It has been well recognized that environment issues such as resource diminution, global warming and ozone depletion, acid rain, pollution and the loss of biodiversity are not merely national issues but are those of global concern. Environmental Science encompassing a plethora of sub disciplines which include those from the natural and social sciences, seeks to provide an integrated, quantitative and  interdisciplinary  approach to understand and address these pressing environmental problems. Hence, the need for trained environmental scientists has been driven primarily by the necessity to design multi-disciplinary approaches to analyze complex environmental issues owing to unplanned and unsustainable development, and formulate substantive environmental laws that require specific environmental protocols for monitoring and mitigating impacts, and the increasing pressure from the general public to provide a safe environment.

The aims of this programme are;

• to enhance the capacity of graduates in terms of knowledge and research skills.
• to provide a post-graduate qualification required for higher degrees and for employment.
• to produce persons with an expertise in Environment Science required for the world of work.
• to increase the employment opportunities in the Environment Science and related disciplines.
• to generate skilled human resources, thereby facilitating the mitigation and monitoring of environmental issues.

Graduates who are expecting to pursue M. Phil/Ph.D. studies in a related field.
Research officers/scientists, extension officers, and educators in public and private institutions.
Qualified entrepreneurs and enthusiast with an interest in the field.

Online
With optional course for field workshops and laboratory exposure
Friday 4 to 6 pm and Saturday

The course structure is designed according to the guidelines issued by the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council of the University Grants Commission, Sri Lanka, to fulfil criteria of MSc programmes. The MSc in Environmental Science offered by the Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, University of Colombo consists of Part I, Part II and Part III, which corresponds to Levels 8, 9 and 10 in that order.

This component is equivalent to 25 Credits and runs over a duration of one year (two semesters). Two optional credits will be offered. The examinations will be held at the end of each course. The theory components will be offered entirely online, whereas students would have the option of learning the practical / field components through an online or conventional mode. It is mandatory that students should fulfill the requirements of Part I (GPA 2.7 or greater) to proceed to Part II. Students who fail to obtain a GPA of 3.0 but maintain a GPA of not less than 2.7 in Part I, will be eligible 1 for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip.) in Environmental Science, upon request.

This component will include an independent study of 5 Credits addressing current environmental issues and run over a duration of four months. The stipulated deliverables will be evaluated throughout its duration. The students who successfully complete Part II with a minimum GPA 3.0 will be eligible* for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Environmental Science unless they wish to Proceed to Part III. Students who wish to proceed to Part III, can do so only if he/she has obtained a minimum GPA of 3.00 for Part II. A fallback option (to obtain the PG Dip.) is available for students who do not successfully complete Part II.

This component primarily includes a research project, with some theory courses. The project could be carried out within or outside the university (with prior approval from the Higher Degrees Committee), under the guidance of a supervisor from within the Faculty of Science. Students who obtain a GPA of 3.00 or above for Part III will be eligible* for the award of the degree of Master of Science (Research) in Environmental Science. A student who fails to achieve a GPA of 3.00 or above for Part III will be eligible* 2 to be awarded the Degree of Master of Science.

Further information regarding the MSc Programme can be obtained by contacting the programme coordinator

Contact details of the programme coordinator are as follows.