Turning a new page in the arena of tertiary and vocational education in Sri Lanka, Ladies' College Department of Vocational Studies (DVS) entered into an academic alliance with Colombo Institute of Research and Psychology (CIRP) to launch a Diploma in Child and Adolescent Psychology.
Established in 1981, DVS has provided training and education to thousands of students in multiple disciplines for the last 30 years with commitment and dedication to professionalism in teaching and training. Today it is one of the most prestigious private vocational educational establishments in the country attracting students from all over the island and from several neighbouring countries.

Colombo Institute of Research and Psychology was established by a group of young professionals in the fields of Psychology, Medicine and Business to inspire an appreciation in Psychology and Research among the youth of the country through creative and unconstrained thinking. Currently it is conducting professional courses in almost every discipline in Psychology ranging from general, abnormal to forensics with a strong student base exceeding 300 during the short period in operation. It has achieved its name for providing a balanced curriculum focused in both theoretical knowledge and skill development which is vital in subjects like Psychology.

Thus an alliance between these two well established prestigious institutes to offer a joint diploma in Child and Adolescent Psychology gives a new hope to students who need to pursue a career in the field of Child Psychology.

The curriculum focuses on all theoretical and practical aspects of Developmental Psychology and CIRP has introduced new modules that focus on contemporary issues involving children such as aggressive behaviour, bullying, children with emotional vulnerabilities and special modules that focus on childhood Psychopathologies and Educational Psychology. The course aims at providing a comprehensive knowledge on child behavioural issues and skills desired for early detection of such disorders.

School and preschool teachers, parents, Day care providers, social workers and parents with children with special needs would benefit from this programme immensely. Knowledge and skills would be delivered through lectures, small group discussions and skills development programmes conducted by experienced and highly qualified professionals with excellent knowledge in the subject area.
Compared to traditional theories taught in many Psychological programmes, now Sri Lankan students have the opportunity of obtaining a well recognized diploma with practical knowledge and skills to pursue a career in the field of Child Psychology offered by two reputed educational establishments in the country.