Social Studies

Welcome!

Welcome to the Department of Social Studies!

The Department of Social Studies is a multi-disciplinary academic division integrating the disciplines of Economics, Political Science, Sociology and Social Anthropology and Mass Communication. The Department has evolved with a distinct character and profile over the years, specialising in development studies while maintaining a strong foundation in the core disciplines.

The Department strongly believes that social science graduates with strong academic credentials, competencies and skills can contribute meaningfully to the country’s social and economic development and progress. Additionally, the department also believes social science graduates should learn to respect democratic values and cultural diversity while demonstrating a strong sense of civic responsibility and social responsiveness.

SSD Vision
To emerge as a Centre of Excellence in Development Policy Studies through multidisciplinary education based on Open Distance Learning.

The Mission
To empower people and pave the way for sustainable and equitable socio-economic, political and cultural development of the country through study programmes ranging from Certificate to Postgraduate levels.

Graduate Attributes
At the end of the study programme graduates are expected to be

Scholarly
Competent
Insightful and socially responsible

We welcome students from diverse backgrounds representing all parts of the country. Ideally, we would like students to be:

Committed to the pursuit of knowledge and development of skills,
Interested in pursuing a career in the social sciences,
Curious and interested about the world around them, and
Motivated and independent learners.

Student Handbook 2024/25- DSS

The Open University of Sri Lanka
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