Welsh (a Pathway for Second Language Students)

Discover a fresh and exciting approach to studying Welsh with Swansea University’s BA Cymraeg (Ail Iaith). This innovative degree explores the language, literature, and culture of Wales while looking outward to global connections and multiculturalism. You will examine what it means to speak, write, and live through the medium of Welsh in the twenty-first century, gaining a rich understanding of its role in society today.

The programme is designed around three key themes – Creativity, Employability, and Welsh in Society – ensuring a varied and stimulating academic experience. You will explore the Welsh language in an international context, considering linguistic diversity and the challenges and opportunities facing minority languages worldwide. This outward- looking perspective makes your learning relevant and globally informed.

Employability is embedded throughout the degree. You will develop transferable skills in communication, research, translation, and bilingual working, preparing you for careers in education, publishing, broadcasting, public services, and the creative industries. Practical assessments and real-world projects help you graduate with confidence and experience to thrive in a bilingual workplace.

Whether you are fluent or still building confidence, you will be supported in a welcoming, inclusive environment. You will also be encouraged to take ownership of your learning, developing independent research skills that prepare you for postgraduate study or professional roles.

From literature to sociolinguistics, this degree offers a dynamic, outward-looking curriculum that celebrates the richness of Welsh while equipping you for the future.

You can tailor your studies to reflect your interests and career ambitions, with opportunities to study abroad or gain hands-on experience through a Year in Industry. These options allow you to broaden your horizons, develop new skills, and stand out in a competitive job market.

The Year in Industry provides valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid placements, with an average salary of £20,000+. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis. Although securing a placement is the responsibility of the student, we work with several organisations who provide a range of opportunities. If you choose to pursue a Year in Industry, you will be supported throughout the application journey with advice, guidance, and resources. If you are unable to secure a placement by the end of the second year of study, you will be able to transfer onto the equivalent 3-year degree programme.

Our programmes are designed to help second-language learners develop fluency through increased opportunities for practice and engagement, and you are encouraged to make the most of additional resources and extracurricular activities to strengthen your skills. Our close- knit community of students and staff is passionate about the Welsh language and committed to helping everyone succeed. Small-group teaching, personalised support, and a strong sense of belonging are central to your student experience.

You will also benefit from a curriculum that encourages creativity and critical thinking, alongside respectful discussions about language diversity, representation, and inclusivity. From literature to sociolinguistics and digital publishing, you will engage with a rich and varied academic experience. Real-world projects and opportunities to connect classroom learning with the wider community help you develop practical skills and confidence for your future career.

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including: Gramadeg a Geirfa; Trin a Thrafod Testunau; Y Gymdeithas a'r Gymraeg Heddiw; Defnyddio'r Iaith; Ieithoedd Lleiafrifol: Pwer a Pholisi; Byw Brwydr: Llenyddiaeth Wleidyddol.

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: Y Gweithle Dwyeithog; Llenyddiaeth Taith; Technegau Dysgu Iaith; Amlddiwylliannedd a'r Gymraeg; Creu a Cyhoeddi yng Nghymru; Cyfathrebu Digidol.

In Year 3, you will typically study areas including: Cyfieithu; Blas ar Ymchwil; Prifeirdd a’u Problemau; Gwlad Beirdd a Storiwyr; Creu a Chyoeddi yng Nghymru; Prosiect Estynedig.

We are proud to provide an outstanding educational experience, using the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of your course. Apart from a small number of online-only courses, most of our courses consist of in-person, on-campus teaching, enabling full engagement with your lecturers and fellow students.

Practical skills sessions, lab work seminars, and workshops predominantly take place in person, allowing for group working and demonstrations. We also operate virtual labs and Simulated Learning Environments which will facilitate greater access to training opportunities in the future. However, our approach also includes the use of some online learning to support and enhance traditional face-to-face teaching.

Online learning may take place ‘live’ using software such as Zoom, allowing you to interact with the lecturer and other students and to ask questions. Lecture recordings also allow for more flexibility to revisit material, to revise for assessments and to enhance learning outside of the classroom. Some modules have extra resources in Canvas, such as videos, slides and quizzes enabling further flexible study.

This course may offer some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh Provision expander below.