Master of Arts (MA) in English at Southwestern State College (SWSC), Basundhara, Kathmandu, is a Tribhuvan University (TU) program delivered under a semester system. The degree runs for two academic years across four semesters.
The curriculum integrates literary studies, writing, discourse, and interdisciplinary perspectives, allowing you to build depth in language and literature while practicing research and academic communication.
Affiliation: Tribhuvan University, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Duration: Two years; four semesters
Credits: 63 credits as per the current TU curriculum framework
Structure: Core courses, thematic/elective studies, writing and composition, and thesis
Campus context: Program delivered at SWSC, Basundhara, Kathmandu
Class timing: Morning shift (6:30–9:30 AM) as per SWSC schedule
The MA English curriculum spans core and elective categories. Foundational courses cover Introduction to English Studies, British and American literature across historical periods, literary theories and practices, and academic writing.
Later semesters include thematic and area-based studies such as drama studies, poetry and fiction themes, Nepal-related literature, and interdisciplinary cultural topics. Writing and composition courses focus on academic, technical, and professional writing. A thesis in the final semester carries academic credit and includes research writing guidance, proposal development, and defense.
The program strengthens critical reading, cultural interpretation, and scholarly writing. Students learn how to place texts in historical and theoretical contexts and how to use research methods to support arguments. The course develops habits of careful citation and academic integrity.
Graduates work in higher education support roles, publishing, media and communication, educational services, and development projects that require strong writing and analysis. Some students continue to MPhil or PhD after meeting university criteria. The thesis produces a writing sample that helps with academic or professional applications.
Students who complete MA English should be able to:
Read and interpret texts using established theoretical frameworks.
Write clear, well-structured analyses with appropriate references.
Present arguments orally and in writing to academic and general audiences.
Conduct supervised research and defend a thesis.
Academic and professional writing: Structured practice in academic, technical, and workplace writing
Theory to practice: Application of literary and cultural theory to varied genres and media
Research methods: Topic formulation, literature review, methodology, citation, and defense preparation
Communication: Seminar talks, peer review, and presentation skills
SWSC uses lectures, guided seminars, presentations, reading circles, and supervised writing. Faculty provide feedback on drafts and presentations. Assessment follows TU’s internal and semester-end evaluation pattern, including written exams, term assignments, and thesis work.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in English from a TU-recognized institution
Entrance: Admission follows TU and campus notices; an entrance process may apply as per current policy
Documents: Academic transcripts, character/migration certificates (as applicable), ID copy, recent photographs
At SWSC: Enrollment proceeds through the campus schedule; morning timings help commuters
Entry roles include college-level teaching assistantships (subject to policy), content development, editing, media writing, communications, and education program roles. Research and writing skills also support competitive exams and project documentation in NGOs and public agencies. Graduates planning academia prepare for MPhil/PhD through thesis-based research experience.
SWSC provides merit scholarships based on prior academic results, internal performance scholarships tied to terminal exams, and government quota scholarships where applicable. Students confirm category, documents, and deadlines during admission counseling.
MA English at SWSC follows TU’s semester structure with a thesis that tests independent research and writing. The course mix supports reading depth, writing discipline, and presentation skills. Morning hours and the Basundhara location support students who travel from different parts of the valley.
MA in English at Southwestern State College offers a TU-recognized graduate path grounded in reading, theory, research, and writing. Students should check the latest TU and SWSC intake notices for dates, documents, and semester timelines before applying.
