The Department of English at Shivaji University, Kolhapur stands as one of the premier English departments in Maharashtra, established in 1965 with a rich legacy spanning nearly six decades. The department offers comprehensive programs in British Literature, American Literature, New Literatures in English, Comparative Literature, Linguistics, and English Language Teaching. With an M.A. intake capacity of 60 students plus additional seats for foreign students, the department has maintained academic excellence under the guidance of distinguished faculty members including Prof. Shantinath Desai, Prof. Maya Pandit, and Dr. L. R. Moktali. The department features modern infrastructure including a well-equipped language laboratory, departmental library, and smart classrooms, positioning itself as a leading center for English studies in western India.
- Department of English, Shivaji University Highlights
- Department of English, Shivaji University Courses & Fees
- Department of English, Shivaji University Admission Process
- Department of English, Shivaji University Scholarships
- Department of English, Shivaji University Campus & Facilities
- Department of English, Shivaji University Placements
- Department of English, Shivaji University Notable Alumni
Department of English, Shivaji University Highlights
The Department of English has been a cornerstone of literary and linguistic education at Shivaji University since 1965, making it one of the oldest English departments in the region. Under the pioneering leadership of its first head Dr. Guruprashad Thakur (1966-1972), the department established academic collaborations with foreign universities and organized numerous teacher training programs with support from the British Council. The department's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its diverse course offerings spanning British, American, and New Literatures in English, along with specialized areas like Translation Studies, Cultural Studies, and Sociolinguistics. With a strong emphasis on research and employability, the department has launched several innovative initiatives including value-added courses since 2019 and self-supporting programs for international students.
Particulars | Details |
Established | 1965 |
Type | State University Department |
Approvals/Accreditations | UGC Approved |
Student Intake / Strength | M.A.: 60 + 10% + 15% Foreign Students |
Faculty | Experienced faculty with specializations in various literary fields |
Flagship Program & Fees | M.A. English (2 Years) |
Entrance Exams | University Entrance Test |
Official Website |
Department of English, Shivaji University Courses & Fees
The Department of English offers a comprehensive range of academic programs designed to meet diverse educational needs and career aspirations. The flagship M.A. English program, launched in 1966, provides in-depth study of literature, linguistics, and critical theory through a semester-based curriculum. The department has expanded its offerings to include specialized diploma and certificate courses, with value-added courses introduced in 2019 focusing on English Language and Literature Teaching Skills. Recent additions include programs specifically designed for foreign students, reflecting the department's international outlook. The curriculum encompasses major areas such as Critical Theories, Sociolinguistics, Translation Studies, Cultural Studies, and Gender Studies, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education in contemporary English studies.
Program | Level | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
M.A. English | Post Graduate | 2 Years | Bachelor's degree with English | As per university norms |
Ph.D. | Doctoral | 3-6 Years | M.A. English with qualifying marks | As per university norms |
Value Added Course on English Language and Literature Teaching Skills | Diploma | 1 Year | Graduate in any discipline | As per university norms |
Certificate Course in Communicative and Academic English | Certificate | 6 Months | For foreign students | Self-supporting basis |
Post-Graduate Course in English Proficiency and Academic Writing | Certificate | 1 Year | Graduate degree | Self-supporting basis |
Department of English, Shivaji University Admission Process
The admission process for the Department of English follows the standard procedures established by Shivaji University, with specific requirements varying by program level. For the M.A. English program, candidates must possess a bachelor's degree with English as a subject, and selection is typically based on merit and entrance examination performance. The department maintains reservation policies as per government norms, including additional seats for foreign students. Ph.D. admissions are conducted based on available research supervisor capacity and follow UGC guidelines for doctoral programs. The department's commitment to inclusivity is reflected in its diverse student intake and support for international applicants through specialized programs.
