Welsh / International Relations

Why study Welsh and International Relations at Aberystwyth?

• Ever since the College in Aberystwyth was established in 1872, the Department of Welsh has been contributing to the education and cultural life of the nation, in the field of literature and other media, education, politics and journalism. A number of the most eminent scholars and writers in Wales taught and studied here.
• The department maintains consistently high standards and offers courses that are attractive, interesting and relevant to a way of seeing Wales and the world through the medium of Welsh. During your time as a student with us, you will be able to choose from a wide variety of modules that encompass a wide range of interests, and you will soon feel at home and become a part of the lively community within the department. You will be taught by experts who are innovators in their specialist areas and you will study an exciting and challenging course. The Department of Welsh is a close-knit, friendly department and our staff take pride in their relationship with the students.
• According to the last Research Excellence Framework (2014), 90% of the research in the department was recognised internationally. Also, half of the department's research output was considered excellent internationally, and a quarter recognised as the best in the world. By studying here, you will deepen your understanding of the Welsh language, its rich literature, and its culture. In Aberystwyth, it's difficult to avoid the Welsh buzz (language and culture) and this is a big advantage for students who choose to study Welsh as a subject.
• The International Relations element of the degree focuses on power and justice, conflict and cooperation. You will study the human condition and the way in which human societies engage with each other and deal with all kinds of global changes - economically, culturally and politically. International Relations is an exciting and interdisciplinary subject which looks at Politics, History, Philosophy, Law, Geography and Sociology to try and understand the world around us and the problems facing it today.
• The Department of International Politics was established in 1919 at the end of the First World War, and this is the first university department of its kind. It continues to be one of the largest politics and international relations departments in Europe, and it has over 40 academic members of staff. The department has a long history of looking at the world and asking basic questions about a range of subjects, such as war, intelligence and security, global poverty, ethics and climate change; how the world came to be what it is today, and how that constantly changes. The combination of excellent teaching and some of the most exciting research in the this field creates a unique and extraordinary experience.
• The Department is renowned for its innovative research work and is recognised as the best in the UK for the study of international politics. In the latest Research Excellence Framework (2014), the Department was named the best International Politics department in Wales, and 7th best in the UK for the quality of its research, with 69% of publications deemed to be of a standard that meets the best class in the World and excellent at an international level.
• We have another big advantage in Aberystwyth since the town is home to the National Library of Wales, which is a copyright library. Only five copyright libraries exist in the UK, and our National Library is one of them. It holds more than 6 million books, maps and prints. The Centre for Advance Welsh and Celtic Studies is also nearby. By choosing to come here to Aberystwyth, you will also be joining a lively programme of public lectures, launches, performances and discussions that take place regularly in the Department and elsewhere throughout the year.

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.

Lecturers in the Department of International Politics are all research active and qualified to PhD level, and most also have a PGCHE.

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.

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Our Politics graduates have been very successful in finding careers. Some of our graduates have found work in:

• the Civil Service (especially the Foreign Office, the Ministry of Defence, and the Department of International Development)
• international institutes (NATO, the European Union and the United Nations)
• non-governmental bodies (International Amnesty, Oxfam)
• political research, with private companies as well as in the Westminster Government
• the Welsh Parliament and the Senate of Europe.

Others have found work in:

• the armed forces
• the media (as journalists or radio or television presenters)
• law
• education.

Another popular choice is to stay in higher education, and a good number of graduates choose to study a Master degree or PhD in the Department's impressive school for postgraduates.

Transferable skills

Studying for a degree in Politics will equip you with a wide range of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers. These include:

• researching and analysing data
• thinking creatively and effective problem solving
• the ability to work independently
• organisation and time management, including the ability to meet tight deadlines
• expressing ideas and communicating information in a clear and orderly fashion, both orally and in writing
• self-motivation and self-reliance
• team work, the ability to discuss concepts in groups, by discussing a variety of ideas and reaching an agreement
• IT skills.

Year in Employment

The University runs a Year in Employment Scheme (YES) which offers the opportunity for undergraduate students to take a year out between the second and third years of their course to work for an employer in the UK or abroad. This scheme provides students with a valuable and worthwhile experience, both personally and professionally, and it can help you to stand out in the very competitive jobs market. The University Careers Service can help you to consider your options and find a suitable work placement.

GO Wales

GO Wales is administered by the University Careers Service, which works with local businesses to create paid work placements for students over a period of a few weeks. It gives you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience which will be a worthwhile addition to your CV and will make you more attractive to future employers.