SRI LANKA QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK [SLQF] Adapted for ...€¦ · 3.4 Masters Degree 3.5 Master of Philosophy Degree 3.6 Doctoral Degree 4. D.M. (DOCTOR OF MEDICINE) 5. EVALUATION

Adapting SLQF to University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka 2014

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SRI LANKA QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK [SLQF]

Adapted for Postgraduate Study

At the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

2014

Proposal: This document will replace all existing guidelines for postgraduate

study at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.


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CONTENTS

FOREWORD

1. AIMS & OBJECTIVES OF SLQF

2. THE FRAMEWORK

2.1 SLQF Levels, qualifications and volumes of learning

TABLE 1: Different levels of SLQF with comparable levels of NVQF1

TABLE 2: Minimum requirement for each level of SLQF

2.2 Definition of a credit

3. LEVEL DESCRIPTORS & QUALIFICATION DESCRIPTORS

3.1. Postgraduate Certificate

3.2. Postgraduate Diploma

3.3 Masters Degree with Course Work

3.4 Masters Degree

3.5 Master of Philosophy Degree

3.6 Doctoral Degree

4. D.M. (DOCTOR OF MEDICINE)

5. EVALUATION PROCEDURE, GRADING SCHEME & EVALUATION CRITERIA

6. RESEARCH PROPOSAL

7. TRANSFER FROM A REGISTERED PROGRAM

8. SUPERVISION & PROGRESS REPORTS

9. SUBMISSION OF THESIS

10. APPLICATION PROCEDURE & PAYMENT OF FEES

1 Adapted from p. 06 of SLQF, UGC, Ministry of Higher Education, Sri Lanka


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FOREWORD

The Sri Lankan Qualifications Framework (SLQF) was designed in June 2012, by the Ministry of Higher

Education as a framework for higher educational qualifications offered in Sri Lanka. The University

Grants Commission (UGC) accepted it as a policy for the universities of Sri Lanka via Circular 06, in

April 2013.

The aim of this document is to formalize the implementation of SLQF to suit the needs of the University

of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. In pursuance of this aim, this document has been compiled, taking into

consideration the existing FGS (Faculty of Graduate Studies) Guidelines for Postgraduate Study 2011,

and revising them to suit the requirements of SLQF.

As stated in the Foreword of SLQF, (p. V-VI):

Until the development of SLQF there had been no mechanism to evaluate the qualifications offered by

higher education institutions in Sri Lanka. SLQF will be helpful in the evaluation and recognition of

qualifications offered in Sri Lanka and this will be useful to the qualification holders to know the level of

their qualifications. In addition, the SLQF will be helpful to the potential employers to know the level of

learning and the attributes of a particular qualification holder. SLQF is useful to the higher education

institutions, both in the state sector and non-state sector in designing their courses as the minimum level

of learning effort required for each qualification is indicated by way of the minimum number of credits

that should be earned by a qualification holder. Thus, the SLQF will contribute towards strengthening the

quality of higher education qualifications offered by the universities and other higher education

institutions in Sri Lanka2.

Dean & Faculty Board, Faculty of Graduate Studies,

University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka Oct. 2013

2 Foreword to SLQF by Prof. M.J.S. Wijeyaratne, Snr. Professor of Zoology, University of Kelaniya, & Coordinator of

the SLQF National Committee.


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1. AIMS & OBJECTIVES OF SLQF

The aim of SLQF is to create an integral national framework for learning achievements by

recognizing and accrediting qualifications offered by different institutions engaged in higher

education and vocational training. The objectives of SLQF are to:

1.1. enhance quality of higher education and training at all levels;

1.2. facilitate access to higher learning and thereby contribute to full personal development of learners

and to social and economic development of the country;

1.3. enhance equity in higher education, training and employment opportunities;

1.4. help employers to understand the levels of knowledge, skills and competencies of qualification

holders;

1.5. Develop positive attitudes in qualification holders;

1.6. facilitate lateral and vertical mobility, and progression within higher education and career

pathways;

1.7. provide guidance in comparing qualifications offered by different institutions;

1.8. help in developing higher education and vocational training programmes of appropriate levels;

1.9. recognize prior learning; and

1.10. promote lifelong learning.


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2. THE FRAMEWORK

2.1 SLQF Levels, Qualifications and Volumes of Learning

SLQF consists of 10 levels. The demand for learning outcomes and complexity of learning

increases with each level. The first two levels (levels 1-2) are senior secondary level education

qualifications and the next four levels (levels 3-6) are undergraduate qualifications.

The other four levels (levels 7-10) are postgraduate qualifications.

The levels are not directly related to the years of study except for higher research degrees.

The volume of learning at each level is described in terms of credits.

2.2. Qualification Descriptors

Qualification descriptors for each level are also stated in the SLQF. Qualification descriptors give the

specifications such as SLQF exit level, credit ratings, purpose and characteristics, minimum admission

requirements and possible pathways of progression. Two or more qualifications are sometimes positioned

at the same level. This indicates that they are broadly comparable in terms of general levels of difficulty.

However, each qualification in the same SLQF level does not have the same purpose or specific learning

outcomes. The comparable levels of NVQF (National Vocational Qualifications Framework) are also

identified in the SLQF. Different levels of SLQF with some examples and comparable NVQF levels are

given in Table 1. The SLQF levels, the qualifications awarded at each level and the minimum credit

requirement for each level are summarized in Table 2.


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TABLE 1: Different levels of SLQF with some examples, together with comparable levels of

NVQF3

SLQL = Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework Level

SLQL 10 PhD, Doctoral Degree, MD with Board

Certification, DM (Doctor of Medicine,

University of Kelaniya)

SLQL 9 M.Phil, Master of Philosophy, Masters by

fulltime research

SLQL 8 M.A., MBA, M.Com., MFA, MSc., MSSc.,

Master’s with course work and a research

component

SLQL 7 MBUS, One year M.A., Master’s with

coursework, Postgraduate Certificate,

Postgraduate Diploma

SLQL 6 Bachelor’s Degree Honors/Special, MBBS

SLQL 5 Bachelor’s Degree, Bachelor’s Double Major

Degree

NVQL 7 Bachelor’s Degree (Level 7

recognizes the

vocational/technological competencies

at Bachelor’s Degree level)

SLQL 4 Higher Diploma NVQL 6 National Diploma (Levels 5

and 6 recognize the increasing levels of

competencies of technicians including

supervision and process

management.)

SLQL 3 Diploma NVQL 5 National Diploma (Levels 5

and 6 recognize the increasing levels of

competencies of technicians including

supervision and process

management.)

SLQL 2 Advanced Certificate NVQL 4 National Certificate (Levels

2, 3,and 4 recognize increasing levels

of competencies. Level 4 qualification

provides for full craftsmanship/

workmanship.)

SLQL 1 Certificate NVQL 3 & 2 National Certificate

(Levels 2, 3,and 4 recognize increasing

levels of competencies. Level 4

qualification provides for full

3 Adapted from p. 06 of SLQF, UGC, Ministry of Higher Education, Sri Lanka


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craftsmanship/ workmanship.)

