Academic Downloads & Candidate FAQs

Yes. The Faculty offers a Part-Time Candidature Track designed specifically for corporate executives, civil servants, and university academics. Coursework lectures in Year 1 are delivered on alternate weekends (hybrid model with recorded sessions and online seminar rooms). However, part-time candidates are required to attend mandatory colloquiums and maintain regular monthly supervisory progress reviews.

The Research Concept Note is a 1,500 to 2,500-word preliminary proposal outlining: (1) Title and management problem background, (2) Research questions and specific objectives, (3) Theoretical framework, (4) Proposed methodology, sampling and analytical techniques, and (5) Key academic references (minimum 15 peer-reviewed citations). You can download our official template above.

In accordance with Faculty Higher Degree Regulations, every PhD candidate must have at least two (2) peer-reviewed original research papers accepted or published in journals indexed in Scopus or Web of Science (Clarivate Master Journal List) prior to the appointment of external thesis examiners. At least one publication must be in a Q1 or Q2 ranked journal.

Yes. While the Principal Supervisor must be a permanent PhD-qualified academic member of our Faculty of Management Studies, you may nominate an External Co-Supervisor from another accredited local or overseas university, or a research institution, subject to approval by the Higher Degrees Committee and the University Senate.

Candidates who enroll under Route C (Bachelor's Honours) or Route B with qualifying status can apply for an upgrade colloquium after 18 months of active registration. The candidate presents their intermediate empirical findings and a 20,000-word upgrade portfolio before an independent 3-member defense panel. Upon a unanimous recommendation, the candidature is formally transferred to PhD retroactively.

Yes. The University International Student Affairs Division issues official documentation for the Sri Lankan Resident Guest / Student Visa. International researchers are also eligible for on-campus postgraduate scholar apartments with high-speed internet and access to university health centers.