The Division of Interdisciplinary Studies was formed with the establishment of the Institute of Technology of the University of Moratuwa in October 2000. The academic staff of the Division is composed of experienced and qualified lecturers including senior staff members who had been serving in the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Moratuwa prior to the establishment of the Institute. The Division conducted courses in English, Mathematics and Information Technology up to 2018. In 2018, two new subject streams - Aesthetic Studies and Sports Studies were introduced. Currently, the Division offers English, Mathematics and Statistics, Aesthetic Studies and Sports Studies modules.
1. Mathematics and Statistics Unit
The proposal to establish a dedicated sub-unit for Mathematics and Statistics under the Division of Interdisciplinary Studies received formal approval from the University of Moratuwa. It was first recommended by the Board of Studies at its 267th meeting held on 07 August 2025, followed by approval from the Board of Management at its 277th meeting on 24 September 2025, and subsequently endorsed by the University Council.
Mathematics, widely regarded as the intellectual backbone of all technical disciplines, plays a vital role in shaping analytical and problem-solving skills. The creation of this new sub-unit marks an important step toward strengthening the teaching and learning of Mathematics and Statistics, with a greater emphasis on program-specific and real-world applications.
Beyond the classroom, the sub-unit is expected to create vibrant academic opportunities through inter-divisional and inter-university competitions, workshops, and seminars. These initiatives will provide students with valuable platforms to collaborate, innovate, and showcase their talents. Importantly, this development is set to unlock new potential in teaching excellence, student engagement, and research, while contributing meaningfully to national development in the fields of Mathematics and Statistics.
2. English Language Teaching Unit
The English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) is a newly created academic entity functioning under the Division of Interdisciplinary Studies. The English language courses offered by the ELTU are designed to improve the English language proficiency of students who enroll to follow the National Diploma in Technology programme. A pre-academic English course is conducted for all newly admitted students prior to the commencement of the academic programme with the intention of helping students to switch over from their mother tongue to English as the medium of instruction. Thereafter all students (except nautical and marine) follow the compulsory course modules, English Language Skills Enhancement 1 and 2 (IS 1103 & IS 1203) three hours per week throughout the first year of their studies. The modules, Communication Skills (IS 2302) is offered for textile, chemical and polymer students in semester 3 and Communication Skills and Technical Writing (IS 2401) for IT students in semester 4. The course components aim at producing engineering diploma holders with strong communication skills who will be able to function effectively in diverse work environments.
3. Sports Studies
The Sports Studies module aims at developing personality, leadership and teamwork and appreciation of sports of engineering technology students. It also enhances communication skills, the ability to think reflectively and reflexively in solving problems. The module contains the basic concepts and value of sports, physical fitness and health, the basics of first aid techniques, injury prevention methods, sports leadership, and management. Practical sessions include aerobics and yoga sessions and different sports such as volleyball, cricket, netball, athletics, football, and badminton.
4. Aesthetic Studies
Aesthetic Studies was introduced to the ITUM curriculum in 2018 to develop creative and critical thinking as well as aesthetical capabilities of its students. The objective is to provide a well-balanced education that would augment students’ personal and professional life leading to develop socially better fitting personalities. This module contains a theoretical as well as a practical component. For the practical component, students should choose one subject out of four – Dance, Drama, Music or Visual Art.
