Students who pursue a BA (Hons) in English begin their journey at The NorthCap University as learners who are passionate about literature and reading and leave as well-rounded individuals graduating as researchers, writers, entrepreneurs, content marketers, journalists, teachers, policymakers, and corporate communicators.

Our main objective with the BA (Hons) English programme offered at The NorthCap University is not only to help the learners study great works of literature but also to equip them for a career in which such skills are highly prized. The most common understanding regarding a BA degree in English is the notion that it entails studying novels, poems and plays and writing essays interpreting them. One feels that during the three years of pursuing a BA in English, one gets exposed to the world of great literary figures, and that is about it. But a BA in English at NCU is much more than that. In the NCU BA English programme, you will not just study literature from across the globe but will also engage critically with the rich and diverse global cultures and traditions. You will get to master the field of creative writing, soft skills, language and communication as well.

The programme offers a range of courses from British poetry, drama, and fiction to courses such as popular literature, new literatures, postcolonial literature, partition literature, women’s writing, etc. These courses enable the learner to make connections between texts and current social and global concerns. One may start a class discussion on O. Henry’s The Bet and end up in a discussion on capital punishment vs life imprisonment as modes of punishing criminals. The study of partition literature can take one to a discourse on migration and identity. And the plays of Shakespeare will help one understand not just the emotional or historical perspective to life but also how his ideas are universally relevant and still influence film and theatre and even life.

Most courses give students a fair idea of the world of media, communication and popular culture. The faculty of NCU meticulously teaches the primary texts and subtly integrates the adaptations of world-famous texts to showcase the evolution of storytelling across mediums, from novels and theatre to movies, podcasts and OTT streaming. All the courses offered to students reiterate that storytelling is a fundamental part of entertainment as well as brand building, journalism and society. Through the different plays prescribed in the curriculum, students develop skills such as leadership, cooperation, public speaking, creative thinking, and project management. They act out scenes and are also involved in theatre productions and analysis of scripts.

With the emergence of a digital economy, storytelling has turned out to be an important professional skill. Students undergo training for creative writing that allows them to work with short fiction, poetry, blogs, travel writing, digital storytelling, advertisements, and content writing. It is a well-known fact that storytelling has become an increasingly popular skill among publishers, journalists, marketers, advertisers, PR specialists, digital media practitioners, and business communicators. At NCU, students develop their capacity for clear and creative writing.

There is a focus on the acquisition of skills and practical knowledge within the programme. By undertaking research work, delivering presentations, participating in debates, performing theatre, writing creatively, doing internships, digital storytelling, and group projects, students develop excellent oral and written communication skills, research skills, leadership qualities, team spirit, creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.

Studying English as a BA (Hons) is not only limited to literary analysis but is also about understanding people and culture, questioning stereotypes and giving a thoughtful response to an ever-changing environment. A programme in English prepares the student to face the complexities of the world and build a career that appreciates communication, innovation and empathy. An English class is a space where students are taught the art of asking the right question rather than finding the right answer. These skills help them to become effective communicators in any context.

An undergraduate education in English is not just about learning literature but about developing the intellectual and professional skills that will enable individuals to prosper in the increasingly interconnected global society. Through a close engagement with varied literary traditions, theories, and interdisciplinary approaches, they learn how to challenge their own assumptions, analyse information, respect different opinions, and argue with conviction and clarity.

The Language Laboratory at The NorthCap University, one of the top universities, is an important element of the BA (Hons) English programme, where students have an opportunity to work in a technology-based atmosphere to hone their language and communication skills. The university has two well-equipped language labs that act as a link between basic and professional communication. Through various lessons on vocabulary, sentence construction, pronunciation, phonetics, MTI reduction, listening skills, group discussions, presentations, interview skills, and public speaking, students learn how to use English in different situations and contexts both academically and professionally. In addition to this, the learners use the language lab software and get accustomed to digital language learning methods that help them become fluent, clear, and efficient in interpersonal communication. This kind of practical training helps in becoming a successful professional in fields such as media, publishing, corporate communication, academics and more.

The faculty of a university plays a crucial role in the success of the students. The faculty BA (Hons) English programme of The NorthCap University is no exception in this regard. The Centre for Language Learning (CLL) has an experienced team of faculty who combine academics, research, and passion for teaching in equal measures. The team comprises experts in varied fields ranging from postcolonial studies, women’s writing, American literature, British literature, literary theory, linguistics, cultural studies, media and culture studies, digital humanities to Indian writing in English and more. But beyond their academic credentials, they also mentor their students in research projects, seminars, dissertations, presentations, publications in journals, internships and higher education. When our students graduate, they take with them much more than an academic credential—they take with them the skills to be able to think critically, argue effectively, lead cooperatively, and tackle problems creatively. Such skill sets allow our graduates to pursue diverse careers in the worlds of publishing, journalism, media, advertising, public relations, corporate communications, content strategy, digital marketing, teaching, legal and policy analysis, civil service work, human resources, culture management, entrepreneurship, and many other emerging areas of professional practice.

Author
Dr Shrutimita Mehta
Deputy Dean-Students’ Welfare
Associate Professor
Centre for Language Learning
Research Areas – Communication Skills, Gender Studies, Feminist Writing, Diaspora Studies, Post-colonial Studies.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrutimita-mehta-00992020b