PhD by Publication (Only for Commerce and Management)

Discover your path to Academic Excellence

Program Overview

The PhD by Publication at the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, offers a unique path to a doctoral degree. This program allows candidates to submit a collection of their published research papers as their thesis, highlighting their academic contributions and research expertise.

Why Choose Our Program?

• Recognize Your Achievements: Showcase your scholarly work through a series of published papers, demonstrating your expertise and impact in your field.
• Elevate Your Career: Gain academic recognition and enhance your qualifications, opening doors to advanced career opportunities and professional growth.
• Advance Your Research Journey: Seamlessly transition from researcher to doctor, solidifying your place in the academic community and contributing to the advancement of knowledge.

Aim of the Program

The aim of the PhD by Publication program is to provide students with a flexible and prestigious pathway to earn a doctoral degree. The program is designed to:

• Recognize and validate the scholarly achievements of candidates through the publication of high-quality research papers.
• Enhance the academic and professional credentials of researchers, enabling them to make significant contributions to their fields.
• Foster an environment of academic excellence and innovation, encouraging candidates to engage in cutting-edge research that addresses real-world challenges.
• Support the professional development of researchers by facilitating the dissemination of their work within the academic community and beyond.

By aligning with these objectives, the program aims to empower researchers to advance their careers while contributing to the global body of knowledge in commerce and management studies.

Objectives of the Programme

1. Provide candidates with a platform to gain recognition for their scholarly work through the publication of peer-reviewed research papers.
2. Encourage high standards of research quality and innovation, ensuring that candidates' work contributes significantly to their field of study.
3. Development: Support candidates in developing skills necessary for advanced academic and professional roles, including research, writing, and critical analysis.
4. Encourage collaboration between candidates and their supervisors to publish impactful research that addresses contemporary issues and challenges.
5. Promote the dissemination of research findings to the broader academic community and industry, enhancing the impact and relevance of candidates’ work.
6. Enable candidates to leverage their doctoral achievements to pursue advanced career opportunities in academia, industry, or research institutions.
7. Build a vibrant community of scholars who contribute to the development and sharing of knowledge within the fields of commerce and management studies.

Teaching Approach

The teaching approach for the PhD by Publication program emphasizes collaborative mentorship and active peer engagement. This method focuses on the following key components:

1. Personalized Mentorship: Each candidate is paired with experienced supervisors who provide personalized guidance and feedback throughout the research and publication process. Supervisors help candidates identify suitable journals, develop publication strategies, and refine their research methodologies.
2. Workshops and Seminars: Regular workshops and seminars are conducted to equip candidates with essential skills in academic writing, publication ethics, and research methodologies. These sessions also cover emerging trends and issues in commerce and management studies.
3. Peer Review and Collaboration: Candidates participate in peer review sessions, where they present their research progress and receive constructive feedback from fellow candidates and faculty members. This collaborative environment fosters critical thinking and enhances the quality of research outputs.
4. Research Networking: The program facilitates networking opportunities with researchers, academics, and industry professionals through conferences, symposiums, and online forums. This exposure helps candidates stay informed about the latest developments in their field and build professional connections.
5. Publication Support: Candidates receive support in navigating the publication process, including selecting appropriate journals, addressing reviewers’ comments, and ensuring compliance with journal guidelines. This support is designed to increase the likelihood of successful publication.
6. Interdisciplinary Approach: Encouraging candidates to explore interdisciplinary research opportunities broadens their perspective and enhances the impact of their work. This approach enables candidates to address complex, real-world challenges that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries.

The university's Learning Management System (LMS) will be introduced to the students so that they can interact with supervisors, teachers, and fellow students.  The university has a digital library with 70,000 academic journals, popular databases (e.g., EBSCO), and an e-repository. Students can access these databases from the university and their homes as well.

Evaluation Procedure

This is a three-year programme with an option to exit with an MPhil degree or to pursue a PhD by publication/ PhD by thesis.

