Developing Researchers, Advancing Knowledge, Creating Impact.
At the University of Colombo, the number one university in the country, we believe that doctoral education is more than completing a thesis. It is a journey of developing the knowledge, skills, confidence, and intellectual independence required to become an accomplished researcher and contribute meaningfully to society.
The MPhil/PhD Programme of the Faculty of Management and Finance provides a rigorous and supportive research environment for aspiring researchers to undertake research in management, finance, accounting, human resource management, marketing, international business, business economics, tourism and leisure management, and related fields. The programme combines structured research training, intellectual mentorship, independent research, and engagement with a vibrant academic community.
Research Training for International Standards
Our programme provides comprehensive training in research design, methodology, critical thinking, academic writing, scholarly communication, and the responsible conduct of research. The first year of research training is common to all research students, providing a strong foundation for their individual research projects.
Students work closely with experienced academic supervisors to develop and refine their research ideas, strengthen their theoretical and methodological foundations, and produce research that meets rigorous academic standards. Personalised academic guidance supports students as they progress from an initial research idea towards a meaningful scholarly contribution.
More Than Supervision: A Supportive Research Environment
Successful doctoral research requires more than a supervisor and a research proposal. It requires sustained academic engagement, opportunities to learn from others, and support throughout the research journey.
In addition to individual supervision, students can engage in research seminars, academic discussions, peer learning, and research development activities. Research writing retreats provide dedicated time and space to focus on academic writing, receive feedback, and make meaningful progress. Personalised assistance further supports students in addressing the challenges they encounter at different stages of their research.
Our emphasis is on developing confident and independent researchers who can formulate meaningful research questions, undertake rigorous research, communicate their findings effectively, and contribute to scholarly and professional communities.
A Vibrant Research Community
Our academic staff bring diverse research expertise across management and finance, enabling students to engage with different perspectives, approaches, and areas of scholarship. The programme also encourages collaboration with academic, professional, industry, and community stakeholders, helping students connect their research with contemporary organisational and societal challenges.
Pathways to the PhD
The MPhil/PhD Programme offers two pathways. Students entering through the MPhil leading to PhD pathway initially undertake MPhil studies and may progress to the PhD upon meeting the required academic and research progress criteria. Applicants with substantial research experience and appropriate qualifications, such as an MPhil or another recognised research degree, may enter directly into the PhD pathway, subject to applicable requirements.
Regardless of the pathway, all research students undertake the common first-year research training, providing a shared foundation for advanced research.
Become Part of a Legacy of Scholarship
Graduates of the programme are equipped to pursue careers as researchers, academics, practitioners, and leaders, contributing to the understanding and development of management and finance practices, processes, and policies in national and international contexts.
By joining the MPhil/PhD Programme of the Faculty of Management and Finance, you become part of the University of Colombo's continuing tradition of discovering and disseminating knowledge, fostering innovation, and encouraging broad intellectual inquiry. You will embark on a journey towards becoming an independent scholar, supported by rigorous research training, experienced academic guidance, and a community committed to research excellence.
Begin your research journey with us and contribute to knowledge that matters.
Why Choose the Faculty
of Management and Finance MPhil/PhD Programme?
Our MPhil/PhD Programme offers a distinctive research experience specifically designed for scholars in management and related disciplines.
Focused Research Environment
The programme is exclusively focused on management, finance, accounting, human resource management, marketing, international business, business economics, tourism and leisure management, and related areas. This enables research training, supervision, and academic support to be closely aligned with the needs of management researchers.
Research Training of International Standards
Students benefit from rigorous research training delivered by leading academics and researchers in the country, covering research methodology, theory development, academic writing, critical thinking, and scholarly communication.
A Structured Research Journey
A structured programme provides guidance at key stages of the research journey—from developing a research idea and proposal to research design, analysis, writing, and dissemination—while progressively developing students' research independence.
Personalised Support and Research Development
Beyond individual supervision, students benefit from personalised academic assistance, research writing retreats, seminars, peer learning, and research development activities that support their progress throughout the programme.
