Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

| Areas of Research

Candidates may pursue research in the following areas:

• Linguistics

• Translation Studies

Depending on the research focus, candidates will be assigned qualified supervisors from the Department of Linguistics. Where multidisciplinary expertise is required, co-supervisors from related disciplines may be appointed.

| Nature of the Programme

The PhD is a research-intensive degree. Candidates are required to conduct independent, original research under academic supervision and submit a thesis at the end of the programme. The FGS emphasizes empirical research, meaning applicants should be prepared to collect and analyze primary data rather than relying solely on library sources or secondary materials.

| Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the PhD program in Linguistics, an applicant typically must meet one of the following criteria:

• Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Degree: Possession of an MPhil degree (SLQF Level 11) in a relevant discipline, or a related field from a recognized university.

• Master’s Degree with Research: A Master’s degree (SLQF Level 10) of at least two years’ duration, including a significant research component (thesis/dissertation), in a relevant discipline.

• Upgrading from MPhil: Candidates currently registered for an MPhil at the University of Kelaniya may apply to "upgrade" to a PhD. 

• Bachelor’s Honours Degree: In exceptional cases, a candidate with a Bachelor’s Honours degree (SLQF Level 6) with a First Class or Second Class (Upper Division) may be considered, provided they demonstrate significant research potential and meet additional criteria set by the Senate.

| Admission Procedure

Applicants must submit a formal application along with a comprehensive research proposal to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. The selection and registration process includes:

• Proposal Submission: Directed to the Board of Study in Humanities and the Department of Linguistics.

• Evaluation & Presentation: A presentation of the proposal is made to a panel of senior academics at the FGS.

• Appointment of Supervisors: Supervisor(s) are officially appointed once the candidate’s eligibility and proposal are accepted.

• Registration: The applicant becomes a PhD candidate after completing formal registration and payment of fees.

| Duration of the Programme

• Official Duration: 3 Years

• Maximum Extension: 3 Years

• Maximum Re-registration: 1 Year

• Maximum Total Duration: 7 Years

| Programme Requirements

To qualify for the degree, candidates must complete the following:

• Ethical Clearance: Mandatory where applicable to the research.

• Progress Reports: Submission of six progress reports (one every 06 months) via the supervisor.

• Progress Presentations: Two successful presentations to monitor research development.

• Skills Development: Participation in programs conducted by the FGS.

• Publication: Publish one full research paper in a recognized journal (as per the Research Council guidelines) for students registered after 01.01.2023.

• Thesis Submission & Viva: Successful defense of the thesis in a Viva Voce examination.

| Application Requirements

Applicants should submit:

• Printed application form and payment slip (Rs. 4,000 application fee).

• Certified copies of Degree Certificates and transcripts.

• Certified copy of Birth Certificate.

• Synopsis of the Research Proposal.

• Details of published research (articles, books, journals) and professional qualifications.

| Application Procedure

Applications are accepted throughout the year. There is no closing date.

Completed applications should be submitted to:

Deputy Registrar
Faculty of Graduate Studies
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lanka

Applications may be handed over to the Faculty of Graduate Studies or sent by registered post.

| Contact Information

Faculty of Graduate Studies
University of Kelaniya
Email: fgs@kln.ac.lk
Telephone: +94 11 2332746 / +94 11 2334278 / +94 11 2446409

| Further Information

For comprehensive guidelines, fee updates, and application forms, please visit the official program page: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – Faculty of Graduate Studies