Master of Philosophy (MPhil.)

The main objective of the MPhil courses is to train candidates who can envision an independent research and writing career without supervision in one of the specializations oﬀered at PGIAR.

Aims and objectives of the MPhil courses:

The main objective of the MPhil courses is to train candidates who can envision an independent research and writing career without supervision in one of the following specializations offered at PGIAR:

Archaeology (AR) | Museology (MU) | Heritage (HR) | Art History (AH)

Course Details

Duration:
• Minimum – 2 years
• Maximum – 4 years
• Extension – 1 additional year beyond the maximum period

Medium: English

Number of Credits: 60 Credits

🏛️ Admission Criteria: MPhil Program

To be eligible for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) program, applicants must meet one of the following academic requirements:

🎓 Academic Requirements

Special Bachelor’s Degree
- Must be in a relevant subject with a Second Class Upper Division or above.
- Note: Equivalent qualifications approved by the Board of Studies, Board of Management, and the University of Kelaniya are also accepted.
Master of Arts (MA) Degree
- A two-year program (Research, Taught, or Coursework & Research) in a relevant subject.
Master of Science (MSc) Degree
- A two-year program (Coursework & Research) in a relevant subject.

📝 Definition of "Relevant Subjects"

The eligibility depends on your chosen field of study at the PGIAR. Please find your specific field below to see if your previous degree qualifies:

For Archaeology: Archaeology, History, Sociology, Geology, Geography, Geomorphology, Ecology, Palaeoecology, Pedology, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology.
For Museology: Archaeology, History, Anthropology, Tourism, Fine Arts, Science (Chemistry, Biology, Botany).
For Heritage Studies: Archaeology, History, Art History, Anthropology, Architecture, Science (Chemistry, Physics, Botany, Zoology), Engineering, Technology, Management.
For Art History: Archaeology, Design, Anthropology, Architecture, Literature, Languages, Sociology, Fine Arts, History.

📘 Course Structure

🔹 Programme Overview
• This is a 60-credit, 4-semester research degree programme 🎓
• Designed to develop advanced research skills 🔍

🔹 Nature of the Programme
• The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree consists of no taught courses ❌📚
• Assessment is based entirely on research and thesis completion 📝

🎓 Credits Allocation
• 60 credits are earned through the satisfactory completion of the MPhil thesis 📖✔️

🔹Field Experience Requirement
• Mandatory Field Experience Period of 30 days 🏞️⛏️
• Practical exposure to support research work and academic training

Payment Details
Application fee Rs. 1500, International Candidate USD 20
Registration fee Rs. 2000, International Candidate USD 25

🎓 Standard Course Fee

Total Course Fee: Rs. 325,000 (International: USD 2,500)

Payment Method (3 Installments):

First Installment: Rs. 110,000 — Payable at the time of registration.

Second Installment: Rs. 110,000 — Payable before the commencement of the second academic year.

Third Installment: Rs. 105,000 — Payable before the end of the second academic year.

🏛️ Special Payment Structure (Government Staff)

This concession is available only for candidates holding permanent positions at the Central Cultural Fund, Department of Archaeology, or Department of National Museum.

Total Discounted Fee: Rs. 275,000

Installment Plan:

First Installment: Rs. 100,000 — Payable at registration.
Second Installment: Rs. 87,500 — Payable before the commencement of the second academic year.
Third Installment: Rs. 87,500 — Payable before submitting the thesis.

⚠️ Important Requirement: If the candidate's respective institute pays on behalf of the student, the full course fee of Rs. 325,000 must be paid in total.