Looking for your Doctoral and Master’s Degree
View(s):General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University is known as one of the best, highly recognized, higher education institutes in Sri Lanka. In addition to KDU been affiliated to International Association of Universities (IAU) and The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), KDU is also recognized by University Grants Commission.
The Faculty of Graduate Studies of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University is appreciated for its Postgraduate and Undergraduate degree programmes.
With a mission to provide students with the opportunity to develop their skills, transform attitudes and to find approaches for problem-solving, the Faculty of Graduate Studies at KDU is equipped withthe newest teaching methods and technology, giving their students the opportunity to enhance their knowledge through interactive sessions, experimental learning and independent research projects.
Not just another qualification…
For any Postgraduate student who is eager to join General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, it is assured that they are not just getting another qualification to add to their CV.
FormerSecretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sri Lanka, Mr Ravinatha Aryasinha, a lecturer for National and International Security module in Master of Science in Security and Strategic StudiesDegree programme at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, joining to share his teaching experience and thoughts about the Postgraduate degree programme of the faculty, emphasized the key feature of KDU postgraduate degree programmes is that it makes sure the students actively participate in the course work so that they can factor what they learn with their working experience.
Furthermore, he stated, “At the Faculty, the postgraduate students are mostly work-orientedly engaged in different fields with different aspects. This creates a very diverse environment which helps the students to share different and new perspectives with each other. As for my module, National and International Security is a relevant and constantly discussed topic at the present. Therefore, it is important to keep the content of the course updated.
I prefer my students to actively engage in the subject, therefore I prefer discussions than writing notes. Discussions help the students to look in new angles and as a lecturer, I also have my own experiences in the field of Foreign Affairs which I think will help them to get a broader perspective in what they are learning. It is an interesting method of interacting with the students because I learn as much as I teach.
All postgraduate programmes at KDU are like such, with new and revised content, helping the students to have a solid growth and an open eye in their field of study.”
Master’s programmes at KDU
Analyzing and understanding both local and global needs, FSG of KDU has introduced a board spectrum of disciplines for their students. Designed in accordance with the Sri Lankan Qualification Framework published by the Ministry of Higher Education, its academic standard is equivalent to Sri Lanka Qualifying level 10.
With the subject content been drafted by a panel of senior academics and professionals from reputed universities and institutions in Sri Lanka, the Master’s degree programmes at KDU ensure a high-quality education with academic standards so that the participants can complete Master’s Degrees in two years whilst being employed. For the better convenience of the employed students, KDU Master’s Programmes are four semesters (two academic years) and classes are scheduled on every other weekends except on public holidays.
It’s no secret that KDU is keen on providing the best education for their students with best professionals. The present Secretary to the Foreign Ministry Admiral (Retired) Professor Jayanath Colombage, a visiting Lecturer at FGS, KDU is one such figure. Sharing his sincere thoughts on the performance of KDU he said, “I am extremely proud to place on record my sincere gratitude to this prestigious Defence University as the first person to be awarded PhD from the same. I have benefited immensely from the knowledge and experience gained from KDU, and wish to accept that it was really beneficial to propel my career to the post of Secretary of Foreign Ministry.
My association with KDU as a visiting lecturer, chairing sessions or presenting papers at KDU International Research Conferences has been very rewarding and a great benefit to mould my career.
It is a pleasure to witness the phenomenal success of this world-class Defence University. KDU has been moving from strength to strength, providing a valuable contribution to the enhancement of knowledge and wisdom to the armed forces as well as civilian undergraduates.
I am glad that this prime university is expanding its horizons to include a wider spectrum of courses in near future and, as an alumnus, I wish the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor all academic/non-academic staff and all undergraduates all the very best in their all endeavours.”
MPhil and PhD Programmes
“Apart from being one of the leading postgraduate institutes in Sri Lanka, FGS, KDU had all the resources and facilities which I needed to be successful in my academic goals at an affordable cost.” said Ms. Achini Ranasinghe, who is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist & lecturer in Psychology. She is the first PhD student of KDU to graduate in ‘Clinical Psychology’.
She also added, “As I am a foreign graduate of clinical psychology, I completed my Master’s degree in India. When I came back to Sri Lanka and was thinking of doing my PhD after I was well established in my career as a clinical psychologist, I found KDU as the best option as KDUhas better standards than those of the foreign universities, I have studied.”
The postgraduate students at KDU are always fully supported on their research work as one of the main focuses of FGS, KDU is to develop and enhance the capabilities of the researchers, possessing originality and ingenuity to conduct pioneering research at the front lines of different interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research. With the ultimate motive of contributing significantly to the industrial sector, society and national development, students are encouraged to publish their research in Indexed Journals, Peer-reviewed Journals and in local and international research conferences.
Expressing her thoughts, she said,
“As for my research, I looked at the Psychosocial Consequences of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and this is the first research in South Asia toquantitatively evaluate the influence of peer support in enhancing the well-being of the affected.
While KDU was very supportive and encouraging through the whole research project,they provided me an expert panel of lecturers to guide me to success. KDU had flexible learning options for me since I was involved in clinical practice. KDU,constantly check and objectively evaluate the progress of the students on their research which I found was very helpful for my progress and potential. Also “KDU Annual International Research Conference provides their students a platform to share their research findings. All that being said, I must say I am proud to be a part of the KDU family”
Why KDU is the finest …
To ensure their students experience the best quality education, KDU, students have access to all the necessary learning facilities of high quality and best condition. This includes the Library Facilities, IT Facilities and also the m-learning Platform helping the students to connect live with the lectures from their working or living places world-wide.
Explaining, why KDU is the finest, Mr Mohan Peiris; the former Attorney General of Sri Lankaand FormerChief Justice of Sri Lanka presently lecturing for Master of Laws Programme at FGS said,
“As the chairman of Legal Education, I have been involved with General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University for some time. So I could witness the growth of the institute from its infancy to what it is today. With my experience, it is not exaggerating when I say that KDU has grown rapidly, effectively and efficiently, contributing to academia in a substantial manner. KDU has evolved wisely up to the global standards in study fields which address the current needs of the world.
The system at KDU is a result oriented and focuses on education and learning. With a regimented environment, students are encouraged to learn in a well-disciplined surrounding with a serious commitment on academic work and with a sense of moral and values.”
He also added,
“Once the graduated students are introduced to the world as fine scholars, they have many opportunities waiting as they are being recognized for their potential and knowledge. The Faculty of Graduate Studies at KDU is prestigious because it is one of the most leading institutes in Sri Lanka and also because the programs are designed up to the standards by respected senior academics and professors of other recognized universities in Sri Lanka.
Without a doubt, the graduates of Faculty of Graduate Studies of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University in the fields of Management, E-Governance, Law, Electrical, Electronic and Telecommunications Engineering, Civil and Structural Engineering and Disaster Management will have a great future and is sure to make a substantial contribution to the rise of the nation.”
- Thishana M. Rajanayake
(thish94@gmail.com)