Introduction
The Master of Arts degree by coursework and research is a two-year degree programme which is placed at the SLQF Level 10. It provides opportunities for students to obtain a comprehensive knowledge in the relevant area of study, develop critical thinking and analytical skills, research abilities and soft skills by following coursework requirements and undertaking a research under the guidance of a supervisor. The students follow 600 level courses of the discipline in the first year of the registration and complete a thesis in the second year. It prepares students to undertake advanced research projects under the Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy degree programmes.
Admission Requirement
Applicants with the following qualification may be admitted to follow the Master of Arts degree programme:
- A Bachelor’s degree (Special/Honours) in the relevant subject, OR
- A Bachelor’s (General/ Combined) degree with 30 credits from the relevant subject area with a minimum of average B grade or equivalent grade point in the relevant subject are, OR
- A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline and a Postgraduate Diploma in the relevant subject area, OR
- An equivalent qualification as acceptable to the relevant Board of Study
Disciplines
The Master of Arts Degree by Coursework and Research can be obtained from the following disciplines at the PGIHS: Geography, Archaeology, History, Political Science, Sociology, Sinhala, Tamil, English, Economics, Buddhist Studies, Pali, Greek and Roman Studies, Sanskrit, Fine Arts, Islamic Studies and Philosophy.
Degree Requirements
Students are required to follow 600 level courses of the discipline (please refer to the relevant course structure given in Section 4) in the first year to earn 30 credits from courses. Students may choose a few courses from other discipline but they should be related to the area of research.
Students should submit a thesis ranging between 20,000-30,000 words from an independent research for the partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree. The thesis should critically review, analyze and evaluate current issues and developments in the area of study and make suggestions of practical relevance through research. The thesis should be completed during the second year of registration of a student. The student is also required to pass a viva-voce examination of the thesis.