A Community of Researchers
Students become part of a vibrant research community where they can exchange ideas, receive feedback, learn from experienced academics and peers, and engage with wider academic and professional communities.
Our ultimate aim is to develop confident, capable, and independent researchers who make meaningful contributions to scholarship and practice.
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Coordinator
MPhil/PhD program
Eligibility Criteria
Advice to applicants
You have to submit the following in applying for the program
- Duly filled application
- Research proposal
- The length of the research proposal sould be between 1000 -1500 words
- It should contain:
- A tentative topic
- The background and the need of the suggested research (research gap)
- The research issue/problem
- Significance of your proposed study
- The intended research method
- Major references and proposed methodology
- Reference (does not inlcude in the word count)
3. The reference letters
- At least one reference must be from someone who knows you in your most recent academic study and is qualified to comment on your suitability for your chosen programme of study.
- Include the following in the reference report
- Relationship to the applicant
- How long the applicant is known to the referee
- Assessment of the applicant as to the potential for pursuing studies at a MPhil/PhD level (Please explain in detail)
- Referees should directly email the reference reports to the following address
- Scanned copies of the academic credential,
- The receipt of the application fee payment
How to Apply
Application Procedure
Please visit the website and download the application form using Download Button
Email duly filled application form along with scanned copies of Educational Certificate and Research Proposal to mphil-phd@mgmt.cmb.ac.lk
Application Fee Rs. 5000 is payable online: https://pay.cmb.ac.lk/
After evaluating application, the eligible candidates will be called for an interview which would be face to face or online.
Program Fee Structure for Local Students
| Year 1 Rs. |
Year 2 Rs. |
Year 3 Rs. |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Refundable library deposit | 5,000 | - | - |
| Annual Registration fee | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 |
| Library fee | 2,000 | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| Tuition fee | 463,000 | 463,000 | 463,000 |
| Total course fee | 490,000 | 485,000 | 485,000 |
Program Fee Structure for Foreign Students
| Year 1 USD |
Year 2 USD |
Year 3 USD |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Total course fee | 4,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 |
Online Payment
Instruction for paying online - Application Fee
Instruction for paying online - Course Fee
Programme Structure
The MPhil/PhD Programme is designed as a structured research journey that progressively develops students’ research knowledge, methodological expertise, academic writing skills, and capacity to undertake independent research. All research students begin with a common programme of research training before developing and undertaking their individual research projects.
1. Research Methodology and Preparation for Research
The initial research training provides a strong foundation for advanced research and comprises four integrated modules:
| Module | Key Components | Credits | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module I: Foundation for Research | Philosophy of Social Science Research; Research Methodology; Academic Writing & Ethics | 4 | 60 |
| Module II: Research Seminar Series | Research presentations, scholarly discussions and research development | 1 | 15 |
| Module III: Literature Review | Systematic engagement with the literature and development of the theoretical foundation for the research | 2 | 30 |
| Module IV: Advanced Methodological Studies | Social Theories; Advanced Quantitative Research Methods or Advanced Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | 45 |
Total Research Training: 10 Credits | 150 Hours
The research training equips students with the theoretical, methodological, analytical, and academic writing capabilities required to undertake rigorous independent research
2. Research Proposal Development and Approval
Following successful completion of the research training, students develop and submit their research proposal for approval. During this stage, students refine their research questions, theoretical foundations, methodology, and research design with guidance from their supervisors.
3. MPhil or PhD Pathway
Following successful approval of the research proposal, students may progress through one of two pathways:
MPhil Pathway
Students who wish to complete the programme at MPhil level proceed with their approved research and, after a minimum period of two years, submit their MPhil thesis for examination.
MPhil-to-PhD Upgrade Pathway
Students who wish to progress to PhD level undergo an upgrade evaluation to assess their readiness and the suitability of their research for doctoral-level study. The evaluation includes the submission of four chapters and an oral presentation.
Students who successfully complete the upgrade proceed towards the PhD.
Direct PhD Pathway
Students who are admitted directly to the PhD pathway proceed with their doctoral research following the required research training and proposal approval.
