Welsh and a Modern Language (BA)

Why study this course

Our aim is for you to become a ‘global citizen’ who thinks critically, understands cultural diversity, and has a wealth of transferable skills.

The 4-year Welsh and a Modern Language (BA) programme will help you develop high-level communication and critical-thinking skills, and foster resilience and independence through time spent in immersive foreign language contexts.

During your studies, you’ll develop a thorough understanding of the Welsh language, its literature and culture through a range of modules on topics such as contemporary and historic writing, language policy and translation. Equally, you’ll achieve a high level of skill in written and spoken Welsh, key skills in creative and critical thinking, and a range of professional skills relevant to modern Wales. We welcome those who’ve studied Welsh either as a first or second language. If Welsh is a second language to you, you’ll be provided with specific modules in the first and second years to practice and enhance your communication and language skills. After this, first and second language students come together for the majority of second year, and all final year, modules.

Your study and exploration of Welsh will be complemented by your selection of one of three modern foreign languages which you’ll study at either the Upper Elementary level (if you have an A level in the subject) or the Elementary pathway (if you have limited or no knowledge of the language you’ve selected). You’ll choose from Chinese, French, or Spanish.

You’ll study the social, political, historical and cultural contexts, from a global perspective, of Welsh and the modern foreign language you choose, placing a strong emphasis on cultural diversity, our stimulating module selection celebrates cultural and linguistic mobility. Through a variety of language learning resources and materials, and range of student-centred learning activities, you’ll develop your reading, writing, oral, listening and mediation skills.

An integral part of this joint honours programme is the opportunity to complete a work placement in Wales and spend time working or living abroad to experience life in the culture of the modern foreign language you are studying. Your Wales-based work placement will develop your understanding of the dynamics of bilingual workplaces and your confidence and professional skills. While your year abroad, will offer you the choice of either studying at a partner university or completing a work placement in each semester, again building your linguistic abilities, intracultural understanding, communication skills and confidence.

You’ll graduate with the academic and practical skills valued by employers and ready to progress into a diverse range of careers.

Careers

Career prospects

Graduating with a range of academic and practical skills – including teamworking, leadership and communication – the confidence to use them, and the ability to see the big picture, you’ll be valued by employers and ideally placed to progress into a range of careers.

We’re committed to helping you achieve your professional ambitions and to make your mark in a competitive job market. Whether you have a clear idea of what you would like to do after university, or no idea at all, we have the tools and support to guide you.

We encourage our students to think about life beyond university from day one, offering modules and support to give you a competitive advantage on graduating no matter what path you choose to follow.

Our Welsh and a Modern Language (BA) programme equips you with a lively and critical understanding of language and literature in different social and cultural contexts, and important skills which employers’ value. From collaborative working and communicating with a wide range of audiences to critical thinking and finding new ways to address problems. We also provide you with opportunities to attain and develop enterprise skills as you progress. Work experience and placements are great opportunities to enhance your employability and career prospects and can help you make decisions about your future career plans. The programme includes placement learning as an integral element of your degree. In year 2, you’ll spend a period of work experience in a workplace where Welsh is used on a daily basis and in year 3 of the programme you complete an entire year abroad with the opportunity for a semester long work placement.

Training and careers events are delivered in and out of the curriculum with a focus on developing skills while in university and articulating those skills successfully in future applications. Beyond your formal studies we run programmes that provide you with opportunities to engage with local schools and communities or work with local heritage organisations to develop your own skills and profile whilst allowing you to make a difference.

Additionally, the Cardiff Award provides you with a framework through which to develop your employability, while you can take advantage of a wide range of university programmes from Languages for All (to try out a further language) to support from the Enterprise and Start Up team to bring your ideas to life.

Our graduates flourish in the job market, working in a diverse and exciting range of careers, which have included international sport liaison roles, business consultancy, education, health, the civil service, the heritage and museums sector, the media, politics, diplomacy, interpreting, translation, law and teaching.