BA

Welsh and the Celtic Languages

BA Welsh and the Celtic Languages Code Q562 Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

Apply Now

Key Facts

Q562

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 104

  • Course duration

    3 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

Apply Now

The BA Welsh and the Celtic Languages degree scheme at Aberystwyth University is an opportunity for you to study Welsh alongside one or more of the other Celtic languages (eg Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Breton). You don't need to be able to speak any of these languages before starting the course. You will also be able to choose from a collection of linguistic and literary modules, and you will get the chance to spend a semester abroad in Ireland or Brittany. By choosing this course you will gain a thorough understanding of the Celtic languages and their literatures (past and present) together with an appreciation of their cultural and creative dynamics. 

Please note that this is a Welsh-medium course. The English-medium equivalent is Celtic Studies (Q500). 

Course Overview

This course is taught in one of the foremost departments in the UK for the study of Welsh and the Celtic Languages, and we offer a broad range of modules that are sure to fire your imagination. 

The course is designed to facilitate your linguistic development, and students on this scheme therefore usually spend a semester of their third year studying at a university abroad. This experience gives you the opportunity to develop your language skills and your confidence, while also acquiring a life skill much admired by employers – the ability to live and work independently. 

You will be taught by teaching staff who are experts in their fields and part of an inspiring team of experts who lead the world in the subject of Welsh and Irish culture, and you will be able to choose from a fascinating collection of modules that reflect the latest research interests of our lecturers. 

To complement your studies, you will be able to benefit from a programme of stimulating events by attending a wealth of public lectures, book launch evenings, performances and talks in the Department itself and elsewhere. You can also take advantage of the collections of rare literature in the National Library of Wales which is situated very near Penglais Campus.  

Lastly, by choosing to come and study in Aberystwyth, you will live in a location like no other in one of the strongholds of the Welsh language. Where better to study Welsh together with some of Europe’s other oldest languages. You can also enjoy the social aspects of the Welsh community here.

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 - 2025

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
Introduction to the Literature of Gaelic Ireland IR11720 20
The Celts: A Contested Legacy * IR11820 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

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 and the Celtic Languages?  

Many fields value the broad training in the Humanities and exposure to cultural and historical concepts that a degree like Celtic Studies provides. The transferable skills that you gain can be put to full use in your chosen career. 

Graduates in Welsh and the Celtic Languages go on to a variety of careers including teaching, administration, the media and the public sector, both here and abroad. 

The skills of research and analysis that you will have developed will also be a solid foundation for studying at postgraduate level and for a career in academia. 

What opportunities for work experience will be available while I study? 

Find out more about the different opportunities offered by the Aberystwyth University Careers Service. 

Improve your employment opportunities with GO Wales and the Year in Employment Scheme which are managed by the Careers Service. 

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn? 

The modules that you will follow on the Welsh and the Celtic Languages course could include an introduction to modern Irish and literature, Welsh -  yesterday and today, Celtic culture, an outline of the history of our literature, to name a few. 

In your second and third years, you will develop further information and will be able to choose subjects that are of special interest to you. These subjects might include poetry 1900-1979, the history and essentials of literary critique, Breton literature, and comparative Celtic philology. 

During the three years, you will develop the ability to recognise the characteristics of the Welsh language and the other Celtic languages and an understanding of the creative process and the value of literary works. The nature of the modules that we offer means that you can combine the study of language, literature and contemporary or historical culture in Welsh and the other Celtic languages. 

How will I be taught? 

You will be taught through a combination of traditional lectures, seminars and other innovative teaching methods. In the seminars, the groups are smaller and the atmosphere more informal, to foster open discussion.  

How will I be assessed? 

Your work will be assessed through a combination of course work and examinations. 

Personal Tutor 

A personal tutor will be allocated to you for the duration of your degree course. The tutor will be able to help you with any problems or queries that you may have, whether academic or personal. You are welcome to contact your personal tutor at any time if you need assistance. 

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 104

A Levels BBB-BCC to include B in Welsh 1st or 2nd Language

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

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-DMM, plus B in A level Welsh 1st or 2nd Language

International Baccalaureate:
30-28, plus B in A level Welsh 1st or 2nd Language

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall, plus B in A level Welsh 1st or 2nd 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.

Back to the top