Plymouth Marjon delivers Sri Lanka’s first UK-based early childhood degrees with new partner

Released: 05.09.24

Plymouth Marjon University is excited to announce a new partnership with American International Campus (AIC) in Sri Lanka, set to launch this academic year. This collaboration will introduce three Plymouth Marjon programmes at AIC Sri Lanka, the first UK-based early childhood degrees in the country. 

The University’s BA Early Childhood Education and Care top-up, MA Education with Early Childhood, and BSc Psychological Studies top-up courses are scheduled to begin in late September 2024 at AIC Sri Lanka, bolstering the country’s early education expertise. 

Initial discussions between Plymouth Marjon University and AIC Sri Lanka began in the spring of 2023, driven by a shared commitment to public service, social justice, and enhancing educational standards. The partnership aligns with both institutions’ goals of raising professional standards and elevating the status of professionals within the early childhood sector. 

AIC, a leading institution in Sri Lanka, has been at the forefront of higher education for nearly a decade. With four established campuses and two new campuses currently under development, AIC offers a wide range of programmes including Pearson qualifications at Levels 3, 4, and 5, along with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Notably, AIC has the largest student cohort in Early Childhood Education in Sri Lanka, with around 500 undergraduates currently enrolled. 

The partnership with Plymouth Marjon will make AIC the first institution in Sri Lanka to offer UK-verified Bachelor's and Master's degrees in early childhood education. This landmark achievement underscores AIC’s commitment to advancing education in Sri Lanka, as highlighted by Dr Gishan Sumanasiri, CEO of AIC Sri Lanka. 

Gishan commented: “AIC is excited to partner with Plymouth Marjon University to offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities for students in Sri Lanka. Both institutions share similar values towards teaching quality and student success, making the partnership mutually beneficial. This unique relationship will open greater opportunities for both institutions through collaborative research projects, faculty development, and exchange programmes in the future.  

“We plan to provide enhanced learning and employability opportunities for students, and AIC is confident that our partnership with Plymouth Marjon will be one of the most successful transnational education programmes in the region.” 

Miles Smith, Associate Dean at Plymouth Marjon University, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating: 

“PMU is delighted to be entering into this partnership with AIC Sri Lanka. We hope that this collaboration will enhance professional practice, strengthen the commitment between the UK and Sri Lanka, and develop our cultural connectedness.” 

Through this partnership, Marjon’s expertise, particularly from its School of Education, will play a pivotal role in supporting AIC’s ambition to raise the professional standards in Early Childhood Education. This collaboration enriches the educational landscape in Sri Lanka whilst exemplifying the shared values and commitment of both institutions towards levelling up educational opportunities and advancing social justice. 

Plymouth Marjon University looks forward to a successful partnership with AIC Sri Lanka, as the institutions collaborate to inspire and empower the next generation of educators and professionals in Sri Lanka.