The University of Danang is intensifying the use of English in teaching and academic activities, as Viet Nam seeks to establish English as a second language in schools under Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW. Through high-level conferences on boosting international publications, scientific research, and student mobility, the university is creating strong, university-wide momentum for international integration.

Expanding English-medium degree programmes

A central priority for the University of Danang is to work with its member institutions and affiliated units to expand English-medium degree programmes so that graduates are better prepared for international work environments.

At the University of Danang – University of Economics, three undergraduate programmes are now fully taught in English: International Business, Digital Marketing, and E-commerce. In addition, 18 majors are delivered partly in English, including Financial Technology, Hotel Management, Human Resource Management, and Tourism Business Administration.

The curricula are regularly updated to reflect international developments while ensuring compliance with the National Qualifications Framework. International lecturers and faculty trained overseas are directly involved in teaching and programme development. Joint and articulation programmes (3+1, 2+2) are offered to students. Together with exchange and internship opportunities with universities and businesses abroad, these programmes further strengthen students’ foreign language skills and international exposure.

“This direction is very timely. It not only helps implement Politburo Resolutions No. 71 and No. 59, but also meets the demand for high-quality human resources to serve Da Nang’s plans for an international financial centre and a free-trade zone,” said Associate Professor Dr Nguyễn Thành Đạt, Deputy Head of the Department of Academic Affairs and Educational Quality Assurance at the University of Danang.

Deepening international cooperation and raising global profile

The University of Danang has been selected by the Central Steering Committee for the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation as one of four universities to receive priority investment as a model for Viet Nam’s higher education system (Conclusion Notice No. 45-TB/TGV).

One key target is to ensure that at least 60% of programmes in science, engineering, and technology are delivered in English, with priority given to joint degree programmes with universities ranked among the world’s top 200.

To meet these goals, the university is strengthening partnerships with leading institutions such as the National University of Singapore, the University of Sydney, the University of Macau, and Indiana University. These collaborations include joint degree programmes, reciprocal exchanges of lecturers and students, co-supervision of master’s and PhD candidates, and the organisation of international scientific conferences to expand research and academic networks.

More recently, the University of Danang has deepened cooperation with the Ulysseus European University Alliance, Université Grenoble Alpes, and Université Côte d’Azur (France). Joint activities focus on strategic fields such as digital technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics and automation, smart cities, advanced networking and communications, nuclear energy, renewable and green energy, new materials, biotechnology, and biomedical engineering. In the coming period, the university plans to send engineering students and PhD candidates to Université Grenoble Alpes to conduct their doctoral research.

The Viet Nam-UK Institute for Research and Executive Education (VNUK), a member unit of the University of Danang, is partnering with Nottingham Trent University (United Kingdom) to deliver a joint master’s programme in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). The programme provides participants – most of whom are English teachers – with both theoretical foundations and practical skills. Learners undertake teaching practice and complete their thesis at the partner institution and receive a degree awarded by Nottingham Trent University.

“With our core role in implementing the Scheme ‘Developing English as a Second Language in Schools’ (Decision No. 2371/QĐ-TTg), the University of Danang – University of Foreign Language Studies (UD-UFL) focuses on enhancing the qualifications of key teaching staff, upgrading facilities and equipment, and applying technology in foreign language teaching and learning. These are decisive factors in improving the quality of English education across the system,” said Associate Professor Dr Nguyễn Văn Long, Rector of UD-UFL.

Through steady, proactive steps and long-term measures, the University of Danang is leveraging its strengths, long-standing traditions, and extensive experience in international cooperation. With foreign languages as a key driver, the university is steadily enhancing its reputation and standing in the broader internationalisation of higher education.

UD Media