The Rajarata University of Sri Lanka was established on the 7th of November 1995 under section 21 of the University Act No. 16 of 1978 by amalgamating the resources of the Affiliated University Colleges in the Center, North Western and North Central Provinces. Today, the University consists of six faculties, namely, Social Sciences and Humanities, Management Studies, Applied Sciences, Agriculture, Medicine & Allied Sciences and Technology.
Postgraduate Diploma in Education Unit was established 24th January 2015 in the Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities under the Dean. First director was Professor DMWK Disanayaka. Presently, The Director of Postgraduate Diploma in Education Program is Professor BMS. Bandara. Professor WKD. Keerthirathna is the Coodrinator of the PGDE Program in Anuradhapura Center. New Center of the PGDE Program was established in Polonnaruwa in 2023 and Mr. HGC. Sampath is the Coordinator of this Polonnaruwa New Center.
Introduction to the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) Program
- Provides professional training for teachers and administrators who hold university degrees and who are currently teaching or else engaged in other areas within education such as educational administration and curriculum development.
- The program will offer initial professional training to sensitize and orient the above defined categories of professionals to the fundamentals of their profession.
- The program is directed to develop a professional approach characterized by creativity, imagination and the pursuit of quality professional and personal development.
- The program is planned to ensure that all those who are engaged in professions related to the field of education have a sound theoretical base in foundation disciplines, curriculum and administration as well as classroom practice.
- In addition, it is expected that especially the teachers who will follow this course will demonstrate teaching skills appropriate to the teaching of their selected subject areas.
Objectives of the program
- To make the teachers who are engaged in classroom teaching to obtain the required knowledge attitudes and skills to function as competent professionals.
- To encourage teachers to think of education as a process involving delicate relationships among teachers and students.
- To enable the participants of the program to gain competencies to work with commitment, to maintain quality standards and to strive for continued professional growth.
Delivery of the program
The program will be conducted under two different formats as follows;
- PGDE part-time week-end program of 1 ½ years, (18 months) duration (3 semesters).
- PGDE full time program of one year duration (2 semesters) will be commenced in near future.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the Program leading to the Postgraduate Diploma in Education candidates should;
- Comply with the general regulations laid down by the University and the specific rules and regulations laid down by the Department of Education and the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities of the Rajarata University,
- Be a holder of a Bachelor’s degree of this University or any other equivalent qualification awarded by any other University or a comparable recognized institution of higher learning.
- Has met any other selection criteria laid down by the Department of Education and the University as and when required.
Student Enrolments from 2015
| Batch | No. of Enrolment Students | |
| 2015/2016 Intake – I | 297 | 206 |
| 2016/2017 Intake – II | 167 | 155 |
| 2018/2019 Intake – III | 184 | 157 |
| 2020/2021 Intake – IV | 152 | 133 |
| 2020 (Full Time) Intake – I | 12 | 11 |
| 2021/2022 Intake – V | 234 | 197 |
| 2021 (Full Time) Intake – II | 07 | 08 |
| 2023/2024 Intake – VI | 180 | – |
