Welsh (BA)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

This is a three-year full-time course, consisting of 120 credits a year. Most modules are worth 20 credits.

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2023/2024 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2023.

Year one

You will study six 20 credit modules (120 credits in total) in Welsh.

The emphasis in year one is on developing key skills (linguistic, analytical, creative and employability) in the fields of language, literature and culture.

We offer two routes in year one - first and a second-language – which are dependent on your Welsh experience in school, in a professional context or from other language courses.

First-language route

Core modules:

• Iaith ac Ystyr [Language and Meaning]
• Awdur, Testun a Darllenydd [Author, Text and Reader]
• Y Gymraeg yn y Gymru Gyfoes [The Welsh Language in Contemporary Wales]

Optional modules:

• Ysgrifennu Creadigol a Phroffesiynol [Creative and Professional Writing]
• Mapio’r Cymry [Mapping the Welsh]
• Herio’r Traddodiad Llenyddol [Challenging the Literary Tradition]

Second-language route

Core modules:

• Sgiliau Llafar [Oral Skills]
• Defnyddio’r Gymraeg [Using Welsh]
• Astudio Llenyddiaeth [Studying Literature]
• Y Gymraeg Heddiw [The Welsh Language Today]

Optional modules:

• Trafod Ein Llên [Discussing our Literature]
• Cymraeg Creadigol a Phroffesiynol [Creative and Professional Welsh]

On both routes, modules are taught through the medium of Welsh.

 Optional modules for year one

Year two

In year two, you will build on the skills and knowledge acquired in year one. The core linguistic elements of the course focus on language skills within both an academic and a vocational context, and include a period of work experience in a workplace in which Welsh is used on a daily basis.

First-language route

For the first-language route the compulsory core linguistic module is:

• Yr Iaith ar Waith [The Language at Work]

Second-language route

For the second-language route the compulsory core linguistic module is:

• Yr Iaith ar Waith [The Language at Work]
• Sgiliau Academaidd Uwch [Advanced Academic Skills]

Year two and final year modules provide the opportunity to develop academic and professional skills relevant to a range of different fields of employment and postgraduate study.

Individual optional modules are usually offered in alternative years, and so may be available in year two or the final year.

Students studying this course may take one or two modules from another Academic School, selected from the University’s Free Standing Module Collection.

 Core modules for year two

 Optional modules for year two

Year three

In year three it is compulsory to choose one of the following modules:

• Blas ar Ymchwil [Research Taster]
• Ymchwilio Estynedig [Extended Research]

You have a choice of an essay or project of 5,000 words (20 credits) or 9,000 words (40 credits), to be completed under the direction of a member of staff who is an expert in the relevant field. This may lead to further research or provide an effective skills showcase for potential employers.

An attractive feature of this programme is its flexibility – you can choose to follow a literary pathway or a linguistic and sociological pathway and choose from a selection of practical and creative modules. You can also choose a combination of modules which reflect your own particular academic interests and vocational needs.

 Optional modules for year three

A level
BBC-BCC. Must include grade B in Welsh First or Second Language.

Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.

International Baccalaureate
30-29 overall or 665 in 3 HL subjects. You must also have a Welsh language qualification equivalent to grade B at A-level.

GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.

TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.

PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.

Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.

The cost of studying at Cardiff University varies largely depending on the type of university and the degree chosen. More often than not, humanities, arts, and education courses are less expensive than degrees in medical, engineering, or management. Furthermore, students who choose to study at the postgraduate level typically pay higher tuition fees, which again vary depending on the programme chosen.

Most universities provide scholarships or financial aid to students in order to help them offset their tuition costs. Students should be aware that additional course fees and incidental expenses may not be included in tuition. On average, international students can expect to pay £18,700 annually, to study in Cardiff University.

Career prospects
The demand for Welsh speakers means that a degree in Welsh can be highly valuable for jobs and roles that require bilingual speakers. Many of our graduates are now following careers in areas such as law, politics, media, performing arts, administration and education, or engaged in postgraduate study in Cardiff or elsewhere.

In 2016/17, 91% of the School’s graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduation.

Graduate careers

• Journalist
• Civil Servant
• Teacher
• Lawyer
• Media