Welsh and Journalism (BA)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

This is a three-year full-time degree, 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 take 120 credits in total, 60 credits in Welsh and 60 in Journalism.

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]

Journalism

The three compulsory Journalism modules provide a foundation of conceptual and theoretical frameworks for the study of media and culture. The emphasis is on the history of media institutions and media studies, approaches to textual analysis and media in the public sphere, as well as helping you develop the skill required to study journalism at a high level.

 Core modules for year one

Year two

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

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 (broadcasting and print journalism are two possible fields).

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.

Journalism

You will take one compulsory 20 credit module which explains media research (giving a foundation for advanced projects) and introduces you to some of the key theories and analytical work central to cultural studies and journalism studies. You will take two optional modules, which may introduce you to areas such as audience studies, advertising and media ethics.

 Core modules for year two

 Optional modules for year two

Year three

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

Welsh

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

Journalism

You will have the choice of undertaking an optional 40-credit dissertation or individual project. This may involve both Welsh and Journalism, or be based on only one of the subject areas.

All modules at this level will involve conducting independent research and applying theoretical ideas and approaches to practical and/or analytical work.

 Optional modules for year three

A level
BBB-BBC. Applicants will be expected to have written Welsh of an appropriate standard (generally indicated by having studied their A-levels through the medium of Welsh, or by having an A-level or AS in Welsh [first language 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
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.

Career prospects

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 Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies
In 2016/17, 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.

Many graduates progress onto our postgraduate journalism, public relations and communications Masters degrees and from there to various jobs in the media.

Recent examples of entry level jobs include: content author, digital media executive, social media policy adviser, research intern, editorial intern, reporter, PR executive/assistant, policy intern, campaign executive, teaching assistant and also project manager.

Graduate careers

• Reporter
• Journalist
• Teacher
• Editor