Welsh and Education (BA)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

This is a three-year, full-time course consisting of 120 credits a year.  The final degree classification that you are awarded is based on the grades you achieve in the modules that you take in years two and three.

In year one you will lay the foundations for later specialist study, taking a number of core modules and following a study skills programme designed to help you make the transition to higher education. In years two and three, you will be encouraged to study and learn more independently, giving you the opportunity to read more widely and to develop your own interests. The final year also includes the option to study a 40 credit dissertation.

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 take 120 credits in all - 60 credits in Welsh and 60 in Education.

Welsh

The emphasis in year one is on developing key skills (linguistic, analytical, creative and employability) in the fields of language and literature, and all students follow a set number of modules with an appropriate number of contact hours. The School will also provide additional arrangements for second language students to develop and practise their language skills.

For the first-language route the core modules are:

• 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]

For the second-language route the core modules are:

• Sgiliau Iaith [Language Skills]
• Sgiliau Astudio Llenyddiaeth [Studying Literature Skills]
• Y Gymraeg Heddiw [The Welsh Language today]

 Core modules for year one

 Optional modules for year one

Year two

You will again take 60 credits in Welsh and 60 credits in Education.

Your personal tutor will help you to choose modules that best suit your interests and future career choices.

Welsh

In year two Welsh, 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.

Alongside these core elements, the Welsh course offers optional modules in years two and three in Welsh language, literature and culture, including several with direct relevance to specific fields of employment, such as language planning, scriptwriting and translation.

Education

You will take two core 20-credit modules from the Education portfolio as well as a 20-credit core module specialising in research design.

 Core modules for year two

 Optional modules for year two

Year three

You will take 60 credits in Welsh and 60 credits in Education.

Welsh

In Welsh, it is compulsory to choose one of the following 20 credit modules:

Blas ar Ymchwil [Research Taster] (20 credits)

Ymchwilio Estynedig [Extended Research] (20 credits)

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 showcase for potential employers. You will also choose more optional modules.

Education

In year three, you will have the option of undertaking a 40 credit dissertation project, designing, conducting and writing up a small scale research project under one-to-one supervision by a member of academic staff. The dissertation will be studied alongside core modules.

 Optional modules for year three

A level
BBB-BBC. Must include grade B in Welsh First 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
31-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects. You must also have a Welsh First 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.

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

School of Social Sciences
In 2015/16, 96% of the School's graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduating.

Turning theory into practical application and providing experience of the working world are important facets of preparing our graduates for life outside of education.

We encourage our students to think about life beyond University from day one, offering modules and support to give you a competitive advantage on graduating.

Many of our Education graduates follow up their time here with a one-year teacher training (PGCE) course that enables them to  enter the teaching professions, while others go into a range of professions from youth and community work to social policy and government, management and others.