Welsh

The BA Welsh scheme is suitable for both first language and second language Welsh speakers. The second language pathway allows you to gain confidence and to gradually improve your spoken and written Welsh skills during the degree course. You will graduate with the same qualification as first language students and there will be particular support available to you outside the formal teaching hours, in the form of: a second language office, a mentoring scheme, a weekly second language cuppa, and supplementary online resources.

You will be taught by lecturers who are experts in their field. The Department leads the sector in fields such as creative writing, Welsh in the professional workplace and translation services, and everybody in the Department shares the aim of promoting a wider understanding of the Welsh language, its history, literature, and its place in the modern world.

We offer a wide choice of modules on all our courses. On the BA Cymraeg degree scheme you will study fascinating subjects that reflect the latest interests of our lecturers, from the history of our literature to contemporary literature, and from the sociology of the Welsh language to registers and dialects, and creative writing and scriptwriting  

Complementing your studies, you will be able to take advantage of the close proximity of the National Library of Wales and its amazing collections of literary and audio and visual media resources, and also benefit from a lively Welsh social life. You will be able to join the Aberystwyth Welsh Students' Union (UMCA), live in the Pantycelyn or Fferm Penglais halls of residence, and take part in numerous fun activities that are organised for our Welsh-speaking students.

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.

During the course, you will develop a host of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers. Here are some examples:

• exploring and analysing data
• thinking creatively and effective problem solving
• working independently
• organising and managing time, including the ability to meet tight deadlines
• expressing ideas and communicating information clearly and coherently, orally and in writing
• self-motivation and self-reliance
• team work - the ability to discuss concepts in groups, discussing various ideas and reaching an agreement
• information technology skills.

What can I do with a degree in Welsh?

Feedback from employers consistently shows that a degree in Welsh is a sign of achievement at a high level, and there is evidence that there is great demand for graduates of this calibre in a variety of jobs.

Graduates of the Welsh Department enter into 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. As a result of Welsh Language Legislation and the establishment of the National Assembly, there has been an increase in demand for civil servants who have Welsh language skills, and for translators and administrators across several areas. The combination of Welsh and Accounting and Finance offers a range of career prospects, from the tourism or book publishing industry to the police. The skills of researching and analysing that you will develop during your degree course will also provide a solid foundation for studying at postgraduate level and for a career in academia.

Learn more about the jobs of some of our graduates on the page Ydy fy swydd yn dy siwtio? / What job would suit you?

What opportunities for work experience will be available during my studies?

Learn about the different opportunities offered by our Careers Service.

Improve your employment opportunities with GO Wales and the Year in Employment Scheme (YES), both of which are managed by our Careers Service.

I was determined to study Welsh and since the Department in Aberystwyth is one of the best in the world, it was an easy choice for me. The excellent reputation of the Department is what attracted me here without a doubt, and the location was also an important factor. On top of that, the University social life and the homely feel of the town really appealed to me. The University Open Day was key to my final decision. After seeing the campus and accommodation and getting a glimpse of the life of the town, my decision was made. I had an opportunity to visit the Department and to meet with staff. They were extremely welcoming, providing useful information and their enthusiasm encouraged me to come and study in Aberystwyth. There is an excellent choice of modules - something to suit everybody. As well as that, the teaching peaks your interest and enjoyment of the subjects. Aberystwyth is unique. I would definitely recommend Aberystwyth to others.

Rachel Morgan