After a long period of booming training followed by saturation of human resources in once-hot fields such as economics, foreign trade, and banking, society seems to have changed its perception and evaluation of training programs. And basic science fields – along with the innovative efforts and self-improvement of training institutions to meet societal needs – are proving their unique advantages more than ever…
Candidates are showing more interest in basic science majors.
During the 2012-2013 university entrance exam season for the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, the number of applications for various majors showed a surprising change compared to previous years. In 2012, the number of applications to the Faculty increased by nearly 27%. In 2013 alone, six training programs saw an increase of 40% or more in the number of applications compared to 2012. This was particularly evident in several basic science fields such as: Linguistics (up 240%), Literature Education (up 77.63%), Classical Chinese and Vietnamese Studies (up 69.9%), Anthropology (up 62.7%), and History Education (up 46.15%). Several other basic science fields also experienced significant increases in applications, including Philosophy (up 27.42%), Literature (up 18.12%), and History (up 13.64%).
In addition, the number of applications for Block D (the block where candidates are assessed as having good academic performance in both natural and social sciences) increased significantly from 1,919 applications in 2012 to 2,593 applications in 2013 (a 35% increase). Applications for Block A increased by 5%, and Block B increased by 20%.
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Kim (Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) stated that this is a positive sign, showing that society and students in general have a positive view of basic sciences, especially the social sciences and humanities. Even for the new entrance exam blocks like blocks A and B, the number of applications has increased significantly.
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Kim also believes that this change in societal needs is inevitable in the current context: “For a rather long period, we had misconceptions about the role of basic sciences. During the previous period of rapid growth, society valued new fields such as technology, foreign languages, finance… but now, we are gradually restoring the rightful stature and position of basic sciences in the development of science, education, cultural preservation, as well as the development and international integration of our country.”
Furthermore, students in basic science disciplines are increasingly receiving more benefits and support in their studies, research, and job search. In the 2012-2013 academic year, for the first time, a preferential treatment program was implemented for students in six basic science disciplines (Political Science, Sino-Vietnamese Studies, History, Anthropology, Philosophy, and Literature) at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. Accordingly, students in these disciplines will receive scholarships of VND 4,200,000 per student per year; and will be able to participate in professional development courses organized by the University without paying tuition fees. This is the latest incentive within the program to support the development of basic science disciplines at Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
Attracting learners through quality training.
For a long time, the pressure of new workforce demands from the market economy forced many universities with basic science disciplines to adapt and survive. Many, chasing trends, expanded their training programs into fields they lacked the necessary expertise in, while others neglected their traditional strengths. In this context, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, made the right decision by consistently maintaining the quality of its training, gradually developing and spreading the advantages of its basic science disciplines to many new applied science fields. Currently, the university's training system is diverse, ranging from traditional, fundamental sciences such as History, Linguistics, Literature, Philosophy, etc., to new, promising fields of study that are popular with students, such as Journalism and Communication, Oriental Studies, International Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Tourism Studies, Information Science, Office Management, Vietnamese Studies, Public Relations, etc. The strong tradition of training in fundamental sciences has given the university's programs a unique identity, enabling students to acquire specialized knowledge well on a solid foundation in the social sciences and humanities.
In an effort to innovate and maintain the quality of education, the University has spent over four years transitioning from a semester-based system to a credit-based system. This aims to create stronger linkages between training programs, enabling students to be more proactive and independent in planning their studies, allowing them to accelerate their learning, start early, and obtain a university degree in just over three years. Besides the standard program, the University offers several high-quality and international programs to provide students with the best possible learning opportunities.
During the past academic year, the University successfully implemented the transformation of its curriculum according to output standards, aiming to better meet the needs of the labor market and strongly integrate with regional and global education and training. Also in the 2012-2013 academic year, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities was awarded national quality accreditation, meeting 60 out of 61 criteria.
Basic science: a wide range of career opportunities
“Students studying basic sciences at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities have many advantages,” affirmed Professor Vu Duong Ninh (former Head of the Faculty of International Studies). This is because the training tradition, from Hanoi University to the current University of Social Sciences and Humanities, emphasizes not only providing comprehensive and fundamental knowledge but also teaching research skills, critical thinking methods, and problem-solving approaches. This scientific and objective thinking helps students develop accurate perspectives in evaluating and solving many problems in their work and life later on. Many, although not working in their trained field, have successfully fulfilled their responsibilities in professional and managerial roles thanks to their solid foundation of basic knowledge and logical thinking methods.
Dr. Nguyen Quang Lieu (Head of the Political and Student Affairs Department, University of Social Sciences and Humanities) believes that in the current period, students in basic science fields have a high chance of finding employment. Because basic science has broad professional applications in society, graduates have a very wide range of career choices. Dr. Nguyen Quang Lieu also shared the reality that students majoring in Literature, Linguistics, Sino-Vietnamese Studies, and Political Science at the university can work in journalism, editing, screenwriting, filmmaking, etc. History students can teach subjects related to politics, culture, and history, and work in museums and research projects. Many students from the Social Sciences and Humanities are successful in business or the arts. This is because "students in basic science majors are equipped with fundamental knowledge, comprehensive thinking, and especially methodology, which helps them have a rich understanding of society, a scientific way of thinking in all issues, and the ability to adapt to diverse types of work," Dr. Nguyen Quang Lieu emphasized.
Furthermore, in an effort to expand career opportunities for students, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has implemented initiatives such as dual degree programs (major and minor majors), expanding cooperation with localities and employers, and applying IELTS as a graduation requirement. The increased focus on practical skills and soft skills has given students significant advantages.