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Masters ProgrammesIntake 2026
Application closing date is 20th July 2026
Introduction
The Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo, presents the Master of Counselling and Psychosocial Support (MCP), a one-year postgraduate degree programme positioned at Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF) Level 09. The programme offers a focused, practice-oriented pathway to a Master’s qualification, designed for graduates and professionals seeking to advance their careers in counselling and psychosocial support without the extended commitment of a two-year, research-intensive degree. By-Laws governing the programme come into effect from January 2026.
- To provide a focused, practice-oriented pathway to a Master’s qualification in counselling and psychosocial support.
- To enable graduates and professionals to advance their careers without the extended commitment of a two-year, research-intensive degree.
- To fulfill the academic and professional goals of students in line with their career aspirations and organizational requirements.
- To equip students with practical counselling skills, psychosocial assessment techniques, and effective treatment planning strategies.
- To develop competencies in designing and managing community-based mental health and psychosocial support projects.
- To provide a comprehensive understanding of psychosocial counselling theories, approaches, and professional ethics.
Semester 1
MCP 6101 – Psychosocial Counselling Theories, Approaches, and Ethics
MCP 6102 – Community-Based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support
MCP 6103 – Psychosocial Support Project Design and Management
MCP 6104 – Research Methods for Counselling and Psychosocial Support
Semester II
MCP 6205 – Counselling Skills, Assessments, and Treatment Planning
MCP 6206 – Seminar on Practical Application of Counselling Skills and Psychosocial Interventions
MCP 6207 – Practice Placement
MCP 6208 – Independent Study (Guided)
- Duration: One academic year (minimum registration period; maximum three academic years)
- Two semesters comprising seven taught courses and a guided Independent Study
- Total of 30 credits: 22 credits from coursework + 8 credits from Independent Study (8,000–9,000 words)
- Medium of instruction, communication and examination: English Mode of delivery: Conventional, ICT-driven online, or a combination of multi-modes
By-law of MCP (One Year)
- Duration: One year
- Weekend Programme
- SLQF level: 9
- Number of Credits: 30
- Medium of Instructions: English
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized University/ Institution in a field relevant to the subject matter/s of Psychology; OR
- Any other Bachelor’s degree, with prior learning/work experience relevant to the subject of Counselling and Social Work; OR
- A Postgraduate Diploma (SLQF 8) from a recognized University/ Institution or an equal qualification acceptable to the Board of Graduate Studies and Senate of the University of Colombo with prior learning/ work experience in a field relevant to the subject matter/s of Psychology and Counselling; OR
- A Professional qualification from a recognized professional body acceptable to the Board of Graduate Studies and Senate of University of Colombo with prior learning/ work experience in a field relevant to the subject of Psychology and Counselling; OR
- Completion of NVQ level 7 (equivalent to Bachelor’s degree in SLQF) with relevant work experience in a field relevant to the subject matter/s of Psychology and Counselling as determined by the Board of Graduate Studies and Senate of the University of Colombo;
AND
- A good knowledge of English language and satisfactory performance at a selection test and/ or selection interview.
- A person who wishes to apply for the FGS programmes shall forward the application to the Senior Assistant Registrar, Faculty of Graduate Studies, No.35/30, Pro. Stanley Wijesundara Mawatha, Colombo 07.
- Applications can be downloaded from (fgs.cmb.ac.lk) the faculty website.
- The students will be selected through an interview.
- The next intake will be announced via the website, at the time of calling for applicants.
Course Fee ( Local Students)
Application Fee: LKR 3,000/-
Registration Fee: LKR 5,000/-
Course Fee: LKR 254,500/-
Library Fee: LKR 1,500/-
Examination Fee: LKR 14,000/-
(Per one paper 2,000*7)
Refundable Library Deposit: LKR 5,000/-
(Rs. 2,500/= per card)
Course Fee ( Foreign Students)
Application Fee: 40 USD
Registration Fee: 65 USD
Course Fee: 3,407 USD
Library Fee: 20 USD
Examination Fee: 175 USD
Refundable Library Deposit (Optional): LKR 5000/=
(Rs. 2,500/= per card)
- Professor Chandani Liyanage
- Professor M.T.M. Mahees
- Dr H.M.C.J. Herath
- Dr Anula Ratnayake
- Dr Kanthi Hettigoda
- Dr Nilanga Abeysinghe
- Dr Naren Selvaratnam
- Dr Vimala Periyannanpillai
- Dr Unnathi Samaraweera
- Dr Mahesh Premarathna
- Mr Rajitha Fernando
- Mr R.M.G. Karunarathne
Course Coordinator
Dr. H. M. C. J. Herath
PhD, China
Email: hmche@ou.ac.lk
Course Assistant
Ms. Isurika
Email: mcp@fgs.cmb.ac.lk
Phone: (+94) 11 205 56 56
