The MSc in Mathematics Education program prepares students to teach mathematics competently at the middle and secondary school levels. It has a strong emphasis on mathematics content in the teaching and learning of mathematics. It is designed to provide necessary skills, including the use of manipulatives, virtual environments, computer algebra systems and ICT in the classroom, and content and pedagogical knowledge for mathematics teachers who are in service as well as recent graduates who wish to embark on a rewarding career teaching  mathematics here or abroad. It provides opportunities for in-service  teachers to reflect on their existing practice and engage in extended  academic study to support their practice and their continuing professional development. This program also provides an opportunity to others to study mathematics education at the master's level.

A Bachelor of Science with Pure Mathematics or Applied Mathematics or Mathematics as a subject

OR

any other equivalent qualification acceptable to the senate of the University of Colombo.

The candidates will be selected based on an interview and/or written examination.

At the end of the two years (SLQF Level 9)   MSc in Mathematics Education Degree holders should be able to:

• ILO I: Demonstrate deep knowledge of the concepts, principles, techniques, and reasoning methods of mathematics relevant to middle and secondary school mathematics,
• ILO II: Demonstrate problem solving heuristics relevant to middle and secondary school mathematics,
• ILO III: Demonstrate an enhanced understanding of what it means to learn mathematics and where and how mathematical misconceptions and student confusion can occur in middle and secondary school mathematics,
• ILO IV: Draw on insights from cognitive psychology, learning theories and the philosophy and history of mathematics in order to create meaningful learning experiences,
• ILO V: Integrate mathematics educational theory and research findings, mathematics content and pedagogical content knowledge and professional standards in planning lessons,
• ILO VI: Use computer technology to enhance student learning in mathematics,
• ILO VII: Acknowledge the impact of home life, cultural background, individual learning differences, attitudes and beliefs towards mathematics in learning mathematics and create classroom learning environments that are stimulating and accommodating for diverse student populations,
• ILO VIII: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of literature and concepts relating to mathematics education research,
• ILO IX: Critically analyze mathematics education issues and practices, and
• ILO X: Reflect on their teaching practices and improve, and uphold ethical standards in the teaching practice.

The MSc programme consists of two parts, Part I (Postgraduate Diploma) and Part II. Part I contains coursework (25C) and Part II contains an independent guided project (5C) . The duration of the entire programme is two years and the duration of Part I is 18 months.

Students are required to offer 30 credits consisting of all the course modules including the independent guided project. Those who obtain a GPA of not less than 3.00 for part I of the program will be allowed to proceed to Part II of the program. Students who fail to obtain a GPA of 3.00 but maintain a GPA of not less than 2.70 in Part I will be eligible for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics Education.

Students who proceed to Part II will be assigned an independent guided project of six months duration. Those who complete Part II and obtain GPA of 3.00 or above for Part II will be eligible for the award of MSc in Mathematics Education.

In addition to these, the general guidelines of the Faculty of Science are applicable for the award of the MSc and the Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics Education.

The duration of the program is 2 years. The courses are offered in Blended Mode. 100% of lessons and discussions are conducted online during weekends (Saturday- full day).
Examinations will be conducted onsite.

• Call for Applications: Early March 2025
• Application Deadline: 30th March 2025
• Commencement of the program: July 2025

Pre–registration Form

(Please fill-in the pre-registration form, we will inform you when the applications are called for the 2025 intake)

*** Please find more details of the program:
MSc in Mathematics Education Handbook 2022 Batch

Further information regarding the MSc Program can be obtained by contacting the program coordinator:

Academic Inquiries