Master of Laws Programme by Research (SLQF Level 10)

This LL.M programme intends to give students an understanding of the conceptual framework of the areas studied; analytical skills to apply legal rules to factual situations; a critical and independent view of law and legal developments; and an ability to engage in methodical research and present legal solutions and viewpoints in a systematic and clear manner.

The Master of Laws Degree is a comprehensive programme combining coursework, term papers and a thesis. It is designed to meet the requirements of a Level 10 programme of the Sri Lanka Quality Assurance Framework (SLQF 10). It comprises of several compulsory courses and optional courses. Students can choose their curricula according to their personal interests. Courses must be chosen from the list of subjects offered by the Faculty, to make a total 12 credits per semester.

This year’s programme will be delivered in a hybrid format, mixing onsite and online lectures. Teaching is generally done interactively, requiring advance reading in preparation for the classes. Active student participation is required and it may consist of leading a discussion, acting as a commentator, making a presentation, group work, writing a paper, or working out a solution.

The duration of the programme is 24 months. The language instructions and examination is English. A high level of competence in English language is required.

ADMISSION STATUS

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN NOW

DURATION: 2 Years

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

MODE: HYBRID

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Through the LL.M programme, the Faculty intends to give students an understanding of the conceptual framework of the areas studied; analytical skills to apply legal rules to factual situations; a critical and independent view of law and legal developments; and an ability to engage in methodical research and present legal solutions and viewpoints in a systematic and clear manner.

THE STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

Students are required to complete continuous assessments (term papers), and a semester-end examination for each subject. They are also required to complete a supervised thesis, which is a prerequisite to obtain the LL.M. degree.

1. Continuous Assessments/Term Paper

Students are required to complete one term paper with respect to each of the subjects offered.

2. Semester-end Written Examinations

Students are required to sit for a written examination for each subject offered at the end of each semester.

3. Thesis

The LL.M Thesis is a substantial research paper, which should meet the standards for publication. A Supervisor will be appointed to guide the students on the Thesis. Such supervisor may be a faculty member or an outside expert specialized in the field in which the student intends to write the thesis. Compulsory Research Methodology lectures will also be conducted to help students carry out their research.

THE CURRICULUM

The subjects offered for the Master of Laws Programme 2022/24 are as follows:

Trimester 1

  • Advanced Legal Writing
  • Legal Theory
  • Fundamentals of Public Law
  • Fundamentals of Private Law
  • Fundamentals of Commercial Law

Trimester 2

  • Company Law
  • International Trade Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Constitutional Law
  • Public International Law
  • Human Rights Law
  • Criminology and Law
  • Comparative Contract Law
  • Law of Delict

Trimester 3

  • Banking Law
  • Information Technology Law
  • Law of Taxation
  • Administrative Law
  • Criminal Justice
  • International Humanitarian Law
  • Children, Law and Justice
  • Employment Law
  • International Investment Law
  • Environmental Law and Policy
  • Gender Justice and Women’s Rights Law

Trimester 4

  • Research Methodology
  • Seminar on Research

Trimester 5 & 6

  • Allocated for the completion of research work

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission to the LL.M programme is very competitive. Only a limited number of highly qualified and motivated individuals will be selected based on their merit to pursue the programme. No person shall be considered for admission to the LL.M unless that person satisfies the following minimum requirements:

  1. A bachelor’s degree from a University/Institution recognized by the UGC in the field of law, OR
  2. A professional qualification in law from a recognized professional body acceptable to the Faculty Board and to the Senate of the University of Colombo with a minimum of three (3) years experience, and
  3. Proficiency in English.

TEACHING FRAMEWORK

Teaching is generally done interactively, requiring advance reading in preparation for the classes. Active student participation is required in discussions. However, this must take place within a framework of respect for another’s opinion, courtesies of social interaction and the smooth flow of the lecture.

TEACHING FACULTY

The teaching faculty of the programme is drawn mainly from the senior members of the permanent staff of the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo. In addition, there will be a number of eminent visiting lecturers who have distinguished themselves in the various subject areas.

LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTIONS AND EXAMINATION

The language of instructions and examination for the course is English.

ACADEMIC CALENDER & ACTIVITY SCHEDULE

The academic calendar of the programme extends over two semesters with a recess or semester vacation in between. There will not be any academic activity during court vacation and when public holidays fall on a Friday/Saturday/ Sunday.

TEAM

Prof. (Dr.) Sampath Punchihewa
Dean
Faculty of Law
University of Colombo
Sri Lanka

Coordinator 

Mr. Isuru Liyanage
Senior Lecturer
Department of Public and International Law

Faculty of Law
University of Colombo
Sri Lanka
Tel: +94 71 316 4993

Assistant Coordinator 

Mr. Akalanka Thilakarathna
Lecturer (Unconfirmed)
Department of Public and International Law

Faculty of Law
University of Colombo
Sri Lanka
Tel: +94 70 276 8174

Assistant Coordinator

Mr. Dumindu Madhushan
Lecturer (Probationary)
Department of Private and Comparative Law

Faculty of Law
University of Colombo
Sri Lanka
Tel: +94 71 530 6356

Assistant Coordinator 

Ms. Dianarthy Suthakar
Lecturer (Probationary)
Department of Commercial Law

Faculty of Law
University of Colombo
Sri Lanka
Tel: +94 77 557 1914

Ms. J.M. Nithya Chethani
Management Assistant

Ms. Lakmini Boparathna
Programme Assistant

Ms. M.N.N. Costa
Programme Aid

CONTACT DETAILS

Email

lawfacllm@law.cmb.ac.lk

Phone

011 – 2502750

Address

LL.M. Coordinator
Master of Laws Programme (2 years),
Post – Graduate Unit
Faculty of Law,
University of Colombo,
Sri Lanka.

Fax

011 – 2502750