English language is used in broad sense of communication and commonly studied subject on the universal level. Keep in mind the importance of English language, in Afghan universities English language is used as a compulsory subject. Moreover, in 1992 professors and culture-loving personalities of Nangarhar University felt the need to establish English Language and Literature Department in Languages and Literature Faculty for mastering the modern sciences of language acquired by the modern civil societies of the world.

This department was established in 2003. At this year, 42 students were introduced to study in ELD. In 2007, 32 of them successfully completed their studies and received their B.A Degree. Fortunately, Nangarhar University hired five well-qualified graduated students as permanent instructors to start their professional career from the first batch of ELD. English Department for four consecutive years implemented the syllabus and lecture system prescribed by the Ministry of Higher Education.

 Later on, San Diego State University of United State of America through financial support of Strengthening Higher Education Program (SHEP) and World Bank, under a proper contract, prepared a well-designed curriculum for students studying B.A. in English Department. Curriculum specialists of San Diego State University have fully taken care of all the necessities that are important for a standard curriculum, such as, mission and vision, work plan, goals, achievements, monitoring and evaluation. This department implemented the curriculum for four years from 1-Dec-2006 to 30-April-2010. Fortunately, the same curriculum is still implemented by the professional faculties of the department. English Department, besides having a standard curriculum, provided facilities of library and computer laboratory for students to use them for their effective learning process. Under the above mentioned contract, four Senior Lecturers of English Department attended Curriculum Design Trainings twice during the summer vacations in the United States of America.

Furthermore, with the financial support of US Embassy and Asia Foundation in 2011, 10 students (6 male/ 4 female), in 2012, 6 students (5 male/ 1 female) and 2013, 4 students (2 male/2 female) participated in one month Intensive English Teacher Training Course, through AUSEP (Afghan University Students Exchange Program) India. The training courses were conducted in the State of Chandigarh “The Capital of Punjab and Haryana” under the professional guidance of RIE “Regional Institute of English NI”, EFL University, Hyderabad, and American Fellows in India. All training courses brought master changes in the intellectual powers of students, and students were further inspired to struggle more in order to be the participants of this effective program in the upcoming time.

In addition to 4 classes of English Department, its lecturers hold the responsibility of teaching English in all of the faculties of Nangarhar University. Their support and contribution of teaching classes in other faculties is highly appreciated through various faculty deans especially the chancellor of Nangarhar University by providing them appreciation letters. Each student of this department meets bylaw of Ministry of Higher Education. Besides, taking classes, students are compelled to compile a monograph regarding a specific topic assigned by the head of department after completion of B.A. Degree Course. Later on, they are needed to present a monograph presentation in order to defend their accumulated research in front of jury members.

B.A. in English language department is a four –year (eight semesters) duration. The continuation of each semester is 16 weeks. The examination is held at the end of each semester which covers three weeks from the same semester. Since 2012, we have implemented a new program through which we enroll more than twenty students every year from the TTCs “Teaching Training Colleges”

In addition, in-service program is introduced in 2014 in ELD. ELD offers the same facilities for in-service students which are provided for the pre-service students. Thus, this department has graduated a very large number of students who are currently involved in working with various national and international organizations; a large number of them are currently working as English Lecturers in national and private universities across the country. Their contribution to country’s peace, education, reconstruction and development is considered as high values; wherever they have worked, they have shined as stars; English department is proud of them all.

Pioneering the Future of Language Studies: M.A. in English Applied Linguistics

The Department of English at Nangarhar University is proud to announce a landmark achievement in higher education: The Master of Arts in English Applied Linguistics. Launched in the academic year 2025/1404, this pioneering program is the first of its kind in the country, establishing a new center for advanced linguistic inquiry and research.

This intensive 48-credit program is designed to be completed in four semesters, offering a comprehensive curriculum that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students explore the complex role of language in society, education, and communication, preparing them for leadership roles in academia, research, and professional fields.

Our Postgraduate Board, led by Dr. Fahim Rahimi and comprising Dr. Ahmadgul Momand, Dr. Obaidullah Zahid, and Mr. Mirwace Khan Shinwari, guides this intensive four-semester program. Their collective expertise ensures a rigorous and innovative academic environment.

We are thrilled to have already welcomed our first two cohorts of graduate students, who are embarking on this transformative educational journey. Building on this strong foundation, the Department of English is actively developing a Ph.D. program, with the ambitious goal of launching it in 2027, further solidifying our commitment to academic excellence and shaping the future of linguistic scholarship in the nation.

Join us as we write the first chapter in the story of linguistic excellence.

Strategic Plan

The Bachelor of Arts in English degree program, within the Literature and Languages Faculty, at Nangarhar University, seeks to support the University’s Mission and Goals in the following manner.

Vision

In light of Islamic values, the Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature is designed to develop students’ competencies in English Language, Literature, Research and generic soft skills throughout higher educational institutions in Afghanistan.

Mission

Considering the underlying values of Islam, the Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature throughout universities in Afghanistan is designed to enhance students’ cognitive, and practical abilities in writing and critical analysis of literary texts, translating literary and technical texts, developing academic writing and research skills, and applying soft skills in both real and academic life effetely.

Values        

          The Department of English Language and Literature is committed to considering the following values in light of Islam:

1. Profession
2. Cultural Diversity
3. Technology
4. Islamic Ethics
5. Innovation
6. Tolerance

List of Succession of Head of Department from Steart to 2023

1. Mr. Barialy Rasooly 2003-2008
2. Mr. Turyalay Mankhil 2009-2013
3. Mr. Mirwais Shinwari 2014-2018
4. Mr. Farid Sahil  2019-2025
5. Mr. Mirwais Shinwari 2025-Current