TABLE 2: Minimum requirement for each level of SLQF

SLQL Qualification Awarded Minimum Requirements for the

Award

SLQL 10 PhD, Doctoral Degree, MD with Board

Certification / Doctor of Letters/ Doctor of

Science, DM (Doctor of Medicine, University

of Kelaniya)

Minimum 3 years of full time or

equivalent time of original research

after SLQL 6 or above

SLQL 9 M.Phil., Master of Philosophy, Masters by

fulltime research

Minimum 2 years of fulltime or

equivalent time of original research

after SLQL 5 or above

SLQL 8 M.A., MBA, M.Com., MFA, MSc., MSSc.,

Master’s with course work and a research

component

60 credits after SLQL 5 or SLQL 6

which include a research component of

minimum 15 credits

SLQL 7 MBUS, One year M.A., Master’s with

coursework

30 credits after SLQL 5 or SLQL 6

Postgraduate Diploma 25 credits after SLQL 5 or SLQL 6

Postgraduate Certificate 20 credits after SLQL 5 or SLQL 6

SLQL 6 Bachelor’s Degree Honors/Special, MBBS 120 credits after SLQL 2 or 30 credits

after SLQL 5

SLQL 5 Bachelor’s Degree, Bachelor’s Double Major

Degree

90 credits after SLQL 2 or 60 credits

after SLQL 3 or 30 credits after SLQL

4

SLQL 4 Higher Diploma 60 credits after SLQL 2 or 30 credits

after SLQL 3

SLQL 3 Diploma 30 credits after SLQL 2

SLQL 2 Advanced Certificate

SLQL 1 Certificate

2.3. Definition of a Credit

In the SLQF credit system, the student workload of a full time study programme is defined as 1500

notional learning hours per year. Notional learning hours include direct contact hours with teachers and

trainers, time spent in self learning, preparation for assignments, carrying out assignments and


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assessments. The minimum number of credits per course module/course unit is 1. The number of credits

per course module/course unit should be indicated by integers.

One credit is equivalent to 15 hours of lectures or 30-45 hours of laboratory studies or 45 hours of field

studies/clinical work or minimum of 90 hours of industrial training.

For every one hour of lectures, a student is expected to carry out at least 2-2½ additional hours of

independent learning. For every 2 hours of laboratory studies, a student is expected to carry out at least 1

additional hour of independent studies. Therefore, for 1 credit in lectures, laboratory studies, field studies

and clinical work, the minimum number of notional learning hours is 45-50, which also includes the time

allocated for assessments. For industrial training, minimum of 90 notional learning hours including

time allocated for assessments are equivalent to 1 credit.

For research, minimum of 90 notional hours including time allocated for literature survey is equivalent to

a credit. Credits have to be earned after successful completion of the work required and appropriate

assessment of learning outcomes.


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3. LEVEL DESCRIPTORS & QUALIFICATION DESCRIPTORS

3.1. SLQF Level 7 [PG CERTIFICATE, PG DIPLOMA]

Qualification holders of SLQF level 7 should be able to;

1. demonstrate a substantive level of knowledge and understanding in the area of study;

2. use efficiently and effectively, practical skills and enquiry within the area of study;

3. critically analyze data, make judgments and propose solutions to problems;

4. construct and sustain arguments and use these arguments, ideas and techniques in

problem solving;

5. demonstrate awareness of the current developments in the area of study;

6. construct new hypotheses in the area of specializations and test them in a scientific

manner;

7. deal with complex issues in a systematic manner and make sound judgments;

8. demonstrate self direction and confidence in solving problems;

9. plan and implement tasks at professional and managerial levels;

10. exercise initiative and personal responsibility;

11. advance knowledge and develop additional skills; and

12. carry out independent studies for professional development

POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE (p. 29-30 of SLQF)

Specifications: SLQF Exit Level: 7

Minimum total credits at level 7: 20

Designators: Not applicable.

Qualifiers: Maximum two

Examples: Postgraduate Certificate in Natural Resources Management,

Postgraduate Certificate in Fine Arts in Drama

Abbreviations: PGCert, PGCert (Natural Resources Management), PGCert (Fine Arts) (Drama)


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Purpose and Characteristics:

Purpose of this qualification is to enhance the capacity of a person with advanced knowledge in a

specific field of study or discipline to enable working graduates/holders of professional qualifications

to advance their knowledge in a particular field of study.

The qualification holders should be able to demonstrate clear understanding of theoretical knowledge

together with critical awareness of current issues in the subject area. They should also be able to deal

with complex issues systematically and make sound judgments and communicate decisions clearly to

others. They should demonstrate self-direction in tackling and solving problems and be able to plan

and implement tasks in a professional manner.

This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and does not involve conducting a

research project or an independent study.

Minimum admission requirement:

Minimum admission requirement is a Bachelor’s degree with 30 credits in the relevant subject area

or equivalent prior learning experience and/or a qualification in the relevant subject area.

Completion of NVQF level 7 may also be considered as an equivalent qualification for admission to

SLQF level 7 in that field of specialization.

Progression:

Completion of Postgraduate Certificate meets the entry requirements to Postgraduate Diploma and/or

Master’s degree of SLQF levels 7 in the same field of specialization.

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA (p. 31-32 of SLQF)

Specifications: SLQF exit level: 7


Designators: Not applicable.

Qualifiers: Maximum two.

Examples: Postgraduate Diploma in Education, Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental

Science, Postgraduate Diploma in Crop Science, Postgraduate Diploma in

Fine Arts in Drama

Abbreviations: PGDip (Education), PGDip (Env Sc), PGDip (Crop Sc) PGDip (Fine Arts) (Drama)

Purpose and characteristics:

Purpose of this qualification is to enhance the capacity of a person with an advanced knowledge in a

specific field of study or discipline to enable working graduates/holders of professional qualifications


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to advance their knowledge in that field of specialization to provide an entry point for further

education and an advanced qualification for holders of recognized qualifications from professional

bodies/institutions.

The qualification holders should be able to demonstrate clear understanding of theoretical knowledge

together with critical awareness of current issues in the subject area and apply techniques relevant to

their professional practice/chosen field of study. They should also be able to deal with complex

issues systematically and creatively, and make sound judgments and communicate decisions clearly

to others. They should demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems

and be able to plan and implement tasks independently in a professional manner.

This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement. It may not require conducting a

research project but may require conducting some independent studies.



or equivalent prior learning experience and/or a qualification in the relevant subject area. Completion

of NVQF level 7 may also be considered as an equivalent qualification for admission to SLQF level

7 in that field of specialization.

Progression:

Completion of Postgraduate Diploma meets the entry requirements to SLQF level 8. A qualification

shall not be awarded for early exit from this level. However, a postgraduate certificate may be

awarded for those who are completing 20 credits of theoretical engagement at SLQF level 7.

Duration & Extensions

The duration of a postgraduate diploma varies from Faculty to Faculty; however, the minimum time

period is 01 year, and the maximum 02 years, and should include 25 credits. Extensions of registration are

possible, subject to approval of the Board of Study of the Faculty and FGS. Medical certificates must be

provided if claiming medical reasons. With extensions, the maximum period to complete all

requirements for the awarding of a postgraduate diploma is 03 academic years.


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PG Diplomas Offered by University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

Faculty of Commerce & Management Studies

Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management (PGDHRM)

Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing (PGDMKT)

Faculty of Science

Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial & Business Management

Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology

Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics

Faculty of Social Sciences

Postgraduate Diploma in Regional Planning (PGDRP)

Postgraduate Diploma in Library & Information Science for Education (PGDL)

Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurvedic Institute (GWAI)

Postgraduate Diploma in Administration & Management of Ayurveda Institutions

Junior Command & Staff College, China Bay (Sri Lanka Air Force)

Postgraduate Diploma in Defense Management (PGDDM)


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3.3. SLQF Level 7 [MASTER’S WITH COURSE WORK ]


1. demonstrate a substantive level of knowledge and understanding in the area of study;


3. critically analyze data, make judgments and propose solutions to problems;

4. construct and sustain arguments and use these arguments, ideas and techniques in problem solving;

5. demonstrate awareness of the current developments in the area of study;

6. construct new hypotheses in the area of specializations and test them in a scientific manner;

7. deal with complex issues in a systematic manner and make sound judgments;

8. demonstrate self direction and confidence in solving problems;

9. plan and implement tasks at professional and managerial levels;

10. exercise initiative and personal responsibility;

11. advance knowledge and develop additional skills; and

12. carry out independent studies for professional development.

MASTER’S DEGREE WITH COURSE WORK (p. 33-34 SLQF)



Designators: Master’s degree designators are limited to specific areas of study. Examples include Master of

Information Technology, Master of Linguistics, Master of Library Science, etc.

