The Department of English Language & Literature takes pride in its prestigious position at the very heart of King Saud University. It has been a vital component of the College of Arts ever since the College initiated the first university level studies in Saudi Arabia way back in 1957 (1377 H). Right from its inception, it has availed itself of a highly qualified and competent teaching and research faculty along with effective curricula subjected to continual refinement and modernisation. Affiliated to it is the English Department in Female Branch/ Center of the University which, employing an equally capable faculty, has been running programmes identical to those of the parent department at the College of Arts.

The Department of English Language & Literature serves the specific purpose of providing progressively sequenced instruction in both English language and literature to students enrolled with it. Its programmes are geared to provide virtual vocational and professional training to students expected to serve later as translators and linguists. It further undertakes to prepare exceptionally bright students for higher studies, locally as well as abroad, towards earning MA and Ph D degrees in the fields of English language and literature. The department offers multiple courses in composition, grammar, linguistics, translation, language, and English/American literature.

The 'imperatives' of higher education in the department are carefully attended to, as students are schooled to think independently, analyse texts as well as theoretical problems, and express themselves both in the spoken and written word efficiently and succinctly. Student activities, such as production of plays, publication of student magazines, and pursuit of study abroad, are intended to promote fellowship amongst them, deepen their cultural understanding, and round out the complete "English major."

The curricula have been so fashioned as to lead the incoming students through a meticulously phased learning programme culminating in their enhanced language proficiency and academic sophistication.