Professional Welsh

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.

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. 

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