MA in English

Two-year Master of Arts in English under Tribhuvan University, offered in semester and annual systems. Program develops advanced competence in literature, language, theory, criticism, and academic writing, with strong emphasis on research, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary approaches.

The MA English program provides structured exposure to major literary genres, critical and cultural theory, stylistics, language and communication, and area studies. The semester system requires 20 courses (3 credits each) over 4 semesters, combining compulsory core courses with a wide range of electives. Students engage with canonical and non-canonical texts, global and regional literatures, and multiple media, applying traditional and contemporary theories. The program stresses close reading, argumentation, research writing, and the integration of literary studies with cultural, social, and historical analysis. A thesis option is available in the fourth semester.

Curricular structure (semester system – indicative)

Semester system key points:

• 4 semesters, 5 courses per semester
• Each course: 3 credits, 48 teaching hours over 16 weeks
• Total: 20 courses (60 credits)

Annual system (legacy/other campuses – compressed summary):

• Two-year, 10-group structure
• First year: history of literature, critical foundations, linguistics, writing/research, fiction
• Second year: poetry, drama, area studies, special topics, additional topics (tragedy, ELT, American literature, children’s literature, environmental/gender literature, media, Nepalese/cultural studies, thesis, etc.)

Features

• Mix of required and elective courses allowing thematic and area specialization
• Integration of literary criticism, theory, linguistics, and cultural studies
• Strong focus on academic writing, research, and oral presentation
• Option for thesis in fourth semester (literature review + research paper + viva)
• Continuous internal assessment plus end-semester exams
• Clear attendance policy (excess absences can cause course failure)
• Strict anti-plagiarism policy with penalties up to expulsion

Evaluation and grading (semester system)

• Internal assessment: 40% of total grade
  • Research essay: 50% of internal
  • Mid-term exam: 30% of internal
  • Presentation/participation/attendance/quizzes: 20% of internal
• Final examination: 60% of total grade per course
• Letter grades: A, A-, B+, B, B-, F
• Passing requirement: minimum B in each course
• CGPA scale: 4.0 (A ≥90) down to 0.0 (F <50)

Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree in any subject from Tribhuvan University or any recognized university
• Must have completed at least 100 marks (or equivalent credit) coursework in English
• Graduates from English-speaking countries with equivalent bachelor recognition are also eligible

Admission process (general)

• Check campus-specific notice for MA English (semester or annual system)
• Verify bachelor-level eligibility and English-credit requirement
• Submit application form with academic transcripts and certificates to chosen campus
• Sit for entrance test/interview where required, as per departmental or TU regulations
• Merit-based selection and enrollment, followed by semester/annual fee payment

Job prospects

• College/university-level teaching (with required pedagogy and regulatory compliance)
• Content writing, editing, and publishing
• Media, journalism, and communication roles
• Cultural, literary, and humanities research
• NGOs/INGOs and development communication work
• ELT, academic support, and educational services
• Translation, interpretation, and language services