Welsh and a Modern Language

Our aim is for you to become a ‘global citizen’ who thinks critically, understands cultural diversity, and has a wealth of transferable skills.

The 4-year Welsh and a Modern Language (BA) programme will help you develop high-level communication and critical-thinking skills, and foster resilience and independence through time spent in immersive foreign language contexts.

During your studies, you’ll develop a thorough understanding of the Welsh language, its literature and culture through a range of modules on topics such as contemporary and historic writing, language policy and translation. Equally, you’ll achieve a high level of skill in written and spoken Welsh, key skills in creative and critical thinking, and a range of professional skills relevant to modern Wales. We welcome those who’ve studied Welsh either as a first or second language. If Welsh is a second language to you, you’ll be provided with specific modules in the first and second years to practice and enhance your communication and language skills. After this, first and second language students come together for the majority of second year, and all final year, modules.

Your study and exploration of Welsh will be complemented by your selection of one of three modern foreign languages which you’ll study at either the Upper Elementary level (if you have an A level in the subject) or the Elementary pathway (if you have limited or no knowledge of the language you’ve selected). You’ll choose from Chinese, French, or Spanish.

You’ll study the social, political, historical and cultural contexts, from a global perspective, of Welsh and the modern foreign language you choose, placing a strong emphasis on cultural diversity, our stimulating module selection celebrates cultural and linguistic mobility. Through a variety of language learning resources and materials, and range of student-centred learning activities, you’ll develop your reading, writing, oral, listening and mediation skills.

An integral part of this joint honours programme is the opportunity to complete a work placement in Wales and spend time working or living abroad to experience life in the culture of the modern foreign language you are studying. Your Wales-based work placement will develop your understanding of the dynamics of bilingual workplaces and your confidence and professional skills. While your year abroad, will offer you the choice of either studying at a partner university or completing a work placement in each semester, again building your linguistic abilities, intracultural understanding, communication skills and confidence.

You’ll graduate with the academic and practical skills valued by employers and ready to progress into a diverse range of careers.

Distinctive Features of the Programme

A dynamic experience
Follow your passion for Welsh literature and language and learn from native and near-native speakers with your choice of modern language.

Community
A vibrant programme of events – such as language cafes and student societies - supports your language learning and cultural immersion.

Vibrant Welsh life
Make connections through Undeb Myfyrwyr Cymraeg Caerdydd, Welsh-language halls and the Cardiff Citizen module offered by the Welsh Language Academy.

Skills for the future
A structured skills programme embeds academic, transferable and employability skills into learning from the very beginning.

Employability-focus
Gain practical professional experience on placement in Wales during your year abroad or with specialist ambassador schemes.

The world is your classroom
Spend your third year studying or working in the country of your chosen language.