Khoa Sư phạm Tiếng Anh – Trường Đại học Ngoại ngữ – Đại học Quốc gia Hà Nội

Founded originally as a department of the Faculty of Foreign Languages of Hanoi University of Education in 1958, the English Department (ED) of the University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS) is now one of the oldest in Vietnam. It is the name all of us cherish. It embraces three faculties: the Faculty of English Language Teacher Education, the Faculty of Linguistics and Cultures of English-speaking Countries, and the Faculty of English.

It started out with three professors and a group of nine students. Its founder, the late Dang Chan Lieu was responsible for running the Department and was instrumental in laying the foundation for ELT in North Vietnam. Over the years it has grown into one famous for academic excellence, interdisciplinary learning and innovations in English language teaching (ELT) and research.

A major development happened in 2009. Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) began its restructuring efforts aiming to bring all ELT into the fold of the University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS) in order to enhance the quality of ELT across VNU. It was a success story in terms of inclusion by all measures. All teachers of English were welcomed into the fold, and most had the feeling of coming home. The number totalled about 330 in all – the size of a medium university in Vietnam. It became clear to VNU and ULIS leaderships that putting them in one organization would not work. In the end, three faculties came into being: the Faculty of English Language Teacher Education, the Faculty of Linguistics and Cultures of English-speaking Countries, and the Faculty of English. Teachers teach across the faculties, and work together on research projects.

The Department’s mission is to prepare students for a lifetime of intellectual ends and contribution to society through ELT and research in the fields of English language education, linguistics, intercultural communication, culture and society. The Department:

• Challenges its students to achieve their full intellectual potential through high academic standards;
• Encourages a close working relationship between faculty and students;
• Encourages scholarship, research and creative work of the faculty so that they can excel in teaching and research;
• Requires students to study a field in depth, chosen from a range of disciplines;
• Helps students to develop knowledge, values, and skills necessary for their future life and work in the 21st century, such as complex problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, sharing, communication, and teamwork.

It has evolved from a single entity focusing on English philology into one with wide-ranging interests in modern English language, English language education, linguistics, the study of discourse, culture and society, and intercultural communication. The Department is keen on developing its teaching and research capacity and on offering a dynamic learning environment for prospective students. It takes quality seriously with the mantra: Quality First.

The Department is fostering an innovative and can-do spirit which helps transform itself into an acknowledged center of excellence able to cater for the needs of a diverse student population.

ED offers a wide range of courses from BA to MA and PhD programs. Its MA and PhD programs were launched in early 1990s. In 2001, the fast-track BA program in ELT started and in 2003, its sister program fast-track BA in Translation was offered. The double-degree and double-major programs are its innovative programs launched in 2009. Its graduates may pursue a career in teaching, research, or use their expertise in other related areas such as business, science and technology, and management.

Throughout its 60-year-long history, the English Department has played a defining role in foreign language education, linguistics, international studies, and related fields in Vietnam through its pursuit of academic excellence, and commitment to innovation and creativity. It has become a powerhouse in English language education in Vietnam. It has produced thousands of qualified teachers and translators /interpreters. Its graduates work in all sectors of the national economy. It has been entrusted with the projects of national significance such as Developing a Strategy for Foreign Language Teaching in Vietnam, the designing of a National Curriculum for English Language Teacher Training in Vietnam, writing of school textbooks from grade six to grade twelve, and developing Vietnamese Standardized Test of English Proficiency (VSTEP), to name just a few. Its staff have conducted hundreds of research projects of very high standards, which were applied to the improvement of ELT quality.

For its performance and academic excellence the English Department has been a nationally-recognized force and as a result, a number of state honors and citations have been conferred on the Department. In 2005, it was awarded the Order of Labor, first class. A large number of its staff have been blessed with such honors as Title of Merited Teacher, Title of People’s Teacher, Badge for the Cause of Education, Citations by the Prime Minister or the Minister of Education and Training, or the President of Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

As we reflect on the journey we have travelled, 60 years is one of those milestones that represents a clearly defined success in the life of the Department, and we are constantly looking at the road ahead. It is exciting, full of promises for those who give it their all.

Prof. Nguyen Hoa

President of Science and Training Council,

University of Languages and International Studies – Vietnam National University, Hanoi