Master's Degree in Sri Lanka: Programs You Can Study Locally

TL;DR You can study a master's degree in Sri Lanka in computing, engineering, business, nursing and education. Programs on Uplift range from short postgraduate diplomas to full master's degrees, and several are awarded by UK universities and taught in Colombo. Fees, study mode and entry rules differ by program, so read the course page before you apply.

A master's degree is the usual next step after a bachelor's degree, or after an HND and a top-up year. You do not have to leave Sri Lanka to do one. Several Uplift partner institutes teach master's programs in Colombo, and some are part-time so you can keep working.

Why study a master's degree locally

Studying at home keeps your costs down to tuition and living in Sri Lanka, and it lets you stay close to your employer and your network. Many local programs are built for people who already work, with evening, weekend or hybrid delivery. You also learn in the market where you plan to build your career, which helps when the course covers local regulation, local industry and local case studies.

What a master's program asks of you

Each program sets its own entry rules. Two examples from the program pages show how much they can differ.

The MSc in Digital Marketing Communications at Universal College Lanka asks for a bachelor's degree with at least a second class lower division. A professional qualification equal to a UK degree, or relevant work experience, can also be considered.
The Master of Business Administration (General) at ESOFT Uni asks for a relevant undergraduate degree or an equivalent professional qualification, plus work experience in a managerial or professional role, typically two years or more.

Always check the entry rules on the course page for the exact program.

Master's programs in computing and data

Master's

Universal College Lanka

MSc Cyber Security

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Master's

Universal College Lanka

MSc Data Science

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Master's

Esoft Uni

Master of Science in Data Science - Kingston University (UK)

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Computing and data programs

ESOFT Uni lists MSc programs awarded by Kingston University (UK), including Data Science, Software Engineering, Network and Information Security, and IT and Strategic Innovation. These are listed at LKR 790,000 total tuition each and run in a hybrid mode.

Universal College Lanka lists an MSc in Cyber Security and an MSc in Data Science, both 12 months full-time. The MSc in Cyber Security is listed at LKR 325,000 total tuition. For the data science fee, check the course page.

Engineering and built environment

ESOFT Uni offers part-time Kingston University MSc programs for working engineers and builders:

MSc Management in Construction
MSc Structural Design and Construction Management
MSc Building Services Engineering and Energy Management
MSc Mechatronic Systems
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering

These are listed at LKR 840,000 total tuition each.

Business and management

ESOFT Uni offers a Master of Business Administration with Finance, Human Resources, Hospitality Management and Marketing specialisations, awarded by London Metropolitan University. These are listed at LKR 790,000 total tuition each, in part-time or hybrid mode.

KIU University lists an MBA in Management Strategy that runs for two years in hybrid mode. Achievers International Campus lists an MSc in Project Management (12 months), an MBA (Top Up) with the University of Portsmouth (six months) and six-month postgraduate diplomas in accounting and finance, logistics and supply chain, and strategic management and leadership.

If you are weighing an MBA specifically, read our guide to the MBA routes in Sri Lanka. For the short postgraduate diploma step, see the postgraduate diploma route to an MBA.

Nursing and education

KIU University lists an MSc in Nursing (two years, full-time) and one-year full-time programs: Master of Philosophy in Nursing, Master of Nursing Education and Master of Nursing Management. Our master of nursing guide covers these in detail.

ESOFT Uni lists an MA Education and an MA Education (Early Childhood Studies) from London Metropolitan University, each at LKR 790,000 total tuition. Teachers can read more in our education degree guide.

How to choose between programs

Start with the job you want in two or three years, not the title of the degree. Then check four things on each course page:

The awarding institute. Some programs are awarded by a UK university and taught in Colombo.
The study mode. Part-time and hybrid programs suit people in work. Full-time programs suit a career break.
The total tuition fee and the application fee, which are listed separately.
The entry rules, especially any work experience requirement.

Business and management master's programs

FAQ

Can I work while I study for a master's in Sri Lanka?

Many ESOFT Uni programs are listed as part-time or hybrid, which is designed for working students. KIU University nursing programs and the Universal College Lanka MSc programs are listed as full-time.

Do I need work experience?

It depends on the program. The MBA at ESOFT Uni asks for managerial or professional experience. The MSc in Digital Marketing Communications accepts a degree, with experience as one alternative route.

Who awards the degree?

The awarding institute is shown on each course page. Several ESOFT Uni programs are awarded by Kingston University or London Metropolitan University in the UK, and taught in Colombo.

PS. Pick two programs from the cards above, open their course pages and compare fees, study mode and entry rules side by side before you apply. You can start with the MSc in Data Science at ESOFT Uni.