Faculty of Graduate Studies, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
December 13, 2021
Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) of General Sir John Kotelawala University (KDU) is one of the leading Post Graduate Institutions in Sri Lanka that conducts External Postgraduate Degrees for Commissioned Officers of the Tri Services, Officers of Sri Lanka Police as well as for the Executive Officers in the Public and Private Sector.
The majority of its courses are conducted during weekends for the convenience of the students to follow the courses without compromising their duties in their respective services.
The history of the faculty dates back to 2001 when it was first established as a Master’s section to offer the MSc in Defence Studies in Management for senior officers of the Tri-Services, Police, Public, and Private Sector.
With the high demand for the Master’s degree programs, the University introduced the Faculty of Graduate Studies in the year 2012. As we believe postgraduate degree is essential for a person to become an erudite professional in the field and it is a rare opportunity to obtain a prestigious degree qualification.
The FGS ensures personal and professional growth of participants through interactive sessions, experimental learning, and independent research projects.
The KDU is affiliated to the University Grant Commission as well as to the most esteemed associations of higher education institutions and organizations around the globe such as “International Association of Universities (IAU)” and “The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)”.
Why KDU?
As the only defence university in Sri Lanka, the KDU ranked 04th among the “Most Prestigious Defence Academies in the World” in 2020. It provides well-disciplined academic environment and unparalleled state-of-the-art facilities adding an extra value to the best resource personnel currently available in Sri Lankan industries and Academia. Nevertheless, KDU always encourages its students to maintain a proper balance between studies and work.
M-Learning Platform
M Learnning Platform is one of the modern techs implemented to webcast all lectures online, facilitating students to attend classes from their working or living place wherever in the world.
Library Facilities
Candidates who are registered in KDU to follow postgraduate degrees have access to library facilities at KDU.
The library enhances academic success by providing postgraduate students with access to high quality resources and services in aid of course work and research.The prime role of the library is to provide a suitable learning environment and to facilitate a variety of resources in multiple disciplines/formats which enhance learning and research activities of the University.
The library possesses a collection covering a vast area of knowledge in the Medical, Engineering, Economics, Management, Law, Geography and History. At present the library collection encompasses a large number of books pertaining to various disciplines.
The KDU library provides excellent services such as inter library loan service, book reversion facilities, and arrange membership in other libraries like British Council Library and American Centre Library and reference services for the betterment of the members.
Information Networks
Library provides subscription databases and information networks such as Individual society membership for Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineering (IEEE), Hinari Research Database, Britannica online Academic edition, Jstor Research Database - Trial version, Ebscohost, HELLIS– Health Literature Libraries and Information Services Network, and SLSTINET– Sri Lanka Scientific & Technical Information Net to facilitate research activities of the University.
INTERNATIONALLY REPUTED POSTGRADUATE OFFERED BY FGS - KDU
MPhil/PhD Programmes
Opportunity to carry out research under distinguished and professional supervisors. Clinical/computer laboratory facilities for scientific research are provided.
MSc in Management
Covers a broad spectrum of Management related subjects; ideal for individuals seeking careers in general management or whose current role requires enhanced Managerial and Leadership capabilities.
MBA in E – Governance
Uniquely designed to fulfill the requirements of the changing role of technology in administration. Prepares the participants for successful planning, implementation, and development of e-governance initiatives.
MBA in Logistics Management
Specially designed for professionals seeking a qualification that prepares them with specific skills and competencies in Logistics Management. A highly sought-after programme with accreditation from Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), UK.
Master of Laws in Business Law / Master of Laws in International Law /Master of Laws in Public Law
Offers outstanding postgraduate degree programmes for law graduates and Attorneys-at-Law in Sri Lanka conducted by leading academics, practitioners, and industry professionals with special expertise.
MSc in International Relations and Strategic Studies
Envisioned with developing a strategic community and broadening their horizons in order to serve the national interests of Sri Lanka.
Offers established and emerging knowledge in International Relations and Strategic Studies as an interdisciplinary field of study.
MSc in Electrical Engineering
Dedicated first year for taught course modules and second year for the research project. An expert panel of senior academics and professionals from reputed universities or industries are involved in conducting the modules.
