Ashoka University

What you'll study

The English programme is built around small seminars, lecture courses and supervised independent work. In the first years you take core courses that introduce literary history, methods of close reading and foundational critical theories. Typical modules cover:

• Literary periods and genres: poetry, drama, the novel and short fiction across British, American, South Asian and world literatures
• Literary theory and criticism: formalism, structuralism, post-structuralism, feminist, queer and postcolonial theory and cultural studies approaches
• Modern and contemporary literature, including South Asian writing in English and in translation
• Creative writing workshops in poetry, fiction and non-fiction
• Specialist electives such as translation studies, eco-criticism, digital humanities, theatre studies and film adaptations
• Language and linguistics modules that introduce grammar, sociolinguistics and discourse analysis where relevant

In later years students design a pathway of advanced electives, take research seminars and normally complete a substantial capstone project or honours thesis supervised by faculty. The curriculum emphasises interdisciplinary options, so students commonly pair English with subjects such as history, philosophy, economics, political science, or the sciences. Opportunities for internships, theatre productions, editorial work with campus journals and study-abroad exchange are typically available.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a strong secondary-school record and demonstrable proficiency in English. Admission to Ashoka's undergraduate programmes generally involves a holistic process that may include standardised tests accepted by the university, submission of academic transcripts, written work or a creative portfolio (recommended for applicants with a strong interest in creative writing), and an interview. Specific eligibility criteria and accepted qualifications vary by applicant category (national boards, international curricula); candidates should consult Ashoka's admissions guidance for the precise list of accepted credentials and test options.

Career prospects

Graduates in English from Ashoka go on to a wide range of careers that make use of strong analytical, research and written communication skills. Common pathways include:

• Publishing, editing and literary agencies
• Journalism, media, content strategy and digital communications
• Teaching and educational programme design (often following a teaching qualification)
• Creative professions: writing, playwriting, screenwriting and theatre practice
• Policy, public affairs, NGOs and cultural organisations
• Law, management and consultancy—students often move into professional programmes after completing further qualifications
• Postgraduate research and academia for those who pursue master's and doctoral study

The department's focus on internships, editorial projects and public events helps students build portfolios and professional networks while studying.

Why study at Ashoka University

Ashoka offers an English programme embedded in a liberal-arts environment that prioritises discussion-based learning and interdisciplinary inquiry. Small class sizes and regular one-to-one supervision support close mentorship from faculty active in research across modern and historical literatures, theory, and creative practice. The university also provides strong co-curricular opportunities—student-run journals, theatre groups, literary festivals and writing centres—that complement formal study.

Students benefit from campus resources such as a research-oriented library, language and writing support services, and a careers centre that facilitates internships and employer engagement. Study-abroad links and visiting scholars further broaden the intellectual and professional horizons available to English students at Ashoka.