BA

Professional Welsh

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You are viewing this course for September start 2024

A course for Welsh first language students only. 

Cymraeg Proffesiynol (Professional Welsh) in Aberystwyth: Innovating, Specialising, Leading 

BA Cymraeg Proffesiynol at Aberystwyth University is an innovative degree scheme that introduces the wide range of careers that are available to those who study Welsh, developing highly relevant and valuable transferable skills. Today, employers, as well as potential students and parents, are looking for a 'gold standard' degree in Welsh. This degree fits the bill. If you're a first language student who hopes to join the professional workplace in Wales, come to Aberystwyth to begin your journey. 

Course Overview

Welsh Language Legislation and the establishment of the National Assembly has led to an increase in demand for high calibre graduates - individuals who are competent to join a professional workforce, and to work confidently through the medium of Welsh and English. This means that it is a very exciting time to study Welsh at university level.

The Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies at Aberystwyth University is the home of Cymraeg Proffesiynol. The course was first introduced in 2012 and has gone from strength to strength ever since. This is a select course, which means that the teaching takes place in small groups. These sessions reflect team meetings that happen in the world of work. You will be taught by lecturers who are experts in their field and by guest speakers who represent a number of professions where Welsh is used. The course is coordinated by Dr Rhianedd Jewell, Senior Lecturer, who gives all her attention to this course. 

You will have the chance to: 

  • learn skills such as presenting, marketing, editing, translating and professional writing 
  • complete a work placement in a bilingual institution and build valuable networks 
  • learn from employers and professional workers who work through the medium of Welsh in a variety of fields 
  • choose from a selection of literary, linguistic and creative modules that are available in the Department.

To complement your studies, you will have an opportunity to be part of a vibrant Welsh social life here in Aberystwyth. You can enjoy activities organised by UMCA (the Welsh Students' Union), Pantycelyn hall, rugby trips, Pantycelyn choir, evenings such as Gwobrau'r Selar (Welsh pop music event), and more. 

Our Staff

All academic staff in the Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies are research active scholars and experts in their chosen fields of study, including the study of languages and literatures as well as creative writing.

Modules September start - 2024

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Introduction to the Literature of Gaelic Ireland IR11720 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Transferable Skills  

Studying for a degree in Professional Welsh will provide you with a wealth of transferable skills which are particularly valued by employers. These include:  

  • research and data analysis  
  • creative and effective problem solving 
  • the ability to work independently  
  • time management, including the ability to meet tight deadlines  
  • the ability to articulate and convey information clearly and concisely orally and on paper  
  • self-motivation and self-reliance  
  • the ability to work in a team, discuss concepts in groups and reach compromises  
  • IT skills. 

Career prospects 

The degrees that are awarded by the Welsh Department are of great value since the standard of our research and teaching is one of the best. Employers consistently tell us that a degree from our Department is a sing of high-level achievement, and there is consequently great demand from potential employers for graduates from the Department in a variety of jobs both in the private and public sector in Wales. 

Graduates of the Welsh Department are successful in getting excellent jobs. Many go into education, while the Welsh media attracts many into performance, administration and production. Some of the department's graduates go into some aspect of social work or law. Graduates from our department also find work in a wide variety of other fields such as book publishing, the tourism industry, trade and the police. The skills of researching and analysing that you develop during your degree course will also provide a solid foundation for studying at postgraduate level and for a career in academia. 


Teaching & Learning

In your first year you will study the module 'Cyflwyniad i Gymraeg Proffesiynol' (Introduction to Professional Welsh). As the name suggests, this module provides an introduction to the subject. You will learn a range of skills such as instantaneous translation, administration, public speaking, editing and marketing skills. You will be taught by the Department's lecturers and by employers who work through the medium of Welsh. 

You will have the opportunity to work as part of a team and to develop your marketing skills to organise Noson Llên a Chân (Literature and Song Evening). You can learn more about these successful evenings on the Learning and Living in Welsh page on our website. 

You will be able to sit on the editorial board of Y Ddraig (The Dragon) - the Department's literary magazine. The commissioning and editorial work will be undertaken by you and the other students. Learn more about Y Ddraig on yddraig.cymru.  

In the second and third years you will study four Cymraeg Proffesiynol modules.  

  • Y Gymraeg yn y Gweithle (Welsh in the Workplace) - You will complete a period of work experience in a place where Welsh is used at a professional level. We are able to offer a wide choice of placements, which include a number of national bodies, which means that you will have an opportunity for you to gain direct experience of a career that is of interest to you. You will create a portfolio of tasks associated with the workplace.  
  • Trosi ac Addasu (Converting and Adapting) - You will develop practical translation skills as well as learn about the history and theories that are at the core of this work. You will have the opportunity to practise your skills of translation from one language to another and to adapt between one medium and another by converting a piece of prose into a film script, a television programme or a drama. 
  • Bro a Bywyd (Local communities and Life) - You will attend lectures and go on field trips to places of cultural significance. You will undertake a project with the aim of promoting the interest of the public in an element of Welsh culture, eg a booklet, podcast, a short film or website content. 
  • Prosiect Hir (Extended Project) - This module will give you the opportunity to work on an original research project in the field of Cymraeg Proffesiynol. With the supervision of a staff member, you will compose a high-quality piece of work for publication. 

In addition, you will choose from a wide variety of other modules that the Department offers. You will also be able to choose modules up to the value of 40 credits offered by other departments, eg Aberystwyth Business School; International Politics; or Theatre, Film and Television Studies, and include them as part of your degree. 

How will I be taught?  

Teaching in the Welsh Department happens through a combination of lectures, seminars and individual tutorials. The atmosphere in seminars is more informal, in order to foster open discussion.  

How will I be assessed? 

Your work will be assessed through exams, continuous assessment and through marks awarded for essays and exercises.  

Personal Tutor  

You will be assigned a personal tutor for the duration of your degree course. The tutor will be able to help you with any academic or personal issues. You are welcome to contact your personal tutor at any time if you need assistance. 

Student Testimonials

I chose to study Cymraeg Proffesiynol in the Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies because I was interested in getting to trips with Welsh in the contemporary world. This particular course offers us, the students, the opportunity to learn about the language requirements in situations and services on a day to day basis. During my first year, I had the opportunity to visit some of the foremost institutions in Wales, develop translating and editing skills, and study the traits of the language and its various dialects. I took advantage of a module based completely on work experience in my second year and, without doubt, it was a unique experience since I made fantastic contacts. Literature is my favourite thing, and I think I get the best of both worlds by studying this course. I'm able to study and explore the treasures of our past alongside modules that prepare me thoroughly for my working life. Aber is a magical place in which to study, and I'm often in awe of how much culture flourishes in the town... and the inspiration that the landscape provides is never ending. The Welsh department is a lovely department to belong to, and belonging truly is the right word for it since the staff and students know and support each other just as any close family would do! Megan Elenid Lewis

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 104

A Levels BBB-BCC to include B in Welsh 1st Language

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-DMM, plus B in A level Welsh 1st Language

International Baccalaureate:
30-28, plus B in A level Welsh 1st Language

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall, plus B in A level Welsh 1st Language

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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