Application Window: As per university academic calendar (typically May-June)
Entrance Exams: University-level entrance test for M.A. and Ph.D. programs
Selection Stages: Merit-based selection with interview for Ph.D. candidates
Step | Details | Indicative Timeline | Documents |
Online Application | Submit application through university portal | May-June | Academic transcripts, certificates |
Entrance Test | University-conducted examination | June-July | Admit card, photo ID |
Merit List | Publication of selected candidates | July | NA |
Document Verification | Original document verification | July-August | All original certificates |
Admission Confirmation | Fee payment and seat confirmation | August | Fee receipt, admission form |
Department of English, Shivaji University Scholarships
The Department of English, being part of Shivaji University, provides access to various scholarship opportunities available to students pursuing higher education in humanities. Students can avail themselves of government scholarships including those offered by the Maharashtra State Government and Central Government schemes. Merit-based scholarships are available for outstanding academic performers, while need-based financial assistance supports economically disadvantaged students. The department also facilitates access to research fellowships for Ph.D. candidates through UGC and other funding agencies. Special provisions exist for SC/ST/OBC students as per reservation policies, ensuring equitable access to quality education.
Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefit | How to Apply |
Merit Scholarship | Top performers in university exams | Partial fee waiver | Through university |
Government Scholarship | SC/ST/OBC students | Full/partial fee support | State scholarship portal |
UGC Fellowship | Ph.D. students with NET/JRF | Monthly stipend | UGC portal |
Need-based Aid | Economically weaker sections | Financial assistance | University welfare office |
Department of English, Shivaji University Campus & Facilities
The Department of English boasts excellent infrastructural support designed to enhance the teaching-learning experience and research capabilities. The department features a well-equipped language laboratory that facilitates practical language learning and phonetics training. A dedicated departmental library houses an extensive collection of literary works, critical texts, and research materials spanning various periods and genres of English literature. Modern smart classrooms equipped with audio-visual aids support interactive teaching methodologies. The department benefits from internet connectivity and digital resources that enable access to online databases and e-journals. The infrastructure supports the department's diverse academic programs and research activities, creating an conducive environment for scholarly pursuits.
Library / Digital Resources: Departmental library with extensive literary collections and online database access
Labs / Research Centres / Special Equipment: Well-equipped language laboratory for phonetics and language training
Classrooms / Seminar Halls / Auditoriums: Smart classrooms with modern audio-visual facilities
Hostel / Dining: University hostel facilities available for outstation students
Sports / Gym / Grounds: Access to university sports facilities and gymnasium
Connectivity / Transport: Good connectivity with internet access and university transport services
Department of English, Shivaji University Placements
The Department of English focuses on enhancing student employability through its comprehensive curriculum and skill development initiatives. Graduates from the department find opportunities in diverse fields including education, media, publishing, content writing, and translation services. The department's emphasis on English Language Teaching (ELT) prepares students for careers in language instruction both domestically and internationally. Many alumni pursue higher education and research careers, while others enter civil services, journalism, and corporate communications. The department's value-added courses launched in 2019 specifically target skill enhancement and employability, reflecting its commitment to student career development. Alumni have established successful careers in academia, literature, and various professional domains.
Year | Highest Package | Average Package | Median Package | Top Recruiters |
2023-24 | Data not publicly available | Data not publicly available | Data not publicly available | Educational institutions, Media houses, Publishing companies |
Department of English, Shivaji University Notable Alumni
The Department of English has produced numerous distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to literature, academia, and various professional fields over its nearly six-decade history since 1965. Many graduates have established themselves as prominent professors, researchers, and scholars in universities across India and abroad. Alumni have contributed to literary criticism, creative writing, and translation work, enriching the field of English studies. Several former students have achieved recognition in journalism, media, and publishing industries, while others have excelled in administrative services and corporate sectors. The department's legacy is reflected in the continued success of its graduates who maintain the tradition of academic excellence and professional achievement established by the institution.
Name | Role / Achievement |
Prof. Maya Pandit | Distinguished faculty member and literary scholar |
Dr. L. R. Moktali | Renowned academic and researcher in English literature |
Various Alumni | Professors in universities across India and abroad |
Department Graduates | Successful careers in journalism, publishing, and civil services |


