Faculty of Arts and Communication
1. History of formation and development
The Faculty of Arts and Communication (FAC), formerly known as the Multimedia Department, belongs to the University of Information and Communication Technology – Thai Nguyen University and was established under Decision No. 802/ QD-DHTN dated August 11, 2011. The Department was founded on the idea of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Viet Binh – Former Rector of the university and Assoc. Prof. Do Nang Toan – Former Director of Information Technology Institute, Vietnam National University, Hanoi cum Head of Department for the first term.
On October 14, 2015, the President of Thai Nguyen University issued Decision No. 2347/QD-DHTN on the establishment of the Faculty of Multimedia Communication and appointed Dr. Do Thi Bac to hold the position of Dean.
On October 20, 2023, the ICTU Council issued Resolution No. 18/NQ-HDT on changing the Faculty of Multimedia Communication into the Faculty of Arts and Communication to meet the development demand and social needs.
2. Functions and tasks
The Faculty of Arts and Communication was established with the following functions:
a) Managing lecturers, staff, and students under the authority delegated by the university rector.
b) Planning and organizing educational and training activities in alignment with the university’s overall plans.
c) Planning and implementing scientific and technological research activities, and the international cooperation.
d) Developing strategies for faculty growth and curriculum enhancement.
e) Organizing and implementing political and ideological education initiatives.
f) Evaluating the performance of faculty administrators, lecturers, and researchers within the faculty.
Over nearly 15 years of development, the Faculty of Arts and Communication has established itself as a leading institution in media and design education nationwide. Currently, the faculty offers three academic programs: Multimedia Communication, Communication Technology, and Graphic Design, supported by a team of dynamic and highly qualified lecturers.
With the increasing demand for expertise in these fields, the faculty has expanded its student enrollment to over 2,000 for the academic year 2024-2025. To date, the faculty has trained thousands of graduates who have excelled in various roles, including communication specialists, designers, journalists, reporters, editors, department heads, directors, and CEOs at press agencies, media organizations, design firms, advertising agencies, educational institutions, and business enterprises, including startups.
To enhance its growth, the faculty has fostered sustainable partnerships with research institutes and universities across Vietnam, and organizations and enterprises in Thai Nguyen Province and neighboring regions. Additionally, it has extended its international collaborations with partners in Japan and Laos in training and technology transfer. Students benefit from practical exposure through internships at enterprises and have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including virtual reality labs, art studios, and professional studios.
In 2024, under a memorandum of understanding between University of Information and Communication Technology and Minh Viet Technology Development Corporation, the faculty is set to establish an animation production workshop on campus. This initiative provides students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience and participate in major animation projects, notably the 3D animated feature film The Cricket—An Adventure to the Swamp, scheduled for nationwide release in May 2025.
Alongside its commitment to education and research, the faculty has undertaken hundreds of scientific and technological projects across multiple levels, including ministerial, provincial, and institutional research. It has published hundreds of academic papers in journals and conference proceedings, with nearly half of them indexed in ISI/SCOPUS in journalism, media, and design.
For the 2021-2026 term, the faculty leadership has outlined a strategic development plan with the overarching goal of transitioning towards autonomy and global integration. The plan consists of five key objectives and solutions:
- Effectively implementing the university’s assigned political and academic missions.
- Deepening relationships with domestic and international enterprises.
- Strengthening academic collaboration with top institutions in multimedia communication.
- Enhancing the faculty’s branding and media outreach.
- Fostering an internal culture and a cohesive working environment.
3. Leadership Throughout the Years
3.1. Deans of the Faculty:
- 2011-2015: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Nang Toan
- 2016-present: Dr. Do Thi Bac
3.2. Vice Deans of the Faculty:
- 2011-2016: Dr. Le Anh Tu
- 2017-2019: Dr. Nguyen Van Toi
- 2019-2023: Dr. Nguyen Thi Hai Anh
- 2020-2023: Dr. Dinh Xuan Lam
- 2024-present: Dr. Phung The Huan
4. Awards and Recognitions
Through continuous efforts over nearly 15 years, the Faculty of Arts and Communication has received numerous prestigious awards, including two Certificates of Merit from the Minister of Education and Training. Besides, many faculty members and students have received accolades from the Ministry of Education and Training, the Vietnam Education Trade Union, the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Thai Nguyen University, and University of Information and Communication Technology.
Some notable recognitions include:
- Outstanding Labor Collective Award from the Director of Thai Nguyen University (2014-2015)
- Certificate of Merit from the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of Thai Nguyen Province for excellence in student and youth movements (2014-2017)
- Certificates of Merit from the Minister of Education and Training (2017-2018, 2018-2019)
- Certificate of Merit from the Vietnam Education Trade Union for excellence in the “Good Labor – Creative Labor” movement (2017-2021)
- Recognition from the Party Committee of the University of Information and Communication Technology for outstanding achievements (2019)
- Certificate of Merit from the Director of Thai Nguyen University (2017-2018)
- Various awards for contributions to arts, media, and scientific research from 2019 to 2024.
Student Achievements:
Students of the Faculty of Arts and Communication have also excelled in various competitions, including:
- Third Prize in the Student Research Competition (2016)
- Outstanding Student Award in Science and Technology (2016)
- First Prize in the University Cultural Performance Contest (2014, 2018, 2019)
- First Prize in the University English Gala (2017, 2019)
- Encouragement Prize in the Vietnam Student Talent Search (2018)
- “January Star” Award (2018)
- First Prize in the ICTU Science and Technology Innovation Competition (2018-2019)
- Gold Medal in Taekwondo at the Pho Yen Open Martial Arts Tournament
- Encouragement Prize in the World Championship of Graphic Design – ACAWC (2019)
- National Awards in journalism, media, and social initiatives (2019-2024)
With a strong foundation in education, research, and professional training, the Faculty of Arts and Communication continues to thrive as a leader in media and design education, shaping future generations of professionals in Vietnam and beyond.
5. Board of Deans
Dr. Do Thi Bac
Position: Dean Email: dtbac@ictu.edu.vn
Dr. Phung The Huan
Position: Vice Dean Email: pthuan@ictu.edu.vn
Website: https://mmc.ictu.edu.vn