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The department of English, Northern University Bangladesh, was opened in July, 2003 with about 50 students. Over the last six years, the department has grown considerably. We have now 14 regular teachers including two professors and about 4 hundred students on our Dhaka campus. The courses we offer include a 4-year B.A. Honours in English Language and Literature, M.A in English with major in Literature, language and ELT. All under-graduate students of the department are required to spend the first year in intensive studies of the language in an attempt to elevate their level of proficiency to the required standard. This is because, although the students study English for twelve years before they come up to the university, the level of proficiency most of them attain at the end of the period is unacceptably low. With such a level it is difficult, if not impossible, for them to pursue their literature courses with pleasure and profit and the literature courses, which include English literature, American literature, Continental literature and Commonwealth literature, form the major part of the syllabus. At the Master’s level we have another language programme designed for those who want to have an in-depth knowledge of English as a language and the teaching of language. The Master of Arts programme in English literature provides an opportunity for students to extend and enhance their knowledge of literature studies and skills in textual analysis as part of professional advancement or to pursue an interest in the subject. This program provides advanced study in literary texts, periods and background. In teaching literature we lay stress on developing the students’ analytical powers. Our undergraduate and post-graduate programmes include research work as part of completing the degrees because we believe that at the university level students should acquire the ability to carry out research in the areas of their own interest. To make teaching effective, we run regular workshops for teachers and monitor their classroom performance. We also use multimedia and other modern equipment.
The activities of the department are not confined to academic programmes only. All the year round we arrange extra-academic activities, such as debates, extempore speeches, cultural functions, games and sports, annual picnics, literary discussions on Bengali and English literature and religious programmes. We aim at an over-all development of the students’ physical, intellectual, and moral aspects.
We are quite happy about our work in the department because most of our graduates are fairly well-placed in various walks of life. Our English graduates usually enter a wide range of employment areas. Throughout their degree programmes, students are encouraged and supported to develop a broad range of transferable skills, particularly in relation to verbal and written communication skills. These skills are valued by employers, and can lead to a variety of career opportunities. Some enter careers related to their degrees, for example, in: Teaching at schools, colleges and universities, Multinational companies, Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS), Bank, National and International NGOs, Telecommunication, Print and Electronic Media, Journalism, Advertising, Airlines, Public relations, Administration etc.
Some English graduates continue their education in graduate or professional programs. At present our graduates are pursuing further studies in the UK, Sweden, Malayasia, Australia, the USA, Canada, etc.
Professor Dr Sadruddin Ahmed
Dean, Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Northern University Bangladesh
Program Duration :
NUB introduces 3 semesters (each semester of 4 months) in an academic year. Therefore, the whole program can be completed in 12 semesters (i.e. 4 years). In certain cases, a student may be allowed to complete the program within maximum 6 years (i.e. 18 semesters).
Entry Requirements :
Minimum 2nd division or GPA 2.5 in both SSC and HSC or equivalent examinations or ‘O’ Level in five subjects and ‘A’ Level in two majors with minimum ‘C’ grade in each or US high school diploma/GED from USA.
