The Department of Foreign Languages of the Faculty of Economics was established on May 21, 2012, by the decision of the Academic Council of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.

The department’s first head was Associate Professor Mykola Vasylovych Petrovsky, PhD in Philology — an experienced lecturer and translator.

Since 2023, the department has been led by Associate Professor Iryna Oleksiivna Didenko, PhD in Pedagogy, a recognized expert in ESP (English for Specific Purposes) methodology.

Mission

The Department’s mission is to provide high-quality language education for students at all levels of higher education, ensuring the development of professionally oriented English-language communicative competence among future economists. The department focuses on enhancing language proficiency to promote effective intercultural communication in professional, academic, and research contexts, as well as in international cooperation within today’s globalized economy.

Undergraduate Program’s students are offered both core and specialized courses, including:

• Foreign Language for Specific Purposes
• Upper-Intermediate Business English in International Trade
• Upper-Intermediate Business English in Strategic Marketing Management
• Upper-Intermediate Business English in International Investment
• Upper-Intermediate Business English in Marketing Communication

Master’s Programs

At the master’s level, students take a range of specialized courses designed to develop advanced professional language and analytical skills, including:

• Advanced Business English
• Advanced Business English in International Trade
• Advanced Business English in International Investment
• Contemporary Issues in Marketing Research and Strategic Planning
• Innovation Management
• Digital Translation in the Workplace of Economists and Managers

Doctoral Program

Doctoral candidates pursuing a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) degree take the course Academic Writing, which equips young researchers with the linguistic and stylistic tools necessary for effective academic communication and publication in international contexts.

Academic Staff

The department brings together a dedicated team of 15 academic staff members, including 14 Associate Professors holding PhD degrees and one Doctor of Philosophy.

Associate Professors Iryna Didenko and Anastasiia Syzenko are certified by the British Council as trainers for university English language instructors across Ukraine, reflecting the department’s strong commitment to teaching excellence and international standards in higher education.

Teaching Methods

The department employs innovative and student-centered teaching methods aimed at developing the skills essential for effective communication and performance in future professional environments.

A strong focus is placed on cultivating soft skills, including communication, teamwork, conflict and time management, leadership, media literacy, negotiation, participation in meetings, presentation delivery, stress resilience, creativity, and critical thinking. These competencies are fostered through a variety of interactive learning techniques, such as discussions, case studies, project presentations and defenses, role plays, simulations, and brainstorming sessions.