Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Degree Program in Mass Communication

Established in 1973, the Department of Mass Communication (DMC) in the Faculty of Social
Sciences at the University of Kelaniya is the pioneer Department in Journalism and
Communication studies in Sri Lanka.
The Department has been exploring various dimensions in Mass Communication for the past fortyseven years including both academic and professional contribution to the national development in
Sri Lanka. At present, the Department offers two BA degree programs – BA and BA (Hons) in
Mass Communication, BA and BA (Hons) in Public Relations and Media Management. BA
external degree program and the postgraduate programs in Mass Communication in the levels of
Master of Arts (one year, by course work), Master of Social Sciences (two years, by course work
with research component), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.
Additionally, the Department offers diploma course in Mass Communication and another diploma
in Public Relations (one year course), which is an entry qualification for pursuing an external
degree or grasping professional qualifications. There is another professional higher diploma course
in Communication and Public Relations. All Diploma courses are received with pertinent
professional and academic importance.
Moreover, the Communication Research Unit (CRU) and the Center for Study of Media and
Human Rights (CSMHR) were established in broadening the media and communication research
boundaries by the Department of Mass Communication. Further, the Department coordinates the
Communication and Media Unit of the University, whilst we have an audio-visual studio to
facilitate audio and video media productions of undergraduates.
The academic staff of the Department includes one Senior Professor, ten Senior Lecturers, three
Lecturers, three probationary lecturers and three Assistant Lecturers. Additionally, nearly twentyfive visiting lecturers contribute to the Department in broadening its academic, professional and
research capacities. , The number of cadre positions will be increased in upcoming years to further
strengthen the Department’s academic and professional sectors.