The Postgraduate Diploma Programme in Economics aims at equipping students with knowledge and tools of economic analysis and the ability to use those tools in explaining economic problems and issues. The programme is especially designed for graduates with no background in Economics.

Successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Economics can be a stepping stone (if so desired) to more technical Masters’ degree programmes in Economics.

Courses offered:

Apart from the above courses, students are required to follow courses equivalent to 6 credits from other disciplines to complete the programme.

Applicants with the following qualification may be admitted to follow the Postgraduate Diploma programme in a given discipline:

1. A Bachelors’ degree; OR
2. An equivalent qualification as acceptable to the relevant Board of Study

The Master of Arts degree in Applied Economics aims at providing students with the ability to apply theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to describe economic problems and issues and their causes and find solutions to them. The programme provides a solid foundation in Economics, an overview of contemporary economic issues and policy and exposure to the field of application. In the context of a rapidly globalizing economy, there is an increasing demand for postgraduates equipped with these skills and knowledge.

Applicants with the following qualification may be admitted to follow the Master of Arts degree in Applied Economics:

1. A Bachelor’s degree, OR
2. An equivalent qualification as accepted by the Board of Study, AND
3. Two years of work experience

The programme intends to cater to graduates who have obtained their first degree from a discipline other than Economics and who aspire to obtain postgraduate training in Applied Economics. Prior work experience enables students to apply their training to work environment settings.

The Master of Arts degree programme in Economics aims at providing students with sound theoretical and applied knowledge of modern economic problems and the ability to understand and grapple with economic issues through a scientific and methodological approach. The programme caters to graduates from Economics and related disciplines who aspire to obtain postgraduate training in Economics. Upon completion of the programme, students are expected to cater to work requirements either at their current work organizations or elsewhere. In the context of a rapidly globalizing world, such opportunities are not limited to the national boundaries of a single country either.

Students should complete 24 credits from courses and 6 credits from the guided project to complete the degree

Applicants with the following qualification may be admitted to follow the Master of Arts degree programme:

1. A Bachelor’s degree (Special/Honours) in the relevant subject, OR
2. A Bachelor’s (General/ Combined) degree with 30 credits from the relevant subject area with a minimum of average B grade or equivalent grade point in the relevant subject area, OR
3. A Bachelors’ degree in any discipline and a Postgraduate Diploma in the relevant subject area, OR
4. An equivalent qualification as accepted by the relevant Board of Study

The Master of Arts degree by coursework and research is a two year degree programme which is placed at the SLQF Level 10. It provides opportunities for students to obtain a comprehensive knowledge in the relevant 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 of the discipline in the first year of the registration and complete a thesis in the second year. It prepares students to undertake advanced research projects under the Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy degree programmes.

Applicants with the following qualification may be admitted to follow the Master of Arts degree programme:

1. A Bachelor’s degree (Special/Honours) in the relevant subject, OR
2. A Bachelor’s (General/ Combined) degree with 30 credits from the relevant subject area with a minimum of average B grade or equivalent grade point in the relevant subject are, OR
3. A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline and a Postgraduate Diploma in the relevant subject area, OR
4. An equivalent qualification as acceptable to the relevant Board of Study

The Master of Development Practice (MDP) is a two-year graduate-level global multi-disciplinary programme geared toward equipping development professionals with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to address today’s complex development challenges. The Global MDP programme(see www.mdpglobal.org ) which began in 2009 at Columbia University in New York with 23 students now reaches out to over 1500 participants from 25 universities in 20 countries. The PGIHS of University of Peradeniya is proud to be the only Institute in Sri Lanka-and one of only five in Asia-selected to offer the MDP programme.The programme prepares students to work across different fields spanning Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Health Sciences and Management.

For programme details visit: http://pgihs.lk/mdp/

The Master of Philosophy is a two year full-time research degree programme which allows a student to specialize in an area of study or discipline by conducting an in-depth research. However, students may be asked by the relevant Board of Study to follow recommended courses in their first year of registration on a non-credit basis. The coursework may facilitate the research work of the student to expand his/her knowledge on fundamental theories, research methodology, analytical tools and techniques. This degree is placed at SLQF Level 11 and is a requirement for promotion of service in academic fields and for admission to doctoral studies.

Applicants with the following qualification may be admitted to follow the Master of Philosophy degree programme:

1. A Master’s degree in the relevant subject area, OR
2. A Bachelor’s (Special/Honours) degree with First/ Second Class (Upper Division ) pass in the relevant subject area, OR
3. Any other equivalent qualification as acceptable to the relevant Board of Study.

The Doctor of Philosophy, a three-year full-time research degree, allows students to further specialize in an area of study or discipline by conducting extensive research in the relevant field. Students may be asked by the relevant Board of Study to follow a few recommended courses on a non-credit basis. The training aims at transforming a graduate to a highly skilled scientific researcher with effective communication and interpersonal skills. This degree is placed at Level 12 of the SLQF.

Applicants with the following qualification may be admitted to follow the Doctor of Philosophy degree programme:

1. A Master of Philosophy degree in the relevant subject area, OR
2. A Master’s degree with a research component in the relevant subject area; OR
3. A Master’s degree with research publications of good quality in the area of study as acceptable to the relevant Board of Study.