Qualifiers: Not applicable.

Abbreviations: MIT, MLinguistics, MAgri, MLibSc


Purpose of this qualification is to develop a person with an advanced knowledge in a specific field of

study or discipline to enable working professionals to advance their knowledge in that field of

specialization.

The qualification holders should be able to demonstrate thorough understanding together with critical

awareness of current issues in their subject area and apply techniques relevant to their professional


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practice. They should also be able to deal with complex issues systematically and creatively and

make sound judgments and communicate decisions clearly to others. They should demonstrate self-

direction and originality in tackling and solving problems and be able to plan and implement tasks at

professional levels.

This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and a guided independent study

equivalent to a minimum of 5 credits.

Any Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 150 credits or a minimum student workload of 7500

notional learning hours, encompassing professional practice spanning over several levels starting

from SLQF level 3, and accredited by a recognized Accreditation Agency may be included in SLQF

level 7, provided that the final outcome of the qualification meets the descriptors of SLQF level 7.



or equivalent accredited prior learning experience and/or a qualification in the relevant subject area.

Completion of NVQF level 7 may also be considered as an equivalent qualification for admission to

SLQF level 7 in that field of specialization

Progression:

Completion of Master’s Degree meets the entry requirement to SLQF level 8 or 9 in the same field of

specialization.

A Postgraduate Diploma or a Postgraduate Certificate may be awarded for those who exit early

completing 25 credits or 20 credits respectively.


Master’s level courses are based on course work of at least one year’s duration, and include 30

credits. Therefore, the duration of a Master’s degree can be either 1 year or 2 years. Extensions

of registration are possible, subject to approval of the Board of Study of the Faculty and FGS.

Medical certificates must be provided if claiming medical reasons. An extension would mean the

candidate is given 12 months in which to complete requirements for the Master’s degree. With

extensions, the maximum period to complete all requirements for the awarding of a

Master’s degree is 03 academic years for a 1 year Master’s, and 04 academic years for a 2

year Master’s.


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Master’s Level Courses Offered by the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies

Master of Business [MBUS] – 1 year (Coursework)

Faculty of Humanities

M.A. in Christian Studies - 1 year (Coursework)

M.A. in Drama and Theatre - 1 year (Coursework)


M.A. in Archaeology – 1 year (Coursework)

M.A. in Economics – 1 year (Coursework)

M.A. in Geography – 1 year (Coursework)

M.A. in History – 1 year (Coursework)

M.A. in Library and Information Science – 1 year (Coursework)

M.A. in Mass Communication – 1 year (Coursework)

M.A. in Philosophy – 1 year (Coursework)

M.A. in Political Science – 1 year (Coursework)

M.A. in Sociology – 1 year (Coursework)


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3.4. MASTER’S DEGREE [Coursework and Research Component]

SLQF Level 8 Qualification holders of SLQF level 8 should be able to;

1. analyze and evaluate current research in the area of specialization;

2. demonstrate a critical awareness of current issues and recent developments in the area of

specialization and/or area of professional practice;

3. construct new hypotheses in the area of specializations and test them in a scientific manner;

4. plan and implement tasks efficiently and effectively in professional, technical and academic

settings;


6. construct and sustain arguments and use these arguments in problem solving;

7. deal with complex issues systematically and make sound judgments even without complete data

and communicate conclusions clearly to specialist as well as non-specialist groups;

8. demonstrate self direction and originality in tackling and solving problems;

9. advance knowledge and understanding and develop additional skills;

10. make decisions in complex and unpredictable contexts;

11. exercise initiative and take personal responsibility; and

12. demonstrate skills of independent learning for continuous professional development.

MASTER’S DEGREE [Coursework and Research Component] (p. 35-36 SLQF)

Specifications:

SLQF exit level: 8

Minimum total credits: 60 (45 for course work +15 for research)

Minimum total credits at Level 8: 30 (Minimum of 15 for research)

Designators: Master’s degree designators are specific and limited to broad generic areas of discipline or

profession. The examples include Master of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Commerce, Master of

Education, Master of Business Administration, etc.

Qualifiers: Maximum one

Examples: Master of Arts in Sinhala, Master of Science in Environmental Science


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Abbreviations: Examples: MA, MCom, MEd, MA (Sinhala), MSc, MSc (Environmental Science)


The purpose of this qualification is to advance knowledge of a graduate or professional in a specific

field of study and to prepare graduates for higher degrees and specialized professional employment.

This qualification should be earned by completing course work aggregating to a minimum of 30

credits at SLQF level 7 or 8 and a research project with notional learning hours totaling to a

minimum of 15 credits.

The research should be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor holding an equivalent or a

higher qualification and should make an original academic contribution to a particular discipline. The

candidate should submit a dissertation which is evaluated and accepted.

The qualification holder must be able to deal with complex issues systematically and creatively and

make sound judgments and communicate decisions clearly to specialist and non-specialist groups.

S/he should demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems and be able

to plan and implement tasks in a professional manner.

The qualification holder should also be able to demonstrate critical awareness of current issues in the

subject area and be able to apply techniques relevant to profession/area of specialization.

Minimum admission requirements:

Minimum admission requirement is a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 30 credits in the relevant

subject area or a qualification of SLQF level 6 or 7 in the relevant area of study. Completion of

NVQF level 7 with a minimum GPA of 3.0 at a scale of 0-4 may also be considered as equivalent

qualification for admission to SLQF level 8 in that field of specialization.

Ethical Clearance:

For research to be beneficial, and to minimize harm, ethical clearance is essential. Furthermore,

currently, research funding and publication of findings tend to be based on ethical approval for the

study. Ethical clearance or ethical approval is required for all research involving human/animal

subjects. It is required even if the research does not involve human participants directly, but raises

other ethical issues due to the potential social or environmental implications of the study. In order to

get approval for a particular research topic involving human/animal/social/environmental subjects,

candidates must seek approval from the Ethics Review Committee of the University of Kelaniya or

from another such approved body. Approval from the respective Board of Study and FGS will be

given only after clearance from the Ethics Review Committee is given.

Progression:

Completion of SLQF level 8 meets the entry requirement to M.Phil. degree in the same field of

specialization. Early exit from this level is possible provided that the candidate has completed 25

credits in course work. In such a situation, the qualification awarded shall be Postgraduate Diploma

in the relevant field, which is at SLQF level 7.


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Duration & Extensions:

As shown in the above list, Master’s level courses at SLQF level 8 are based on course work of at least

one year’s duration. Therefore, the duration of a Master’s degree is 2 years, inclusive of 60 credits: of this

60, the research component should be a minimum of 15 credits.

Extensions of registration are possible, subject to approval of the Board of Study of the Faculty and FGS.

Medical certificates must be provided if claiming medical reasons. An extension would mean the

candidate is given 12 months in which to complete requirements for the Master’s degree. With

extensions, the maximum period to complete all requirements for the awarding of a Master’s

degree is 03 academic years for a 1 year Master’s, and 04 academic years for a 2 year Master’s.

