Introduction

English is now the most dominant language in the world and there is a renewed emphasis given on the teaching and learning of English in most countries of the world, and Bangladesh is no exception. People from all walks of life acknowledge the need to deepen their knowledge of English and to raise their proficiency in using it for a wide range of purposes. The Department of English and Humanities at BracU has been concentrating on a course of studies that combines literature teaching with language, as well as media and cultural studies, in its undergraduate program. The same approach is followed in our MA program, thus distinguishing it from other MA programs offered elsewhere. BracU MA in English program has two concentrations: a) Literature, and b) ELT and Applied Linguistics. The program is based on the conviction that students will benefit from an in-depth study of many aspects of English language and literature.

Objectives

The curriculum of the MA in English (Literature and ELT & Applied Linguistics) is designed for persons holding a bachelor’s degree in English or a related field who wish to enhance their skills and knowledge of English in a specialized stream whether it is language or literature. The program seeks to prepare students to engage in the process of critical thinking and to carry out research and inquiry into their chosen area of interest. The MA program also aims to provide a bridge between undergraduate studies and the demanding dissertation work required for the MPhil or PhD. It will also add on some necessary courses to supplement or to enhance the literary competence of students from related disciplines, who might have limited background in literary or language study at the undergraduate level.

Admission Requirements

The following criteria will be followed in admission of students into the program:

A 4-year bachelor's degree, with at least second class or CGPA 2.5. (Candidates with a 3-year B.A. will need to take more courses.)
At least 2nd division in SSC and HSC. Alternatively, 5 'O' Levels and 2 'A' Levels with a GPA of at least 2.0, according to BracU scale: A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, and E=1, only one E being acceptable.
Qualifying in a100-mark admission test consisting of a written test (80%) and an interview (20%).

Transfer of Credits

Transfer of credits from institutions having equivalent curriculum, grading system and grading standard may be allowed for a maximum of 12 credits provided the student has obtained at least B grade(s) in the course(s) eligible for transfer. The university will consider applications for transfer of credit on a case-by-case basis.

Degree Requirements

Students will have to complete a minimum of 36 credits for the MA, distributed as follows:

3 core courses (9 credits)
5 elective courses (15 credits)
MA Thesis (6 credits)

In addition, students entering without the necessary prerequisites will first have to complete four pre-requisite courses (12 credits) in the Foundation Semester.

Students must attain a minimum CGPA of 2.0 and a minimum grade of ’B’ in the thesis.