Washington Accord for professional engineers, the Sydney Accord for engineering technologists, and the Dublin Accord for engineering technicians (International Engineering Alliance [IEA], 2021). A technologist applies established and emerging technology to solve broadly defined problems, and works in design, production, operations, maintenance, and management; an engineer works more on complex problems and design with greater depth in theory. Both have important roles. Engineering technologists are described as fitting between engineers and technicians (Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, n.d.-b).
The Z-score and selection
As in the other streams, selection to state universities uses the Z-score, a standardized score, together with minimum grade requirements. For a candidate with raw mark in a subject whose group mean is and standard deviation ,
The UGC publishes cut-offs for each programme and university each year (Arivalzahan & Kumara, 2024; Warnapala & Silva, 2011). To be eligible for BET, students need at least an S grade in Engineering Technology and in Science for Technology, plus a pass in an approved third subject; the exact list and rules are in the UGC handbook (FindMyDegree, n.d.; University of Sri Jayewardenepura, n.d.-a). BBST has similar requirements with Bio-Systems Technology (University of Sri Jayewardenepura, n.d.-b). Seat numbers and cut-offs change each year, so use the latest UGC publication.
Other pathways
The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL), whose Faculty of Engineering Technology offers the Bachelor of Technology Honours in Engineering (with specializations such as civil, electrical, electronic and communication, computer, mechanical, mechatronics, and textile technology), and degrees for those who have not entered through the A/L route (Open University of Sri Lanka, n.d.).
The Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education (SLIATE), which offers Higher National Diplomas in engineering and other fields.
Vocational training through the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) and the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) system, and the University of Vocational Technology.
Private universities and professional bodies, and study abroad.
Employment and entrepreneurship, with on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and starting a small business in agriculture, food, construction services, electronics, or maintenance.
Careers
| Stream path | Example careers |
|---|---|
| ET: construction technology | Construction technologist, site supervisor, quantity surveying assistant, building services technologist |
| ET: electrical and electronic | Electrical technologist, instrumentation and automation technologist, telecommunications technologist |
| ET: mechanical and manufacturing | Production technologist, maintenance planner, quality technologist, automotive technologist |
| BST: agriculture and farming | Agricultural technologist, farm manager, extension officer, agri-entrepreneur |
| BST: food | Food technologist, quality assurance officer, food safety auditor, processor |
| BST: environment and biotechnology | Environmental technologist, laboratory technologist, waste and water treatment specialist |
| Any path | Technology teacher or trainer, researcher, entrepreneur, project coordinator |
Common mistakes
Assuming a technology degree is “lower” than another degree, instead of understanding its different purpose and strengths.
Choosing a specialization without checking which universities offer it.
Ignoring English and communication skills, which employers value highly.
Practice questions
Explain the difference between an engineer, an engineering technologist, and an engineering technician.
Calculate the Z-score of a candidate with raw mark 70 when and . [1.2]