New educational initiatives are being introduced to enhance access to globally recognized healthcare education for young people and professionals in Sri Lanka, while also establishing the country as a key player in regional education.
Through a collaborative agreement between the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom and IIHS Multiversity in Sri Lanka, students and working professionals in Sri Lanka are now able to pursue British higher education that is acknowledged internationally.
This partnership capitalizes on the academic and research capabilities of the University of Surrey, combined with IIHS Multiversity’s extensive experience spanning over 25 years in healthcare education, professional training, and international collaborations.
The initiative aims to benefit not just Sri Lankan students but also those from across South Asia who are seeking relevant international qualifications while studying in proximity to their homes.
IIHS has designed its academic framework around four key areas that reflect the evolving demands of the global healthcare landscape: Clinical Sciences, Health Management Sciences, Lifestyle, Nutrition & Sport Sciences, and Digital Health Sciences.
The Clinical Sciences focus area encompasses various fields such as Nursing, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy, Laboratory Sciences, Medical Sciences, Optometry, Radiography and Medical Imaging, Psychology, Physiotherapy, and Rehabilitation.
Pathways linked to the University of Surrey include BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies, MSc Nursing, and BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences, offering advancement opportunities for both students and practicing healthcare professionals.
The Health Management Sciences area is geared towards equipping future leaders to navigate complex healthcare organizations and systems. This includes specializations such as Global Health Management, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Leadership, Health Policy, Quality and Patient Safety, and Aged and Social Care Management.
As healthcare sectors demand professionals who can merge clinical knowledge with management skills, these disciplines are gaining significant importance.
The Lifestyle, Nutrition & Sport Sciences sector signifies a shift in focus from disease treatment to disease prevention. With rising incidences of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity straining healthcare resources, there is a growing emphasis on nutrition, physical activity, behavior modification, and preventive health strategies.
Key master’s pathways available include MSc Lifestyle Medicine, MSc Nutritional Medicine, and MSc Sport & Exercise Science, which cater to professionals seeking expertise in preventive healthcare, wellness, rehabilitation, and human performance.
The fourth focus area, Digital Health Sciences, addresses the swift advancement of technologies such as artificial intelligence, electronic health records, telemedicine, and health informatics.
The MSc Digital Health program prepares professionals to operate at the convergence of healthcare and technology, making it suitable for a diverse range of practitioners including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, administrators, public health experts, engineers, and IT specialists.
Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe, Co-Founder and CEO of IIHS Multiversity, highlighted the significance of this initiative for Sri Lanka. He stated, “This collaboration provides our youth and working professionals with the chance to access world-class British higher education right here at home. More crucially, it positions Sri Lanka as a hub for South Asian learners to acquire global healthcare education and pursue international careers.”
Dr. Edirisinghe emphasized that IIHS views this partnership as part of a larger national vision. “Our goal is not only to offer international degrees. We aspire to create an educational ecosystem that links Sri Lankan talent with global insights, professional growth, research opportunities, innovation, and career prospects,” he remarked.
By merging the University of Surrey’s international academic prowess with IIHS’s local knowledge and healthcare focus, the collaboration aims to provide pathways for school leavers, graduates, and seasoned professionals at various career stages.
Additionally, it supports the long-term objective of establishing Sri Lanka as a regional center for healthcare education, research, professional development, and innovation.
Clinical Sciences | Health Management Sciences | Lifestyle, Nutrition & Sport Sciences | Digital Health Sciences
Study in Sri Lanka. Access World-Class Education. Build a Global Career.
Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