Master’s Degrees Offered by University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka


Master of Accounting and Finance - 2 years (Coursework & research)

Master of Business Administration - 2 years (Coursework & research)

Master of Commerce - 2 years (Coursework & research)

Master of Human Resource Management – 2 years (Coursework & research)


M.A. in Buddhist Studies - 2 years (Coursework & research)

M.A. in Linguistics - 2 years (Coursework & research)

M.A. in Literary Criticism - 2 years (Coursework & research)

M.A. in Sinhala - 2 years (Coursework & research)

M.F.A. in Fine Arts – 2 years (Coursework & studio thesis)

M.A. in Music - 2 years (Coursework & practicum)

M.A. in Dancing - 2 years (Coursework & practicum)

Faculty of Medicine

Master of Public Health (MPH)- 2 years (Coursework & Research)

Faculty of Science

M. Sc. in Applied Microbiology - 2 years (Coursework & research)

M. Sc. in Aquaculture & Fisheries Management - 2 years (Coursework & research)

M. Sc. in Biodiversity and Integrated Environmental Management - 2 years (Coursework &

research)


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M. Sc. in Computer Science - 2 years (Coursework & research)

M. Sc. in Food & Nutrition - 2 years (Coursework & research)

M. Sc. in Industrial and Environment Chemistry - 2 years (Coursework & research)

M. Sc. in Management and Information Technology - 2 years (Coursework & research)


M.S.Sc. in Archaeology – 2 years (Coursework & Research)

M.S.Sc. in Economics – 2 years (Coursework & Research)

M.S.Sc. in Geography – 2 years (Coursework & Research)

M.S.Sc. in History – 2 years (Coursework & Research)

M.S.Sc. in Library and Information Science – 2 years (Coursework & Research)

M.S.Sc. in Mass Communication – 2 years (Coursework & Research)

M.S.Sc. in Philosophy - 2 years (Coursework & Research)

M.S.Sc. in Political Science - 2 years (Coursework & Research)

M.S.Sc. in Sociology - 2 years (Coursework & Research)

Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute

M.Sc. in Mgmt. & Administration of Ayurveda Institutions (Coursework & Research)


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3.5. SLQF Level 9 [M.PHIL., MASTER’S WITH FULL TIME RESEARCH]


1. create new knowledge through original research of a quality that will satisfy peer review and merit

publication;

2. evaluate and constructively criticize and improve methodologies in the area of specialization;

3. analyze and critically evaluate past and current research in the area of specialization;

4. construct new hypotheses and test them in a scientific manner;

5. use practical skills and enquiry efficiently and effectively within the area of study;

6. supervise and guide research to generate new knowledge in the discipline;

7. deal with complex issues systematically and make sound judgments and predictions;

8. demonstrate self direction and originality in tackling and solving problems in the professional

environment;

9. plan and implement tasks efficiently and effectively in professional, technical or academic

settings;

10. advance knowledge and understanding and develop additional skills;

11. exercise initiative and personal responsibility and make decisions in complex and unpredictable

contexts; and

12. demonstrate skills of independent learning for continuous professional development.

MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE (p. 37-38 SLQF)

Specifications: SLQF Exit Level: 9

Minimum credits at level 9: 60

Designators: The designator is Philosophy.

Qualifiers: Maximum one, if required.

E.g.: Master of Philosophy in Environmental Science

Abbreviations: MPhil, MPhil (Env Sc)


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Purpose of this qualification is to develop a person with a capacity of conducting high quality

original research without supervision.

For an M.Phil. degree, a candidate is required to carry out high level research under the guidance of a

person holding equal or above qualification and make a significant contribution to a particular

discipline or field. The research may be pure discipline-based or multidisciplinary.

The candidate should submit a thesis incorporating research findings, which is assessed and accepted.

The research must satisfy peer review and should merit publication. The candidate may also be

required to follow some course work as preparatory work or for value addition to research. However,

this course work shall not contribute to the credit accumulated towards the qualification.

The qualification holder should be able to carry out independent pure and/or applied research

contributing significantly towards the development of new knowledge and supervise and evaluate

original research carried out by others in the field of specialization leading to qualifications of SLQF

levels up to 9.

S/he should also be able to make judgments on complex issues in the area of expertise and

communicate her/his ideas and conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. S/he

should demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems and be able to plan

and implement tasks at professional levels.

The qualification holder should also be able to demonstrate critical awareness of current issues in the

subject area and be able to apply techniques relevant to professional practice.


A Bachelor’s degree of level 6 with a minimum of 30 credits in the relevant field or a related field

and a qualifying examination

or

a Bachelor’s degree of level 5 with a minimum GPA of 3 in the scale of 0-4 and a successful

completion of a qualifying examination which will be conducted after completion of 30 credits

equivalent to SLQF 6 in the same or related field

or

a qualification of SLQF levels 7 or 8 in the relevant field

or

completion of NVQF Level 7 with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a scale of 0-4 and a qualifying

examination equivalent to SLQF level 6 or 7

Ethical Clearance:







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Progression:

Completion of M. Phil. degree meets the entry requirement to a Doctoral degree in the same field of

specialization. A qualification shall not be awarded for early exit from an M.Phil. degree.


The period of study from the date of first registration up to the submission of the thesis to FGS is a

minimum of two years and a maximum of four years.

An extension of one year beyond the maximum period of study may be granted under special

circumstances, on the recommendation of the Supervisor, Head of Department, the Board of Study of the

Faculty, and FGS. With extensions in the case of special circumstances, the maximum duration for

completion of M.Phil. Degree requirements would be five years.

M.Phil. Degrees Offered by University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.)

The Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) program is offered by the following Faculties of the

University of Kelaniya, under the auspices of FGS:

i. Faculty of Commerce & Management Research

ii. Faculty of Humanities Research

iii. Faculty of Medicine Research

iv. Faculty of Science Research

v. Faculty of Social Science Research

Components of an M.Phil. Degree

Reading for an M.Phil. Degree at the University of Kelaniya includes submission of research proposal,

conducting research under guidance of supervisor/s, submitting progress reports every six months to FGS,

completing requirements such as courses recommended by FGS, submission of thesis and defense of

thesis (called viva voce). It is in the best interests of the candidate to consult the supervisor/s on a regular

basis. Please refer to Submission of Thesis for guidelines on writing your thesis.


23

NOTE: Candidates are required to successfully complete at least 03 courses offered by FGS or any other

Faculty, but such coursework will not contribute towards credits accumulated for the M.Phil. At least 02

of these courses must be completed in the first year of registration.

Application Procedure for M.Phil.

i. Download the M.Phil. application form from the FGS website or collect

application form from FGS, University of Kelaniya. The application form for an

M.Phil./Ph.D. Degree includes the field of research and a synopsis of the project

to be carried out [See research proposal form in this document].

ii. Pay application fee of Rs. 1000/= to the following account

People’s Bank Account No: 055-100110667549 [Application fee]

iii. Submit completed application form and receipt of payment to FGS.

Once you have completed these 3 steps, FGS or the relevant department will contact you to arrange for a

meeting and presentation with senior academics of the Faculty. The purpose of this meeting is for you to

make a presentation of your proposed research. Based on the feedback given at this meeting, you have an

opportunity to re-submit your research proposal. Approval of the relevant Head of Department, Faculty

Board of Study, FGS and Senate is required for FGS to inform you of acceptance as a candidate for the

M.Phil. Degree. At this stage, you will also be notified who your supervisor/s will be.

For your thesis: approval of the topic, and any changes thereafter, should be with the approval of the

Faculty Board of Study, FGS and Senate.

Registration & Fees

Applicants who have obtained approval of FGS and the Senate, must register for the M.Phil. Degree

within six months of gaining such approval. Thereafter, registration should be renewed at the end of each

12 month period, with the approval of the Supervisor/s, Faculty, and FGS.

Registration for the M.Phil. Degree needs to be done at FGS. Please check the section on Payment of

Fees in this document, and make payments to the following account:

People’s Bank Account No: 055-100130667553 [Registration and other fees]

A candidate who fails to renew registration before the expiry of three months from the due date, without a

valid reason, will be deemed to have voluntarily withdrawn from the program.

The registration of a candidate may be cancelled on the recommendation of the relevant Board of Study,

due to the following reasons:

(a). The information provided by the candidate in the application form is found to be incorrect

(b). Exceeding the maximum duration of the period of study


24

(c). Non-payment of registration fees or other fees within the first three months of the year

(d). Non-submission of two consecutive progress reports

(e). Violation of rules and regulations of the University of Kelaniya

(f). Unsatisfactory academic performance. In the event of the Board of Examiners deciding that

the thesis submitted by the candidate does not meet the required standard, and that the thesis

needs major revisions, and another viva voce examination has to be held, the total cost of re-

examination has to be borne by the candidate.


