On the afternoon of December 5, 2024, the Hall of The University of Danang was filled with pride and heartfelt emotion as the VN-UK Institute for Research and Executive Education (VNUK), The University of Danang, in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University (NTU), United Kingdom, held the graduation ceremony for MA TESOL Cohort 2024. More than a formal event, the ceremony marked an important milestone—five years of strong partnership, academic trust, and shared commitment to advancing English language education between the two institutions.
Five years of building academic reputation
The MA TESOL joint programme between VNUK and NTU is one of the first internationally recognised postgraduate programmes at The University of Danang accredited by the Ministry of Education and Training. Over the past five years, the programme has become a trusted choice for English teachers and language-education professionals who seek to elevate their academic knowledge, refresh their pedagogical mindset, and strengthen modern teaching approaches.
Distinguished guests in attendance
From Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom:
- Dr. Amy Wang – Senior Lecturer; Programme Manager, MA TESOL Collaborative Provision
- Dr. Sarah Khan – Senior Lecturer; Teaching Lead, MA TESOL Collaboration
From The University of Danang:
- MSc. Pham Thi Thanh Huyen – Deputy Head, Finance & Planning Office
From the VN-UK Institute for Research and Executive Education:
- Dr. Nguyen Hiep – Director
- Dr. Tran The Vu – Deputy Director
- Dr. Dang Trung Thanh – Head of Academic Affairs & Quality Assurance
- MSc. Truong Quynh Kim Y – Deputy Head of Research & International Cooperation (Programme Coordinator)
- Dr. Vo Nguyen Da Thao – Head of the Language & Foundation Studies Division
From the MA TESOL programme:
- Dr. Nguyen Thi My Hang – Lecturer
- Dr. Ngu Thien Hung – Lecturer
- Dr. Nguyen Thi Huynh Loc – Lecturer
- MSc. Nguyen Huy Khang Ninh – Teaching Assistant
- MSc. Nguyen Thanh Tam – Teaching Assistant
From IDP Danang:
- Ms. Tran Ngoc Tram – Director, IDP Danang
- Ms. Nguyen Phuong Thao – Education Counsellor
The ceremony welcomed faculty members, families, and all 36 graduates of MA TESOL Cohort 2024.
The future belongs to those who dare to lead and create change
The event became more meaningful with inspiring messages from representatives of the programme.
Speaking on behalf of NTU, Dr. Amy Wang congratulated the cohort and acknowledged their perseverance, emphasising that every assignment and every hour of study contributed to today’s well-earned achievement: “Our ambition is to nurture the people who can imagine and implement change in education – the leaders, rather than the followers. You.”
Representing VNUK, Dr. Nguyen Hiep expressed his pride in the graduates who managed to balance professional work, family responsibilities, and intensive research. He affirmed that a Master’s degree symbolises not only academic success but also professional responsibility: “Always teach with curiosity, lead with courage, and serve with compassion.”
Beyond a degree: the emotions of a memorable day
Speaking on behalf of the cohort, Valedictorian Lê Thị Hạnh Dung shared a heartfelt reflection. For her, the most valuable part of the journey was not the title itself, but the personal growth and the meaningful companionship along the way.
“Learning is what keeps us young—stay curious and open to new knowledge,” she said, affirming that today’s success reflects the unity and mutual support of the entire MA TESOL Cohort 2024.
During the event, VNUK and NTU also organised a Pre-departure Orientation for 52 incoming students of MA TESOL Cohort 2025, preparing them for their upcoming nine-month study period in the United Kingdom.
About the VNUK x NTU MA TESOL programme
The Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA TESOL) is a collaborative programme between VNUK and Nottingham Trent University—one of the UK’s leading universities in teaching, research, and innovation. The programme is designed to develop a community of competent, research-informed, and globally minded English-language educators. It follows a structured 12-month learning pathway:
- First 3 months (Vietnam): Academic skills development and research preparation at VNUK
- Next 6 months (United Kingdom): In-depth study at NTU, engaging with international lecturers and peers
- Final 3 months: Dissertation research in Vietnam or the UK under close supervision from faculty members of both institutions
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Contact information
- Website: https://thacsitesol.com
- TESOL Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/699168735333549
- Phone: 0905 55 66 54
- Email: matesol@vnuk.edu.vn
