Research Degrees (MSc / MPhil / PhD)

Research degrees at CSE.

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering offers MSc, MPhil and PhD degrees by research, full-time or part-time. As a research student you work on an original problem under the guidance of one or more members of our academic staff, usually as part of one of the department’s research labs. Research degrees at the University of Moratuwa are administered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Our research students work in areas such as machine learning, data science, natural language processing, computer networks, systems and security, and software engineering. Many go on to academic positions or to research and development roles in industry.

Who can apply

• MSc: an honours bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, from the University of Moratuwa or another recognised university.

• MPhil: an honours bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with at least Second Class Honours (Lower Division), from the University of Moratuwa or another recognised university. A master’s degree with a research component also qualifies.

• PhD: an honours bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with at least Second Class Honours (Upper Division), or an MPhil. A master’s degree with a research component, together with a suitable bachelor’s degree, also qualifies. MPhil students may also move to the PhD after a successful transfer evaluation.

Whether a degree is relevant and equivalent is decided by the department and the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Full details are in the eligibility requirements on the University's Faculty of Graduate Studies website.

Before you apply

Applications are accepted at any time of the year. You will need:

• a supervisor from the department who has agreed to work with you (see Potential supervisors below)

• a research proposal, agreed with your supervisor

• three referees who are not your supervisors

• scanned copies of your academic transcripts and any professional certificates, and a letter from your employer if you are working.

Not sure where to start? You can send an Expression of Interest to the Research Coordinator.

Duration

MSc: 1 year full time or 2 years part time.

MPhil: 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time.

PhD: 3 years full-time or 4 years part-time.