Welsh, Politics and International Relations

On our Welsh, Politics and International Relations (BA) programme, you’ll develop a thorough understanding of the Welsh language, its literature and culture, and explore a range of fascinating political topics, from close study of institutions at the state and sub-state level to wide examination of politics at the global level. This includes themes such as justice, governance, conflict, populism, security and gender.

Through your studies, you’ll achieve a high level of skill in written and spoken Welsh, key skills in collaboration and critical thinking, and well-developed employability and creative skills relevant to modern Wales. You’ll also have a golden opportunity to study the politics and government of individual states from the city that houses the Senedd (Welsh Parliament), delving deeper into important political ideas of freedom and democracy. Studying Welsh, Politics and International Relations (BA) in Cardiff also allows you the distinctive opportunity to benefit from the department’s extensive links to the Senedd Cymru/Welsh Parliament.

We welcome those who’ve studied Welsh either as a first or second language. If Welsh is a second language to you, you’ll follow 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 of the final year. Module options allow you to explore topics such as historic and contemporary Welsh writing, language policy, and professional translation.

You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake a work placement in a workplace where Welsh is used daily, to develop your confidence and professional skills. During your final year, you’ll undertake a dissertation, in which you’ll design and carry out a research project on a topic of your choice related to Welsh language, culture or literature.

You’ll graduate with a range of professional skills, including collaboration, communication and critical thinking and an excellent understanding of the political world at many levels. Your skills will be of value whether you work in government, for organisations such as the United Nations, or in the private or voluntary sectors. The ability to use the Welsh language at a professional level is also extremely attractive to employers, which means that you have a unique opportunity to ensure an interesting and varied career where you can influence the linguistic, cultural, civic, political and economic future of Wales.

Distinctive Features of the Programme

Links to political institutions
Benefit from links to Senedd Cymru, Westminster parliament, the European Union and NATO.

Confidence in the workplace
Understand the opportunities and challenges facing Welsh in professional settings and build your confidence and practical skills using Welsh on placement.

Study current global issues
Choose modules ranging from cyber security and nuclear politics to climate change and feminism.

Contribute to a vibrant Welsh life
Be part of a of a close-knit, inclusive community of Welsh speakers from all backgrounds and contribute to the prosperity of the Welsh language in the capital.

Varied and exciting careers
Recent graduates have found roles in global development, international business, diplomacy, government intelligence and journalism.