25

3.6. SLQF Level 10 [Ph.D.]


1. create new knowledge through original research of a quality that makes a significant contribution to development of the discipline and satisfy peer review and merit publication;

2. demonstrate critical reading and analytical skills by critically analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating data, making judgments and identifying solutions to problems;

3. demonstrate a systematic acquisition and understanding of substantial amount of knowledge in the

area of specialization and/or professional practice;

4. conceptualize, design and implement new projects to generate new knowledge and applications;

5. respond efficiently and effectively to the changing developmental needs of the discipline;

6. demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry;

7. supervise and guide original research to generate substantial insight in the discipline;

8. make judgments on complex issues in the field of specialization even in the absence of complete data and communicate ideas and conclusions effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences;

9. identify, conceptualize and provide creative insights to complex issues and problems and demonstrate self-direction and confidence in solving problems;

10. exercise high level of autonomy and initiative in professional, administrative and managerial activities;

11. demonstrate leadership and originality in tackling and solving problems; and

12. exercise personal judgment and responsibility in complex and unpredictable situations in

professional and/or managerial environments.

DOCTORAL DEGREE (p. 39-40 SLQF)


Minimum total credits: 90

Minimum credits at level 10: 90

Designators:

The typically used designator for doctoral degrees is Philosophy. Nevertheless, other designators

may be used to denote the areas of study or the discipline. E.g. Doctor of Education

Qualifiers: Maximum one

E.g.: Doctor of Philosophy in Education


26

Abbreviations: PhD, DPhil, DEd, DLitt, DSc, PhD (Education)


Purpose of this qualification is to develop a person with a capacity to generate substantive insights in

a particular area of study through high quality original research. The qualification holder should be

able to provide evidence for generating new knowledge by publications in peer reviewed indexed

journals.

For a doctoral degree, a candidate is required to carry out high level research under the guidance of a

supervisor holding a qualification of this SLQF level or equivalent and make a significant and

original academic contribution creating new knowledge. The candidate should submit a thesis

incorporating research findings which are assessed and accepted.

The candidate may also be required to follow some course work as preparatory work or for value

addition to research. However, this course work shall not contribute to the credits accumulated

towards the qualifications.

The research must satisfy peer review and should merit publication. The research may be purely

discipline-based or multidisciplinary.

The qualification holder should be able to design and carry out independent pure and/or applied

research contributing significantly towards the development of new knowledge, and supervise and

evaluate original research carried out by others in the field of specialization. S/he should be able to

demonstrate critical awareness of current issues in the subject area and apply techniques relevant to

professional practice.

The qualification holder should be able to make judgments on complex issues in specific fields and

communicate her/his ideas, views and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-

specialist groups. S/he should also be able to exercise personal judgment and responsibility even in

unpredictable situations in the professional environment.

Minimum admission requirements:

Master of Philosophy or Master’s degree with a research component. However, a candidate with an

Honours Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.7 at a scale of 0-4, who has registered to

follow an M.Phil. degree may be upgraded to PhD level after a minimum period of one year provided

that her/his research competencies are of exceptional merit.

Ethical Clearance:








27




Progression:

Doctoral degree is the highest qualification awarded within the SLQF. Early exit from a doctoral

degree with research not reaching the standards required for a doctoral degree may be considered for

the award of M.Phil. degree.



minimum of three years and a maximum of six years.




completion of Ph.D. Degree requirements is seven years.

PhD at University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) program is offered by the following Faculties of the University of

Kelaniya, under the auspices of FGS:

1. Faculty of Commerce & Management Research

2. Faculty of Humanities Research

3. Faculty of Medicine Research

4. Faculty of Science Research

5. Faculty of Social Science Research

Application Procedure for Ph.D.

Download the Ph.D. application form from the FGS website or collect application form

from FGS, University of Kelaniya. The application form for a Ph.D. Degree includes the

field of research and a synopsis of the project to be carried out [See research proposal

form in this document].

Pay application fee of Rs. 1500/= to the following account


28








PhD. Degree. At this stage, you will also be notified who your supervisor/s will be.

When writing your thesis, approval of the topic, and any changes thereafter, should be with FGS and

Senate approval.

Components of a Ph.D. Degree

Reading for a Ph.D. Degree at the University of Kelaniya includes submission of research proposal,

conducting research under guidance of supervisor/s, submitting progress reports every six months,

completing requirements such as completing course work, publication or presentation of papers based on

research, submission of thesis and defense of thesis (called viva voce). It is in the best interests of the

candidate to consult the supervisor/s on a regular basis. Please refer to Submission of Thesis for

guidelines on writing your thesis.


Faculty, but such coursework will not contribute towards credits accumulated for the M.Phil or Ph.D. At

least 02 of these courses must be completed in the first year of registration.

All PhD candidates must EITHER publish at least 01 paper based on their research in a refereed journal

OR present at least 02 papers based on their research at national or international conferences to be eligible

to be called for the viva voce examination.

Registration & Fees

Applicants who have obtained approval of FGS and the Senate, must register for the Ph.D. Degree within

six months of gaining such approval. Thereafter, registration should be renewed at the end of each 12

month period, with the approval of the Supervisor/s, Head of Department, Faculty, and FGS.

Registration for the Ph.D. Degree needs to be done at FGS. Please check the section on Payment of Fees

in these guidelines, and make payments to the following account:







29

(a). The information provided by the candidate in the application form is found to be incorrect.










30

Doctor of Medicine (D.M.)

The Doctor of Medicine (D.M.) degree is offered by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of

Kelaniya.

Faculty of Medicine, Ragama

Doctor of Medicine by Research

Admission & Eligibility

Candidature for a D.M. (Doctor of Medicine) degree must be approved by the Board of Study of the

Faculty of Medicine, FGS and the Senate. In order to be eligible for admission to the D.M. course, the

following criteria apply:

Either

(a). M.B.B.S. degree from the University of Kelaniya with a First or Second Class (Upper Division)

Honors in the final examination and/or in the examination in which the relevant subject is included.

Or

(b). In the case of a permanent member of the academic staff of the Faculty of Medicine, University of

Kelaniya, an M.B.B.S. degree from another university with a First or Second Class (Upper Division)

Honors in the final examination and/or in the examination in which the relevant subject is included.

Application Procedure for D.M.

Download the M.Phil./Ph.D. application form from the FGS website or collect

application form from FGS, University of Kelaniya. The application form for an

M.Phil./Ph.D. Degree includes the field of research and a synopsis of the project to be

carried out [See research proposal form in these guidelines].

Pay application fee of Rs. 1500/= to the following account








D.M. Degree. At this stage, you will also be notified who your supervisor/s will be.


31

Ethical Clearance:










Components of a D.M. Degree

Reading for a D.M. Degree at the University of Kelaniya includes submission of research proposal,

conducting research under guidance of supervisor/s, submitting progress reports every six months,

completing requirements such as examinations and/or seminars if any, submission of thesis and defense

of thesis (called viva voce). It is in the best interests of the candidate to consult the supervisor/s on a

regular basis. Please refer to Submission of Thesis for guidelines on writing your thesis.


Faculty, but such coursework will not contribute towards credits accumulated for the M.Phil, PhD or

D.M. At least 02 of these courses must be completed in the first year of registration.

All DM candidates must EITHER publish at least 01 paper based on their research in a refereed journal

OR present at least 02 papers based on their research at national or international conferences to be eligible

to be called for the viva voce examination.

Registration & Fees

Applicants who have obtained approval of FGS and the Senate, must register for the D.M. Degree within

six months of gaining such approval. Thereafter, registration should be renewed at the end of each 12

month period, with the approval of the Supervisor/s, Head of Department, Faculty, and FGS.

