Research Degrees (MPhil / PhD Programs)
Explore our MPhil / PhD Programs
In a world of ever-expanding global opportunities, we at the Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, look forward to enhancing your career prospects through effective and meaningful postgraduate education, to bring you closer to achieving your life’s goals.
As we celebrate a 100 years of Excellence in Science, our commitment towards achieving greater heights in academia is strengthened. Undertaking a postgraduate programme here at the Faculty of Science is a step in the right direction.
Our Vision for you
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) (Equivalent to Level 11 of the Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework)
To produce scholarly, innovative, pre-eminent professional graduates with an advanced and in-depth knowledge in a chosen field of study, and who is highly capable of spearheading high quality research for generating and disseminating new knowledge that is both nationally and globally relevant, and congruent with international quality standards, thus being globally competitive, and having enhanced professional, managerial, administrative and technological capacities to enable specialized professional employment at the highest level.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – (Equivalent to Level 12 of the Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework)
To produce scholarly, innovative, professional graduates with an advanced and in- depth knowledge in a chosen field of study capable of overseeing and conducting research to generate and disseminate knowledge that is nationally and globally relevant, and congruent with international quality standards, thus being competitive, and having enhanced professional, managerial, administrative and technological capacities to undertake higher degrees and professional employment.
- A plethora of disciplines to choose from – links to dept web page (research icon)
- Affiliations to Research Groups
- Engage in Multidisciplinary research
- Guided by academics of high-caliber
- Collaborate with local or international experts
- Publications in reputed journals
- Opportunities for obtain Patents
Information for current students
Our current postgraduates
Am I eligible?
You would be eligible to register for an MPhil if you have a General or Honours Degree or a Masters Degree from a recognized university, in the chosen field. You would generally be registered for an MPhil degree which would later upgraded to a PhD after fulfillment of certain criteria. Some may have to sit for a qualifying examination in the appropriate field of study after registration.
Would I be able to secure funding?
Research degrees are initiated by mutual agreement between a postgraduate student and a supervisor/s. Funding may be from many sources, including grants to the supervisor from government and non-government entities. Such grants often include monthly stipends. A research project can also be initiated by a prospective student, provided that funding is available.
How can I find a supervisor?
The websites of the various departments of the faculty will typically show case the research interests of their academic staff members. If a particular research area interests you, contact the relevant academic/s directly via email or phone and inquire about the possibility of commencing a project.
How to apply?
Once you have found a potential supervisor, he/she will guide you on how to write a proposal and present it to the Department for approval, after which you can make a formal application. Your supervisor will guide you through this process.