MSc in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering
Dedicated first year for taught course modules and second year for the research project by an expert panel of senior academics and professionals from reputed universities or industries.
MSc in Civil and Structural Engineering
Covers advanced topics in Civil Engineering with the specialization in Structural Engineering by an expert panel of senior academics and professionals from reputed universities or industries.
MSc Disaster Risk Reduction and Development
Specifically designed for the individuals working in the field of disaster and development in Sri Lanka and the programme is conducted by an expert panel of senior academics and professionals from reputed universities or industries.
MSc Biomedical Engineering
Has been designed to train graduates who are interested in applying modern engineering methods to understand, modify and control biological systems with the goal of improving health and quality of life.
A FEW OF OUR SUCCESS STORIES…
Dr (Mrs) Nirosha Wedasinghe, an award-winning researcher, speaks about her career transformation she experienced because of her PhD programme she followed at KDU.
“It’s a privilege to be a PhD holder of KDU. The most wonderful opportunity I got in my life is to become a candidate of this PhD programme. The programme is unique and develops not only our research skills but also capacity development. Today, I serve the nation and the world since the encouragement and enthusiasm built during this PhD programme.
The PhD Journey is not so easy, but the FGS has helped me achieve my targets and to be a proud PhD holder. Throughout my career they provided me with many eminent resource persons from different disciplines to groom me and my research idea.
During my research journey I published many indexed journal papers and participated in many international conferences in Japan, India, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. As a result, I received Outstanding Multidisciplinary Research Award from Asia Awards and many other research awards.
Further, I’ve received many opportunities to work with many international organizations including the country representative of World Internet Governance Forum and Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum.
I got many senior memberships and fellowships after I received my PhD. Therefore, I strongly recommend KDU MPhil / PhD program for those who are looking to be a visionary researcher and a Global Leader in the future.
Also, I am currently appointed as a coordinator for MBA e- Governance program of KDU. This is another unique program which focuses to develop young leaders who are visionary strategic level members in organizations, that align organizational objectives and Information Technology/ Information Systems objectives to achieve business goals”.
Cpt UPK Vithanage is also one of the successful alumni, he is highly satisfied with the arrangements he saw during his programme. This is his opinion about the FGS.
“Disaster Risk Reduction and Development is a new era and latest trend in the field of Disaster Management. When searching for a more practical and emerging field to do my Master’s degree, found this excellent degree programme conducted by FGS.
The arrangements and facilitation are extraordinary by the administrative staff and the friendly and practical way of teaching by the well experienced and well-talented lecturer panel make the study interesting and untiring. The practical exposure provided through field practicum and field visits make the curriculum more live and understandable concerning the classroom lecture to the real world. In the end, I secure the MSc. degree in DRRD with a merit pass and obtained the highest marks for the research among the batch, broadening my horizons”.
BPD Pushpakumara who has completed his PhD in this year is so happy about the flexibility of the programme.
“I joined the FGS to do my PhD in 2016 and completed in 2021. The FGS has well organized this PhD programme and they are always ready to work with candidates in a flexible way, it is more important for PhD candidates because they are working in stressful environment. In this time, I gained tons of experience not only in the subject matter but also with general matters, especially I learnt to work in a disciplined environment. Furthermore, guidelines made by FGS, and feedback of evaluators were highly helpful to writing a high-quality thesis. Finally, I think the KDU is the best university for individuals who want to do their postgraduate degree in Sri Lanka”.
Ms Laleema Senanayake who topped the batch wants to thank the faculty for their hard work and dedication.
“I was very keen to further studies on Disaster Risk Reduction and Development. Therefore, I enrolled myself in the MSc in Disaster Risk Reduction and Development at KDU in 2018. The curriculum of the degree consisted of theory in subjects such as models of disaster risk reduction, practical elements such as the use of GIS, and also general subject modules such as project management, and monitoring and evaluation.
The lecturers were balanced with academics as well as practitioners, which helped the students to access the national as well as international leaders in the sector.
The environment in the faculty was friendly and the fellow students were very supportive. This exposure helped me to advance my career in the not-for-profit sector as well.
I thank the faculty for their hard work and dedication. I also encourage others in the sector to enroll in this degree programme, as you will have access to the best of the best to mentor and guide you in your studies”.
Courtesy - www.sundayobserver.lk