The Faculty of Law of the University of Colombo is the preeminent hub for legal education and the only Faculty of Law dedicated to this discipline under the purview of the University Grants Commission. Situated in the heart of Colombo, it stands as one of the oldest and most esteemed universities on the island. Apart from its regular academic offerings, the Faculty provides an extensive array of postgraduate programmes leading to the prestigious degrees of Master of Laws by Taught and Research, Master of Philosophy, and Doctor of Philosophy. The Faculty is home to a cadre of highly qualified academics, each possessing diverse qualifications in the field of law. These postgraduate programmes are designed to impart comprehensive and specialized education in various legal disciplines, thereby establishing the Faculty of Law as a distinguished institution in legal education within the country. The Master of Philosophy degree is a two-year programme, while the Doctor of Philosophy degree extends over three years. These postgraduate programmes are supervised by the supervisors appointed by the Higher Degrees Committee of the Faculty of Law of the University of Colombo.

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees are intensive, full-time advanced study and research programmes with a duration of two years and three years, respectively. These academic pursuits are designed to cultivate expertise in a specific field through comprehensive exploration and original research. Each candidate is required to submit a thesis on the approved subject after the completion of the stipulated duration. These programmes are methodically designed to immerse candidates in the diversity and complexity of intellectual challenges inherent in legal scholarship. The MPhil/ PhD programmes provide rigorous training in advanced and comprehensive legal research methodology. The Faculty of Law offers advanced legal research skills for higher-degree research
candidates to deepen their understanding of the research methodology, research design and the complexities of the field. In essence, the MPhil/ PhD programmes serve as a platform for emerging scholars to contribute significantly to the development of law as an academic discipline, both within and beyond the borders of Sri Lanka.

Moreover, the programme acts as an alternative pathway for individuals aspiring to engage in the teaching of law, offering an additional route alongside the existing avenues. By fostering a deep understanding of legal principles and encouraging scholarly contributions, the MPhil/ PhD programmes at the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, seek to shape the next generation of legal academics and further enrich the field of legal education.