Postgraduate Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences University of Peradeniya - Master of Arts Degree (Coursework and Research) (MA Stream I)

This two-year masters’ degree programme provides opportunities for students to obtain a thorough knowledge in the area of study, develop critical thinking and analytical skills, research abilities and soft skills by following coursework requirements and undertaking a research under the guidance of a supervisor. The students follow 600 level courses in the first year and complete a thesis in the second year. This degree is placed at SLQF Level 10 and is a requirement for confirmation and promotion of service in academic fields. It also trains students to undertake advanced research leading to MPhil and PhD degrees.

Disciplines of Study

Students can follow a programme leading to degree of Master of Arts from the PGIHS of the University of Peradeniya in the following disciplines: 

Geography, Sociology, Archaeology, History, Political Science, Sinhala, Tamil, English, Arabic, Economics, Philosophy, Buddhist Studies, Pali, Sanskrit, Greek and Roman Studies, Fine Arts, Hindu Civilization, Islamic Civilization.

Admission Requirements

Applicants with the following qualification may be admitted to Master of Arts (Coursework and Research) degree programme: 

• A Bachelor’s degree (Special/Honours) in the relevant subject; OR
• A Bachelors’ (General/ Combined) degree with minimum 30 credits from the relevant subject area with a minimum of average B grade or equivalent grade point in the relevant subject area ; OR
• A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline and a Postgraduate Diploma in the relevant subject area; OR
• An equivalent qualification acceptable to the relevant Board of Study of the Institute

Qualification Requirements

A student registered for Master of Arts (Coursework and Research) degree programme at the PGIHS will be awarded the Degree of Master of Arts in the discipline registered for upon successful completion of

• 30 credits from coursework,
• a thesis of 20,000-30,000 words (equivalent to 30 credits), and
• a viva-voce examination of the thesis.