Introduction
The Master of Philosophy is a two-year full-time research degree programme which allows a student to specialize in an area of study or discipline by conducting an in-depth research. However, students may be asked by the relevant Board of Study to follow recommended courses in their first year of registration on a non-credit basis. The coursework may facilitate the research work of the student to expand his/her knowledge on fundamental theories, research methodology, analytical tools and techniques. This degree is placed at SLQF Level 11 and is a requirement for promotion of service in academic fields and for admission to doctoral studies.
Admission Requirement
Applicants with the following qualification may be admitted to follow the Master of Philosophy degree programme:
- A Master’s degree in the relevant subject area, OR
- A Bachelor’s (Special/Honours) degree with First/ Second Class (Upper Division) pass in the relevant subject area, OR
- Any other equivalent qualification as acceptable to the relevant Board of Study.
Disciplines
The Master of Philosophy degree can be obtained from the following disciplines: Geography, Sociology, Archaeology, History, Political Science, International Relations, Sinhala, Tamil, English, Arabic, Economics, Philosophy, Psychology, Education, Buddhist Studies, Pali, Sanskrit, Greek and Roman Studies, Fine Arts, Hindu Civilization, Islamic Civilization or any interdisciplinary area of study such as Religious Studies, Cultural Studies, Language Studies, etc. and any other specialized area of study such as social work, environmental management, public administration, etc. in the fields of the Humanities and the Social Sciences as decided by the relevant Board of Study.
Degree Requirements
For the fulfillment of the requirements of the degree, a student registered for the Master of Philosophy degree programme of the Institute should submit a thesis produced from an in-depth research ranging between 40,000-50,000 words. The thesis should enhance knowledge of the discipline and its application by improving and extending methodologies and critically analyzing existing knowledge through research of a quality that satisfies peer review and merits publication. 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.
Though the degree awarded is completely based on the merit of the thesis, the relevant Board of Study may recommend the student to follow courses equivalent to 15 (maximum) credits as non-credit courses based on his/her prior academic records. In addition, the student may follow some courses as audit courses if they are relevant for his/her research.
