The main objective of the MSc. is to train archaeologists who can envision a professional career in archaeology. Msc. Degree in Archaeology is specially designed for those who can envision a professional career in archaeology. Admission to the MSc. in Archaeology program is LIMITED and COMPETITIVE.
Course Details
Duration: Two year
Medium: English
Number of Credits: 60 credits
Lecturing: On Classroom & Distance Learning
Admission Criteria
2.1. Bachelor’s Degree in archaeology and history awarded by any University and UGC approved institution;
Or
2.2. Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline offered by any university and UGC approved institution, along with successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Archaeology offered by the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology;
Or
2.3. Passed a Postgraduate Diploma in any of the following relevant disciplines (Art History, Museology,
Heritage, History, Archaeology and Conservation Science) offered by any University and UGC approved institution;
Or
2.4. Passed a Master of Arts degree (course-work) awarded by any university and UGC approved institution;
Or
2.5. Any other equivalent qualification acceptable to the Board of Studies/Board of Management at the PGIAR, University of Kelaniya.
3. Pre-requisites or other conditions pertaining to admission criteria:
Applicants must demonstrate satisfactorily their involvement in archaeology or in a related subject at
professional level by submitting relevant documents and two letters of recommendation by recognized
professionals in archaeology or the related field. Candidates are required to sit for an interview with the panel
appointed by the Graduate Review Committee of PGIAR.
Application 👇
Course Structure
The MSc. Degree consists of 8 compulsory course units; a compulsory field experience period of 30 days and the submission of a thesis of an approved topic:
Semester 1:
MSAR 61014 Archaeological thoughts / compulsory/ 4 credits
MSAR 61024 Advanced Epigraphy and Numismatics / compulsory/ 4 credits
MSAR 61034 Ancient technology / compulsory/ 4 credits
MSAR 61043 Managing Heritage / compulsory/ 3 credits
Semester 2:
MSAR 62054 Methodologies for characterizing cultural materials / compulsory/ 4 credits
MSAR 62063 Mortuary Archaeology / compulsory/ 3 credits
MSAR 62074 Advance Environmental Archaeology / compulsory/4 credits
MSAR 62084 Field Archaeology / compulsory/ 4 credits
MSFEP Field Experience Period: 20 days in the field doing site planning, field explorations, excavation, lab work, etc. /compulsory/ must complete before the end of the 2nd semester of the program.
Note: Fulltime participation of the 15-day Field School conducted by the PGIAR shall be counted in lieu of the 30-day Field Experience Period. If a candidate fails to participate for the entire duration of the 15-day Field School conducted by the PGIAR, he/she will have to present other forms of evidence to demonstrate that the candidate has acquired the specific experiences as mentioned at 7.3.3 above. Such certification can come only from professionals approved by the Boards of Study of PGIAR.
Total number of credits earned by taught course units: 30
Number of credits earned by satisfactory completion of the MS thesis: 30
Total number of credits earned for the fulfillment of requirements for the award of the Master of Science Degree in Archaeology: 60 (30+30)
Payment Details
Application fee Rs. 1500, International Candidate USD 20
Registration fee Rs. 2000, International Candidate USD 25
Total Course Fee Rs. 225,000, International Candidate USD 1500 (USD 1000+ USD 500)
The course fee can be paid in three installments.
The first installment of Rs. 85,000/= should be paid with the registration.
The remaining amounts Rs. 75,000/= must be paid before commencement of second
academic year & Rs. 65,000/= must be paid before end of the second academic year.
*For the candidates who are currently working at permanent positions at Central Cultural Fund, Department of
Archaeology and Department of National Museum are applicable to follow up below payment structure.
Master of Science [Course work & Research] Rs. 175,000.00[60000+60000+55000]
The course fee can be paid in three installments.
The first installment of Rs. 60000.00 should be paid with the
registration. Balance amount should be paid before commencement of second academic year.
*Note: If the respective Institute pays on behalf of the student they are obliged to pay the full course
fee of Rs.225, 000/=