Year 1:

• Registration: Begin the journey by enrolling in the programme.
• Research Training: Receive comprehensive research training, starting with a philosophical foundation to help you choose an appropriate research strategy.
• Finalizing the Research Proposal: Develop and finalise your research proposal with guidance from your supervisors.
• End of Year 1: 1st Publication 

The candidate focuses on conducting literature research and drafting the first paper during the first year of the program. By the end of year one, the candidate aims to submit the first paper to a suitable journal/conference for review.

Year 2:

• Completion of Fieldwork: Conduct fieldwork to gather necessary data for your research.
• 1^st Review for Upgrading: Start writing publications. Depending on your progress, you can either submit your work for an MPhil degree or apply to upgrade to a PhD by Publication.
• Publication: Aim to publish your preliminary research findings in academic journals.

Year 3:

• Publication: Publish the third research article based on your thesis work.
• 2^nd Review (30 months):
• The candidate submits the final publication portfolio, comprising all completed and accepted papers, for evaluation by the advisor or supervisory committee.
• The committee conducts a comprehensive review of the publications, assessing their quality, impact, and relevance to the candidate's research objectives.
• Switching Option: Provision for switching from a PhD by publication to a PhD by thesis.
• Thesis Defense (36 months):
• The candidate defends the publication portfolio in a formal thesis defense, presenting the conducted research and highlighting the significance of the published papers.
• Defense includes a discussion of the research contributions, methodology, findings, and implications, as well as responses to questions from the doctoral committee.

A Doctoral Committee (DC), consisting of members from the Board of Study (BOS) of the faculty, will oversee the evaluation of students' progression in the PhD by publication program. Each candidate is required to publish at least three journal articles, as recommended by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, in collaboration with their supervisors. Following the submission of the thesis, which includes these publications, two external examiners are appointed to assess the work. The final step is a viva voce examination, where the candidate defends their thesis in front of the examiners.

Programme Type: Hybrid

Provides flexibility for remote research with the final viva usually conducted face-to-face or via a video conference for international candidates.

Intakes:  September/April

Admission procedures 

Visit the Website:

Apply Here to download the application form.through https://bit.ly/3SKY4MS

Prospectors: View

The applicants must submit the following documents when they apply for the program:

• Application Form: available in the FGS website.
• Research Proposal: Submit a comprehensive research proposal outlining the candidate's research theme, objectives, and how the published work contributes to a coherent thesis.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Provide an updated CV detailing academic qualifications, research experience, and a list of publications.
• Academic Transcripts and Degrees: Submit certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates from previous qualifications to verify educational background.
• Letters of Recommendation: Obtain letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can speak to the candidate's research capabilities and suitability.
• Proof of Publications (if any): Provide copies of the published papers or links to them, along with any acceptance letters or proof of publication.
• Statement of Purpose: Write a statement detailing the candidate’s motivation for pursuing a PhD by publication, research interests, and career goals.
• English Language Proficiency: Submit proof of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS scores) if the candidate’s previous education was not in English or if required by the university.
• Passport Copy: Provide a copy of the passport or identification document for identification and visa purposes.

Email Submission:

Send the completed application form along with scanned copies of your educational certificates and research proposals to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Local Applicants

Please pay an application fee of Rs. 2000 and submit/email ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) the application
along with;
 
1. Application Form
2. Proof of payment for the Application fee
3. Research proposal
4. Certified copies of degree/ professional certificates
5. Certified copies of Passport / National Identity Card
6. Certified copies of Birth certificate
7.  Certified copies of Research experience

8. Dully filled the conflict of interest form (If you already have supervisors)

 
Bank details are as follows;
Account Number: 055-1001-8066-9229
Bank: People's Bank
No.59 D.R.Wijewardane Mw,
Colombo - 10
Sri Lanka.
General Tel : 011-2332746, 011-2334278/2446409
SWIFT : PSBKLKLX
 
FGS Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/FGSKelaniya/ 

For more information

Programme Coordinator – PhD by Publication

Prof. Wasanthi Madurapperuma

Faculty of Commerce & Management Studies,

University of Kelaniya,

Sri Lanka.

Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

0779538798