Registration for the D.M. Degree needs to be done at FGS. Please check the section on Payment of Fees

in these guidelines, and make payments to the following account:






(a). The information provided by the candidate in the application form is found to be incorrect.


32











minimum of three years and maximum of six years. In the case of part-time D.M. students, an extension

of one year is possible, totaling seven years for the D.M. An extension of two years beyond the maximum

period of study may be granted under special circumstances, on the recommendation of the Board of

Study of the Faculty of Medicine, and FGS. However, in the case of part-time students, the extension

period will be only one year beyond the maximum period of study.




completion of D.M. Degree requirements would be seven years.

Other Guidelines for D.M. Candidates

A candidate may undertake paid part time duties related to the topic of her/his research at the University

of Kelaniya, with the approval of the Supervisors/s and the Head of the Department, provided such duties

do not exceed six hours per week.

All requests made by a D.M. candidate must be addressed to the Dean, FGS, with the recommendation of

the Board of Study of the Faculty of Medicine.

Applicants/Candidates should read the sections on Registration Fees, Supervision & Progress Reports,

and Submission of Thesis for more information.


33

Evaluation Procedure, Grading Scheme & Evaluation Criteria Evaluation Procedure

For postgraduate programmes (Diplomas, Master’s level courses)

All theory courses, assignments, laboratory courses, research projects, case studies and industrial

training will be evaluated according to the criteria given in the syllabus.

Each course unit will carry a maximum of 100 marks, inclusive of assignment marks.

A grade is assigned to each course unit depending on the student’s overall performance in the course

unit.

The method of evaluation will be announced by the department at the commencement of the

particular course unit. Most courses are conducted on the continuous assessment method or a

combination of continuous assessments and examinations.

A candidate is entitled to receive a transcript giving grades obtained for each paper of the above

examination after the confirmation of results by the Senate of the University of Kelaniya.

SLQL 7: Postgraduate Diplomas

A candidate registered for a postgraduate diploma must obtain a minimum grade of C in each prescribed

course unit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 to pass a postgraduate diploma.

SLQL 7: Master’s Level Degree Programmes [1 year duration]

In the case of a Master’s degree of 1 year duration, a candidate registered for an M.A. must obtain a

minimum grade of C in each prescribed course unit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to pass the

Master’s degree.

SLQL 8: Master’s Level Degree Programmes [2 year duration]

Part I

A candidate registered for the M.A., MAF, MBA, M. Com., MPH, M. Sc., M.S.Sc. Degree Programme

must obtain a minimum grade of C in each prescribed course unit with a minimum cumulative GPA of

2.8 to pass Part I of the degree program.

Part II

The research project in Part II will be evaluated through a combination of or components of the

following: continuous assessments of progress, presentations, quarterly progress reports, dissertation and

viva-voce examination. The percentage weight of each component in the evaluation of Part II will be

announced by the department before the commencement of Part II.

The thesis/dissertation should be submitted at the end of the second academic year. Please refer to

Submission of Thesis in these guidelines for details. You will be informed by the department whether

your performance at the viva voce counts towards your overall grade.


34

A candidate must obtain a minimum grade of B- to pass Part II of the 2 year Master’s degree program.

SLQL 9 & 10: M.Phil., Ph.D. & D.M. Degrees

A candidate must obtain a minimum grade of B- in all components (examinations/seminars/presentations)

to be eligible to defend her/his thesis at the viva voce examination. The performance of the candidate at

the defence of the thesis (called viva voce) will also be graded, along with the thesis.

Candidates must be prepared to defend their theses at the viva voce examination. A 15 to 20 minute

presentation has to be made on the essence of their research. They will be evaluated on their performance

according to discussion of research objectives, methodology, findings and analysis. Marks will also be

given for presentation skills. Therefore, candidates are advised to dress formally, be prepared for the

defence with documentary evidence, and convince the examination board of their ability to defend their

findings.

The thesis submitted by the candidate requires the status of “Recommended” to be eligible for the

awarding of the M.Phil./Ph.D./M.D. Degree.

The M.Phil./Ph.D./D.M. degree will be awarded only on completion of all requirements and changes

recommended by the Examination Board. In order to be eligible for the awarding of the degree, the thesis

must be re-submitted with the Supervisor’s recommendation, within the given timeframe.

Grading System

Marks obtained in respect of a course unit will be graded according to the following Table. A Grade Point

Value as indicated in the Table is assigned to each grade.

Table I: Grading System

Range of Marks Grade Grade Point Value

85-100 A+ 4.0

70-84 A 4.0

65-69 A- 3.7

60-64 B+ 3.3

55-59 B 3.0

50-54 B- 2.7

45-49 C+ 2.3

40-44 C 2.0

35-39 C- 1.7


35

30-34 D+ 1.3

25-29 D 1.0

00-24 E 0.0

Re-sit examination for postgraduate programs

A candidate who obtains a grade below B- in a particular course unit may re-sit the examination in

respect of the course unit for the purpose of improving the grade and the best grade obtainable at a re-

sit examination is B-.

In the event a candidate who obtains a lower grade while attempting to improve the grade s/he will be

entitled to the previous grade.

A candidate is required to pay Rs. 500.00 for re-sitting an examination paper, and Rs. 10,000.00 for

repeating a laboratory course unit.

Candidates who are referred in a laboratory course unit should follow the laboratory course unit again

with the following batch of students.

A candidate repeating the examination or submitting the dissertation after the due date for

Master’s/M.Phil./Ph.D./D.M. is required to pay Rs. 2,000.00 as registration fee for each year of

extension.

Candidates should re-sit the selected papers in the postgraduate diploma or Part I of the Master’s

Degree program at the next examination held for that particular course. The maximum number of re-

sit examinations permitted will be two in two consecutive years for postgraduate diplomas and

three in three consecutive years for Master’s level programs.

Grade Point Average

Grade Point Average (GPA) is the credit-weighted arithmetic mean of the Grade Point Values, i.e. the

GPA is determined by dividing the total credit-weighted Grade Point Value by the total number of credits.

GPA shall be computed to the second decimal place.

Example: A student who has completed one course unit with two credits, three course units each of three

credits and two course units each of 1 credit with grades A, C, B, D, C+ and A+ respectively:

place) decimal second the(to 482

48462 13

332

13

043203090608

113332

041321013033023042 GPA

All the prescribed course units for a program will be taken into account in calculating the GPA for the

awarding of a postgraduate diploma or a Master’s level degree.


36

Criteria for awarding of a postgraduate diploma

A student registered for a postgraduate diploma will be awarded the postgraduate diploma if s/he satisfies

the following conditions:

(i) accumulated 30 credits in the registered course units

(ii) obtained grades of C or better in all the registered course units

(iii) obtained a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 from all the registered course units in

Part I.

(iv) completed the relevant requirements within a maximum period of two years.

Criteria for awarding of a Master’s level degree [1 year duration]

Pass

A student registered for a Master’s degree program will be awarded the M.A./M.D.S if s/he has

I. accumulated 30 credits.

II. obtained grades of C or better in all course units and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70.

Criteria for awarding of a Master’s level degree [2 year duration]

Pass

A student registered for a Master’s degree program will be awarded the

M.A./M.A.F./M.B.A./M.Com./M.Sc./M.S.Sc. if s/he has

(ii) accumulated 30 credits in Part I and 30 credits in Part II.

(iii) obtained grades of C or better in all course units in Part I and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 in

Part I.

(iv) obtained a grade of B- or better in Part II.

(iv) completed the relevant requirements within a period of four years.

Merit Pass

A student registered for a two year Master’s will be awarded the degree with a Merit Pass if s/he satisfies

the following conditions:

i. Accumulated 30 credits in Part I and 30 credits in Part II.

ii. Obtained grades B or better in all course units in Part I.

iii. Obtained a grade of A or better in Part II.

iv. Obtained a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.00 from all course units in Part I and Part II.

v. Completed the relevant requirements within a period of two years.


