Grade 10-11 (O/L)
Subjects need for University Entrance
Stream & Subject Selection
As students, you should slowly start to give ‘serious thought’ as to what you want to become or do after your studies. So, when is the best time to decide on a career? We certainly do not believe that there is a definite answer; it is very much an individual choice. Let us try to make things easier for your future by listing key areas that are currently available mainstream
Engineering
What is It ?
It is a discipline dedicated to problem-solving. Anything that is built must first be engineered, or planned out.An engineer is a person who designs and builds complex products, machines, systems, structures or services. For example, our built environment and infrastructure, the devices we use to communicate, the processes that manufacture our medicines, have all been designed, assembled or managed by an engineer. You will find engineers working on advanced prosthetics, creating new materials, investigating engine efficiency and alternative fuels, constructing bridges or developing clean water systems. From satellites to cell membranes engineers use maths and science to achieve extraordinary things and find solutions to some of the world’s most complex challenges.
Categories
The field of engineering is divided into branches
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical(Electronics) Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
-
Computer(Software/
Hardware) Engineering - Chemical Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
Skills Required
Academic qualification is a skill that will be needed and be guided by school. In the field of engineering and to start thinking of an engineer, you’d need to develop some core skills
- Create Idea
- Identify problem or challenge
- Problem-solving
- Build prototype and refinement
- Explore possibilities and pros and cons of each
Medicine
What is It ?
Medicine is a discipline that will prevent an illness, cure the illness, manage the illness or provide comfort during the illness. Different countries have slightly different approach to medical school entrance. In SL a particular Z score should be achieved to enter medical school. Roughly only 0.5% to 1% succeed in obtaining a place in the medical school obtaining medical degrees outside SL is also an option however this process will require substantial amount of financial commitment.
There are different sub specialities you can follow after obtaining the primary degree. Aspiring doctor should be prepared to work hard, sacrifice, dedicate, be resilient and able to withstand stress. The above qualities are not assessed for medical school entrance however will help to succeed in the career.
During the undergraduate period one should also develop empathy, critical thinking and problem solving techniques. Good communication skills and ability to prioritise by importance are some very important skills to learn during the course.
Once undergraduate study is successfully completed there are further opportunities to develop and subspecialise. Again this is also a very competitive process, hence adequate knowledge and skills should be obtained during your UG study. This will improve your confidence for further development.
Councils
Medicine in Sri Lanka is controlled by three recognised councils.
1. Western Medicine
Once the basic degree is completed first 1-2 years are spent as preregistration doctors. Once registration is completed there are multiple specialities are open. These includes (not exhaustive)
- Medical Physicians
- Surgeons
- Elderly care
- Palliative care (relieving suffering without treating the cause of the illness)
- Children’s medicine
- Imaging
- Public Health (preventive medicine)
2. Ayurvedic medicine
- Traditional Sinhala medicine
- Ayurveda
- Siddha
- Unani
3. Home0pathy
Skills Required
Medicine is a popular field and suitable academic achievement is needed. This is based on the z scores achieved at GCE A/L. This is a vocation and lifelong learning is required.
- empathy
- critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- good communication skills
- ability to prioritise by importance
- professionalism
- hard work (including long hours)
Law
What is It ?
A law degree opens up countless career options that vary from being a lawyer to also working in business or politics, you will never be limited by your choices.
Becoming a lawyer is a rewarding career in itself as the law is the bedrock of society. Everyday we rely upon the law from the unspoken agreement you make when you purchase a chocolate bar to signing a lease to your new home. In this overview you will get a better understanding of what paths are available when you study the Bachelors of Law (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
Categories
1. Commercial Law
This sector requires interest in problem solving, quick thinking and detail orientation. Working in commercial law entails advising businesses on their transactions. This includes company mergers and acquisitions, advising on purchasing real estate, protecting intellectual property rights and more. Essentially it is all about building long term relationships with clients. In a globalized world, the matters that are dealt with are multi-jurisdictional which creates opportunities for travel and working beyond your comfort zone.
2. Private Client Law
In this sector, lawyers advise individuals on legal issues that are unrelated to the State.. This varies from family law matters such as divorce and child custody arrangements, property conveyancing, wills and probate, immigration matters and so forth. At times this area requires a lot of empathy but will leave you feeling accomplished.