4. Obtaining Ethics Approval
Students are also required to obtain the necessary research ethics approval from the Faculty Ethics Committee before undertaking fieldwork.
5. PhD Research and Thesis
Students proceeding towards the PhD undertake their doctoral research under academic supervision, progressively developing it into an original contribution to knowledge.
After completing the minimum required period of three years, PhD students submit their thesis for examination.
6. Thesis Examination
Both MPhil and PhD theses undergo rigorous academic evaluation by independent experts in the relevant field. The examination process includes:
Written Thesis Evaluation → Oral Viva Voce → Final Completion
This ensures that graduates demonstrate the required level of scholarly knowledge, research competence, methodological rigour, and contribution to knowledge.
Workshop Recap: Seeing through Theory in Research
The MPhil/PhD Program at the Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo, hosted an academic session titled “Seeing through Theory in Research.”
Event Details
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Date: Tuesday, 24th February 2026
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Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Organizer: MPhil/PhD Program, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo
The Writing Workshop on Literature Review
The Writing Workshop on Literature Review, organized by the Postgraduate and Mid-Career Development Unit, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo, was successfully held on 4th January 2026 for MPhil and PhD programme candidates.
The workshop focused on strengthening academic writing skills, critical reading, and structuring effective literature reviews essential for postgraduate research. It provided participants with practical guidance to enhance the quality and rigor of their scholarly work.
We extend our appreciation to the resource persons and all participants for their active engagement, and to everyone who contributed to the successful completion of this programme.
Successful Workshop: Qualitative Research and Engaged Scholarship in Major Management Journals
The MPhil/PhD Program at the Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo, successfully hosted an insightful workshop titled “Publishing Qualitative Research and Engaged Scholarship in Major Management Journals.” The session was funded by the Society for the Advancement of Management Studies, UK. And, The workshop was held on January 6th, 2026, at the Prof. Jayaratne Auditorium, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo.
Two-Day MPhil/PhD Writing Retreat Strengthens Doctoral Research Culture at the Faculty of Management and Finance for 2025 Batch
The Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo, organized a Two-Day Writing Retreat for its MPhil/PhD community from 18th to 20th September 2026 at Sentido Heritance, Negombo. The retreat brought together 14 MPhil/PhD candidates for an intensive, structured programme designed to support progress on their doctoral writing.
The retreat was facilitated by Prof. Tharusha Gooneratne, Dr. Dinuka Wijetunga, and Prof. Arosha Adikaram, who guided participants through a series of mini-sessions, mentoring clinics, and dedicated writing blocks.
Over the two days, sessions covered writing as a thinking process, developing academic arguments for literature review and theoretical framework chapters, and understanding what examiners look for in a thesis. These were complemented by extended “Deep Writing Blocks,” during which candidates worked on their drafts with individual mentoring support from the resource persons, focusing on argument building, theoretical framing, and methodological justification.
The retreat concluded with a session on individual action planning, where each participant outlined a writing plan for the following two months and reflected on their progress. Candidates left the retreat with tangible outputs, including draft sections of their literature review, theory, or methodology chapters, along with realistic, deadline-driven writing plans to sustain their momentum beyond the retreat.
The initiative reflects the Faculty’s ongoing commitment to nurturing a supportive and productive research culture, equipping doctoral researchers with the clarity, confidence, and strategies needed to advance their academic writing journeys.
Successful Workshop: A 2 day writing retreat for 2024 Batch
A 2 day writing retreat – the Mphil/PhD students of 2024 batch participated in a 2 day writing retreat which enabled them to engage in rigorous writing and academic consultation to progress effectively in the timely completion of their thesis. Participants also took a few minutes to capture a group photograph, marking another memorable moment of the program.
Address
Research Degrees Unit
Faculty of Management and Finance
University of Colombo
Inquiries
Coordinator
Senior Prof. Arosha Adikaram
Contact No: 0773601030
Payment inquiries
Deputy Bursar: 011 25 831 06
General inquiries
Deputy Registrar: 011 25 012 92