37

Research Proposal for M.Phil, Ph.D. & D.M. Degrees

Candidates should limit their proposals to a maximum of 15 pages.

University of Kelaniya, Research Proposal for Postgraduate Study

The purpose of this form is to clarify your research objectives. The completed form will be used to

discuss your eligibility for M.Phil./Ph.D./D.M. study at the University of Kelaniya. It follows the standard

format of a research proposal; but if you need additional categories, please add them. If you are unsure of

what a category means, it is advisable to check the internet for features of a research proposal. Your

proposal will provide the basis for your initial meeting/presentation with the Head of Department (HOD)

and senior academics of the Faculty you are applying to. If you have already had discussions with a

Faculty member whom you would like to be your Supervisor, you can say so in your proposal.

I. Proposed Degree

II. Proposed Title/Topic

III. Proposed Supervisor (optional)

IV. Introduction & Background

V. Statement of Problem

VI. Purpose of Study/Objectives

VII. Significance of Study

VIII. Theoretical Framework & Review of Literature

IX. Hypotheses & Issues (if any)

X. Methodology (design, methods, procedures)

XI. Limitations & Delimitations

XII. References

Supervision & Progress Reports

A Supervisor or Supervisors will be appointed by FGS, based on the recommendation of the Faculty

Board of Study, for a candidate who is conducting research and writing a thesis at Master’s/ M.Phil./

Ph.D./ D.M. level.

The Supervisor will be a permanent member of the academic staff, in the rank of a Senior Lecturer or

above, with academic qualifications which are equal to, or higher than the degree sought by the candidate.

Under special circumstances, Supervisor/s may be appointed from another tertiary institute.

The Supervisor will give her/his consent to the Faculty Board of Study or in writing to FGS, as the case

may be. If the Supervisor wishes to relinquish her/his duties, the letter of resignation will be submitted

through the Faculty Board of Study, to the Dean, FGS.


38

The Supervisor/s will guide the candidate in conducting research according to the norms of academic

study at postgraduate level. Regular meetings or interaction with the Supervisor/s are recommended. The

candidate needs to consult the Supervisor in the following contexts:

I. If financial assistance has been given for any aspect of the research, FGS needs to be informed

through the Supervisor/s.

II. If the candidate plans to carry out research at an institution other than the University of Kelaniya,

a letter seeking permission (written by the candidate) should be submitted to the other institute

with the name, signature and designation of the Supervisor, with a copy to FGS.

III. Progress Reports of the candidate’s performance should be signed by the Supervisor/s and

submitted to FGS, by the candidate. Progress Reports are due every six months [the Progress

Report form can be downloaded from the FGS website].

IV. Changes to approved topic must be communicated to FGS through the Supervisor/s.

V. If the change of topic is to another area of study, a fresh proposal must be submitted to relevant

BOS and FGS.

VI. The final topic/title of the thesis should be submitted for approval of FGS through the Faculty

Board of Study, three months prior to submission of thesis. This is to enable the Senate to appoint

examiners for the thesis.

VII. If the candidate changes the language of the approved thesis, s/he must inform FGS, through the

Supervisor/s and Head of Department.

VIII. If the candidate wishes to change her/his Supervisor/s, the letter must be sent through the Dean of

the Faculty to FGS, with a copy to the Supervisor/s.

IX. Submission of thesis requires the signature of the Supervisor/s.

X. If the candidate has not consulted the Supervisor/s, and has not submitted Progress Reports, the

Supervisor/s has/have the right to refuse to forward the thesis.

Submission of Thesis

A thesis is the culmination of the candidate’s research findings, submitted in written format. The terms

‘thesis’ and ‘dissertation’ are used interchangeably in the University of Kelaniya.

Format

i. The thesis must be written in the language approved by FGS and Senate.

ii. The text of the thesis must be typed or computer generated, using Times Roman font, size 12 in

the case of English, and size 12 in the case of Sinhala fonts.

iii. A4 size paper of good quality should be used.

iv. Margins of 4 cm on the left and 2.5 cm on the top, bottom, and right should be kept.

v. The title of the thesis should be printed on the title page, together with the name of the candidate

and her/his qualification/s, name of the University of Kelaniya, name of the degree for which the

thesis is submitted, and the month and year of submission.

vi. The page following the title page should carry a declaration by the candidate, certified by the

Supervisor/s that the work embodied in the thesis is her/his own, and has not been submitted for

any Diploma or Degree in this university or any other institution.

vii. The thesis should contain an Abstract of not more than 350 words, followed by 05 keywords.


39

viii. In the case of theses written in languages other than English, an Abstract in English should be

included, following the one in any other language.

ix. The numbering of figures, tables etc. and the citation and reference formats and style4 should

follow the guidelines given by the Faculty Board of Study and the Supervisor/s.

x. The candidate should ensure that spelling and grammar mistakes are to a minimum.

xi. A Ph.D./D.M. thesis should be between 80,000 and 100,000 words, and an M.Phil. thesis should

be between 50,000 and 75,000 words. This number excludes footnotes and endnotes. However,

the supervisor can decide on the length of the thesis, based on the subject area.

xii. Text must be double spaced, other than for indented information and references.

xiii. The cover page should include the title of the thesis, the name and index number of candidate, the

degree awarded and the year degree was awarded.

xiv. The spine of the thesis should have the title of the thesis.

Submission

I. The candidate should notify the Dean, FGS of her/his intention to submit the thesis on a

specific date, at least three months prior to the date of submission. If for some reason, the

candidate is unable to submit the thesis on the notified date, s/he should apply to the

Dean, FGS for an extension.

II. The candidate is responsible to ensure that all requirements are complete – such as

examinations, papers, presentations/seminars etc.

III. Candidates should provide proof of payment for the degree sought, before submission of

thesis.

IV. Initially, three temporarily bound copies of the thesis should be handed over to FGS, with

the signature of the Supervisor/s. [Temporarily bound means spiral binding or any other

similar type of binding].

V. On submission, the thesis will be sent to examiners within two weeks, if all other

requirements have been met.

Examination

a) On submission of the thesis, and the receipt of the examiners’ reports, the candidate will be called

for an oral/written examination. After the oral/written examination, the examiners may

recommend:

i. Acceptance of the thesis as is

ii. Acceptance of the thesis subject to minor corrections

iii. Acceptance of the thesis subject to major corrections

iv. Rejection of the thesis

4 Either APA (American Psychological Association) format or Harvard is the recommended style. Candidates must

ensure internal consistency and not mix the two styles.


40

b) In the case of the oral examination (also called viva voce), the Board of Examiners will consist of

the Dean, FGS (Chair), Dean of the relevant Faculty, Head of Department, Supervisor/s, and

Examiners. This is an opportunity for the candidate to defend her/his work. The defense of thesis

is open to the public, and notices will be sent to all the Faculties and the relevant department.

Members of the public will be observers, and are not entitled to ask questions, unless invited by

the examination panel to do so.

c) The candidate will be given either three months or one year, at the discretion of the Board of

Examiners, to re-submit the thesis, based on the changes pointed out at the examination.

d) Once the changes are made, and accepted by the Supervisor/s, the candidate must present three

hardbound copies to Registrar of Examinations, through the Supervisor/s, Head of Department,

and Dean, FGS.

e) Three final copies must be sewn and hardbound, with gold lettering on the spine, showing the

name with the initials of the candidate, the degree for which the thesis is submitted, and the year

of submission. The three hardbound copies should reflect the degree awarded to the candidate, as

follows:

Master’s thesis Red

M.Phil. thesis Blue

Ph.D. thesis Black

f) One copy of the final thesis will be deposited in FGS, another copy will be deposited in the

University Library, and thereafter will be subjected to the rules and regulations governing the

Library. The third copy is deposited in the relevant department.

g) The candidate should keep a hard copy and a soft copy for personal use.

h) When submitting the final version of the thesis, an electronic version of the Abstract must be

submitted to FGS.

i) Within 1 year of being awarded the degree, an electronic version of the thesis must be submitted

to FGS for inclusion in the University of Kelaniya archive of theses.