3. Criminal Law
This area of law is one of the most interesting as it is everything to do with crime. It is very important in society that the criminal law is upheld to bring justice for victims whilst instilling fear into criminals. You will be dealing with cases involving murder, assault and anything that harms people. Additionally, understanding different punishments and rehabilitation methods of the justice system.
4. Maritime Law
Maritime law also known as the laws of the sea, is a compilation of domestic and international laws and treaties that govern the way one acts on the sea. Working in maritime law entails dealing with different insurance issues regarding cargo on ships, civil matters between owners of vessels and passengers and piracy issues. You will also learn about inspection, registration and insurance of ships.
5. Human Rights Law
Today, one of the most important piece of law is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations. It is a milestone in history that was drafted by representatives of different ethnicities and cultures. A human rights lawyer provides legal counsel to victims of human rights violations, genocide and enforcing fundamental rights. You will be dealing with policy making, presenting arguments to a judge and conducting legal research.
6. International Law
International laws are a set of rules, agreements and treaties that are binding between countries. Countries come together to make binding rules that they believe will benefit the citizens. As an international lawyer you will look at treaty arbitration, dispute resolution and advising private entities, states and international organisations. If you are interested in the United Nations and its mechanisms, this is a great area of law for you.
6. Space Law
Similarly to maritime, this area of law governs activity that is conducted in space. Like international law there are many treaties and conventions created by the United Nations that you will learn about and apply. Some of the work you may do is related to preserving Space and Earth environment, rescuing astronauts, international cooperation when dealing with dangers from Space and more.
Conclusion
This is just a brief overview of some of the main fields open to you after a law degree. Studying law allows you to see the world from a different perspective. Many law degree holders go on to become lawyers, politicians, diplomats, entrepreneurs, journalists, academics and philosophers. The law is intertwined with everything we do and is a great starting point for your career if you enjoy writing, researching and understanding the way a particular field interacts with the law.
Arts
What is It ?
It is a discipline dedicated to the maintenance and understanding of mankind through their history, their languages, religion, arts and culture. By understanding the history of these disciplines, we begin to understand our existence on this earth as social beings. History of the people from a place can be very interesting when you delve in to understanding the language they speak, the religions they follow, the art forms that exist in their society and how these forms are interrelated to other disciplines, thus forming their cultural roots which define their identity in this world.
When you choose the Arts stream, it gives you an opportunity to be a creative person who will then apply your knowledge of the history, coupled with your own creative expressions as a medium to connect with the rest of the world.
What you get out of an Arts degree program ?
When you choose the Arts stream for your Advance Level and enter the university, you will then have more than one option to further develop towards a career of your choice.
You can do Law or specialize in a Bachelor of Arts or Humanities, wherein you can major in one of the following
- Languages (Linguistics)
- Literature
- History
- Music
- Drama and theatre
- Art
- Social sciences. Within Social sciences are the study of subjects like
- Sociology
- Economics
- Psychology
- Philosophy, etc.
Linked to the Science
These subjects are interesting because they give you the opportunity to have a career linked to the sciences as well.
- As a psychologist, you may work closely with medical professionals;
- As a Sociologist, you may get an opportunity to work in the Engineering or Tech industry;
- As a Historian or an expert in a society’s art forms, governments may need your help to recognize and preserve their cultural heritage;
- You may have the opportunity for a career in academia or government;
- You can also establish your own company as a subject matter expert or consultant;
- You can become a world-renowned musician, dancer or dramatist who teaches future generations;
- You can become a Pulitzer-nominated writer.
- The Arts stream gives you many options along the way to choose from as you navigate your career path from Advanced Level studies though university and beyond into specialized graduate studies and post-graduate interests.
The advantage with the Arts stream is that if you are unsure of a career path at such a young age, and that can happen to many students, but certain that science or math is not for you, this stream can give you the freedom to explore a variety of career choices without narrowing it down too early in Advanced Level.
However, we should not choose the Arts stream because it somehow is projected to be an easy path to entering a university. This is not true. A bright future is guaranteed only to those that work hard at what they excel in and enjoy doing in life.
