Can Tho University is taking a significant step forward in Vietnamese literary education by establishing a new doctoral program in Vietnamese Literature. This groundbreaking initiative promises to elevate the institution’s role in preserving and advancing Vietnam’s rich literary heritage while training the next generation of scholars and researchers.
Can Tho University Launches Doctoral Program in Vietnamese Literature
On the afternoon of October 7, 2025, the Faculty of Political, Social and Humanities Sciences at Can Tho University organized a comprehensive stakeholder consultation workshop regarding the planned Vietnamese Literature doctoral program. The event combined both in-person and online participation, bringing together representatives from various universities, employers, field experts, and potential students. Moreover, the university’s leadership and relevant departments actively participated in the discussions.
Strategic Foundation for Academic Excellence
The Faculty of Political, Social and Humanities Sciences was established through the merger of the Faculty of Political Science and the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. This consolidation aimed to create a robust educational unit specializing in humanities, social sciences, and political science within the Mekong Delta region. Currently, the faculty operates nine undergraduate programs and two master’s degree programs, all designed to develop critical thinking capabilities, research skills, and deep analytical abilities.
Furthermore, these programs emphasize the practical application of knowledge in political, cultural, and social contexts. The faculty’s educational approach reflects a commitment to bridging theoretical understanding with real-world applications.
Vision for Vietnamese Literary Scholarship
Dr. Bui Thanh Thao, Dean of the Faculty of Political, Social and Humanities Sciences, expressed her hopes during the workshop’s opening remarks. She emphasized the faculty’s desire to gather valuable contributions from experts and professional representatives to continuously improve the training program. The goal is ensuring currency, integration, and close connection between research, teaching, and practice.
“This initiative marks an important development milestone in the training and research strategy of our faculty, demonstrating the university’s vision in connecting culture and humanity.”
Modernizing Curriculum Through Expert Input
The workshop participants provided numerous valuable suggestions focusing on modernizing the training program. These recommendations included supplementing and adjusting course modules, strengthening the connection between research and application, and ensuring practical relevance for students. Unlike traditional approaches, the new program will emphasize international integration and digital transformation capabilities.
The expert feedback concentrated on several key areas:
- Modernizing curriculum content to reflect contemporary literary scholarship
- Enhancing research methodology components
- Integrating digital humanities approaches
- Strengthening international collaboration opportunities
Commitment to Cultural Preservation and Innovation
The establishment of this Vietnamese Literature doctoral program represents more than academic expansion. It affirms Can Tho University’s commitment to preserving and developing humanistic knowledge while fostering political and ideological theory among younger generations. Additionally, the program aims to promote national cultural values and contribute to the country’s sustainable development.
This initiative aligns with broader trends in Vietnamese higher education, where universities are increasingly focusing on Vietnamese cultural studies and literary research. The program will likely draw inspiration from successful international models, such as those found at Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, which offers comprehensive doctoral programs in literature and cultural studies.
Future Aspirations and Academic Growth
With aspirations to become a specialized school within Can Tho University, the Faculty of Political, Social and Humanities Sciences continues innovating its training programs and enhancing faculty capabilities. The institution is also expanding academic cooperation both domestically and internationally. On the flip side, this expansion requires careful planning to maintain quality while increasing capacity.
The Vietnamese Literature doctoral program will not only complete the faculty’s postgraduate training system but also strengthen Can Tho University’s mission in humanistic knowledge development. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates will be well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to Vietnam’s literary and cultural landscape.
Can Tho University’s new doctoral program in Vietnamese Literature represents a significant investment in preserving Vietnam’s literary heritage while preparing scholars for contemporary challenges. Through careful stakeholder consultation and expert input, the program promises to deliver high-quality education that bridges traditional scholarship with modern research methodologies, ultimately contributing to the nation’s intellectual and cultural development.