41

Application Procedure & Payment of Fees5

Payment of application fees can be done at any branch of the People’s Bank, to the following account:

People’s Bank Account No: 055-100110667549 [Application fees]

The voucher from the bank certifying payment should be submitted to FGS with the completed admission

form. The relevant department will notify you when you have been admitted to the course, so that you can

register for it.

Registration & Fees

Registration is done at FGS. Please check the registration fees listed in this document. Fees are non-

refundable unless evidence is provided of payment or reimbursement by another source. Fees must be

paid to the following account:


A. Application Fees [People’s Bank Account No: 055-100110667549]

Sri Lankans Internationals

Postgraduate Diplomas Rs. 500.00 Rs. 500.00

Master’s Level Degrees Rs. 750.00 Rs. 750.00

M.Phil. Degrees Rs. 1000.00 Rs. 1000.00

Ph.D. & D.M. Degrees Rs. 1500.00 Rs. 1500.00

B. Registration Fees [People’s Bank Account No: 055-100130667553]

Sri Lankans Internationals

Postgraduate Diplomas Rs. 1000.00 Rs. 1000.00

5 Fees are subject to change at the discretion of the Council of the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.


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Master’s Level Degrees [for each year] Rs. 1500.00 Rs. 1500.00

M.Phil. Degrees [for each year] Rs. 2000.00 Rs. 2000.00

Ph.D. & D.M. Degrees [for each year] Rs. 3000.00 Rs. 3000.00

Extension of registration [for each year] Rs. 2000.00 Rs. 2000.00

Repeating examination papers [for each] Rs. 500.00 Rs. 500.00

Repeating Laboratory course units [for each] Rs. 10,000.00 Rs. 10,000.00

C. Course Fees, Library Fees & Examination Fees [Subject to change periodically]

[Payable to People’s Bank Account No: 055-100130667553]

MBA ONLY, pay to: People’s Bank Account No: 055-100180669229


Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Mgmt Rs. 97,000/=

Master of Accounting and Finance Rs. 269,750/=

Master of Business Administration Rs. 350,000/=

Master of Commerce Rs. 150,000/=

Master of Human Resource Management Rs. 128,000/=


M.A. in Buddhist Studies Rs. 50,000/=

M.A. in Christian Studies Rs. 57,500/=

M.A. in Dancing Rs. 94,250/=

M.A. in Drama and Theatre Rs. 43,500/=

M.A. in Linguistics Rs. 60,000/=

M.A. in Literary Criticism Rs. 55,000/=

M.A. in Music Rs. 94,250/=


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M.A. in Sinhala Rs. 35,000/=

Faculty of Science

Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial & Business Mgmt.

Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology

Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics

M. Sc. in Applied Microbiology Rs. 81,500/=

M. Sc. in Aquaculture & Fisheries Management Rs. 157,500/=

M. Sc. in Biodiversity and Integrated Environment Mgmt. Rs. 54,500/=

M. Sc. in Computer Science

M. Sc. in Food & Nutrition Rs. 207,000/=

M. Sc. in Industrial and Environment Chemistry Rs. 212,000/=

M. Sc. in Management and Information Technology Rs. 275,000/=

Faculty of Social Science

Postgraduate Diploma in Regional Planning Rs. 50,500/=

M.A. in Archaeology Rs. 55,000/=

M.A. in Economics Rs. 55,000/=

M.A. in Geography Rs. 55,000/=

M.A. in History Rs. 55,000/=

M.A. in Library and Information Science Rs. 55,000/=

M.A. in Mass Communication Rs. 55,000/=

M.A. in Philosophy Rs. 55,000/=

M.A. in Political Science Rs. 55,000/=

M.A. in Sociology Rs. 55,000/=


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M.S.Sc. in Archaeology Rs. 65,000/=

M.S.Sc. in Economics Rs. 65,000/=

M.S.Sc. in Geography Rs. 65,000/=

M.S.Sc. in History Rs. 65,000/=

M.S.Sc. in Library and Information Science Rs. 65,000/=

M.S.Sc. in Mass Communication Rs. 65,000/=

M.S.Sc. in Philosophy Rs. 65,000/=

M.S.Sc. in Political Science Rs. 65,000/=

M.S.Sc. in Sociology Rs. 65,000/=

D. M.Phil., Ph.D. & D.M. Fees

Fee structure for Sri Lankan students

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) (Three year research degree)

First year

Registration fee = Rs.3,000/=

Supervision fee = Rs.7,500/=

Library fee (Non refundable) = Rs.2,000/=

Library fee (Refundable) = Rs.5,000/=

Total for First Registration = Rs. 17,500/=

From the second year onwards

Registration fee (Annual) = Rs.2,000/=

Supervision fee (Annual) = Rs.10,000/=

Total for Registration = Rs. 12,000/= (Per each subsequent year)

Examination Fee = Rs. 18,500/=

Total for three years = Rs.17,500/- + (Rs. 12,000/- x 2) + Rs.18,500/- = Rs.60,000/-


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Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) (Two year research degree)

First year Registration fee = Rs.3,000/=

Supervision fee = Rs.4,500/=

Library fee (Non refundable) = Rs.2,000/=

Library fee (Refundable) = Rs.5,000/=

Total for First Registration = Rs. 14,500/=

Second year

Registration fee (Annual) = Rs.2,000/=

Supervision fee (Annual) = Rs.8,000/=

Total for Registration = Rs. 10,000/=

Examination Fee = Rs. 15,500/=

Total for two years = Rs.14,500/- + Rs. 10,000/- + Rs.15,500/- = Rs. 40,000/-

Doctor of Medicine (D.M.) (Three years research degree)

Fees are the same as for the Ph.D.

In addition to the above fees, candidates are required to pay any other fees recommended by the

relevant department of study, i. e. Bench fee, Laboratory fee, etc.

FEES PAYABLE BY FOREIGN STUDENTS6 AND NON-CITIZENS Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) (Three year research degree)

First year

Registration fee = LKR 3,000/= Supervision fee = USD 1,000 Library fee = LKR 2,000/=

Total for First Registration = Rs. 5,000/= + USD 1,000

6 Students from SAARC countries will pay 50% of fees.


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E. Second year

Registration fee = LKR 2,000/= Supervision fee = USD 1,000

Total for Second Registration

= Rs. 2,000/= + USD 1,000

F. Third year

Registration fee = LKR 2,000/= Supervision fee = USD 1,000

Total for Third Registration = Rs. 2,000/= + USD 1,000

Examination Fee = LKR 15,000/=

G. Total for three years

First Year = LKR 5,000/= + USD 1,000 Second Year = LKR 2,000/= + USD 1,000 Third Year = LKR 2,000/= + USD 1,000 Examination Fee = LKR 15,000/=

Total Course Fee = LKR 24,000/=

+ USD 3,000

(the full amount of fees LKR 24,000/= + USD 3000 could be paid at the first registration or by

installments as indicated above).

In addition to the above fees, candidates are required to pay any other fees recommended by

the relevant department of study, i. e. Bench fee, Laboratory fee, etc.

If the candidate takes longer than the required period for a degree, s/he must extend her/his

registration, and pay the Second Year fees for all subsequent years.

Refunding Fees

In the case of taught, fee-levying postgraduate courses, within the first three months from the

day the course commences, a candidate may withdraw her/his registration and be entitled to a

refund of 85% of course fees. After three months, no reimbursements can be made. This

decision was made with effect from Jan. 01, 2013, with the approval of the Council of the

University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.


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Documents

SRI LANKA QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK [SLQF] Adapted for ...€¦ · 3.4 Masters Degree 3.5 Master of Philosophy Degree 3.6 Doctoral Degree 4. D.M. (DOCTOR OF MEDICINE) 5. EVALUATION