Introduction

The Department of Business Economics offers B.Sc. Honors in Business Administration in Business Economics Degree. The total number of credit hours required for graduation is 126 credits. During the common program (Year I), undergraduates earn 31 credits, and 32 credits each year during Year II. Year III onwards students are following a specialised pathway where they can earn 33-34 credits in Year III and 29-30 credits in Year IV, depending on their specialisation. At the beginning of the first semester of the third year, the students following this degree programme are required to select an area of specialisation out of the following four options. The compulsory and optional courses of certain semesters would differ depending on the selected area of specialisation.
Specialisation Areas
Banking (BNK)

This study area encompasses a range of disciplines such as commercial banking, central banking, monetary policy analysis, and financial market analysis. At the end of this study programme, students will be able to gain the necessary proficiency to manage a firm while mitigating risks in the financial system and analysing monetary policy at the macro level. The specialised nature of this area will enable students to hold top-level management positions in institutions, particularly within the banking and finance sector, including the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, securities markets, commercial banks, and other financial institutions.

Development Studies (DS)

This is an interdisciplinary study area which trains students to understand the complex processes of economic development and to address development-related issues. At the end of this study programme, students will be equipped with knowledge in policy studies, policy-making, analysis, development research, and evaluation. There are extensive employment opportunities in both local and international institutions and agencies such as the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, International Monetary Fund, Asian Development Bank, United Nations, and World Bank.

International Economics and Business (IEB)

This area of study focuses on the development of the global marketplace and explores its implications in an increasingly globalised environment for trade and finance. At the end of the programme, students will gain insights into key international trade and finance issues, along with a comprehensive understanding of the roles of various organisations involved in international business. This discipline provides opportunities in fields such as international finance, trade and global business, international business strategy development and consultancy, as well as shipping, logistics, freight, and customs clearance.

Data Science for Economics (DSE)

This area equips undergraduates with advanced skills in data analytics, programming, econometrics, visualisation, and big data applications relevant to modern economic and business contexts. By the end of the programme, students will be able to interpret complex datasets, apply computational tools, and conduct data-driven research to support business decision-making and policy analysis. This specialised training enhances employability across diverse fields, including finance, IT services, consulting, research, public policy, and supply chain management. Graduates of this stream are expected to be highly competitive, future-ready, and capable of operating effectively in a rapidly evolving, data-driven global economy.

Internship and Independent Study
For all specialisation paths, the final year second semester would consist of a 6 – month compulsory internship training. In addition to the above, students also have the option to follow an internship in the first semester of the final year, as well, provided that the internship is relevant to the specialisation area followed by the student. This potentially allows our graduates to have up to one year of practical experience prior to completion of the degree programme. The degree programme also consists of a compulsory 6-credit Independent Study in Business Economics (Research), in the second semester of the final year, allowing our graduates to develop critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, applied research capabilities, and evidence-based decision-making skills. It improves employability by demonstrating independent problem-solving, data analysis, and professional reporting competencies relevant to both corporate and public sector roles. Additionally, it provides a strong foundation for postgraduate studies by familiarising students with research methodologies and academic writing standards

Medium of Instructions

All lectures are conducted only in English medium during all four years of the degree program. However, the students can sit for examinations either on Sinhala or English upon their preference during Year I.