About

The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) of the University of Colombo is a pioneer Graduate Faculty in Sri Lanka. It was established in terms of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Ordinance No. 03 of 1987 (subsequently amended as the Faculty of Graduate Studies Ordinance No. 05 of 2020) made by the University Grants Commission under the Universities Act 16 of 1978. The mandate of the FGS is to “sponsor, coordinate and regulate postgraduate studies and specialized or multi-disciplinary research carried out within the University of Colombo.” The Council of the University of Colombo, the Senate, Faculty Board of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Board of Study for Development Studies, and the Board of Study for Professional Studies comprises the Governing structure. The Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies is appointed for a term of three years by the Vice Chancellor on the recommendation of the Council of the University of Colombo.

At present, the Faculty of Graduate Studies conducts twenty-nine (29) study programmes. Among the programmes offered are Two (02) Executive Diplomas, Ten (10) Postgraduate Diplomas and Fifteen (15) Masters Programmes (Includes 10 Masters with Course work and 05 Masters with Research), a Master of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology and an interdisciplinary Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Philosophy (MPhil/PhD) programme   to provide advanced knowledge and create human capital for growth and development of the country. Some of these programmes are offered both online as well as onsite and during weekdays and/or weekends. All the Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters and MPhil/PhD programmes have been aligned with the Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF). The entry qualifications and exit levels match with the SLQF level descriptors and similarly the volume of learning for the award of the degree is thus fulfilled. Resource Persons are drawn from Senior Academic Staff of the University of Colombo, as well as from the Industrial Sector.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies has embarked on teaching, learning and research on achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country with many new course modules incorporated in the postgraduate degree programmes offered. As the premier Faculty of Graduate Studies in the country, it produces many postgraduate students qualified with academic excellence and skills required for sustainable development of Sri Lanka and the world. The faculty publishes the Colombo Journal of Multi-Disciplinary Research (CJMR) and conducts Annual Research Conference and Women’s Day Symposium to disseminate new knowledge.

Vision

“To be a centre of excellence, creativity, and innovation within the realms of postgraduate education and research for the betterment of society”

Mission

“To foster the enrichment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and human capital for sustainable development through postgraduate education and research.”