Welsh
The School of Welsh is well-known for its academic research and is one of the leading centres for Celtic Studies research in the UK.
The research interests of our staff are varied and include the Welsh language, Welsh literature, creative and critical writing as well as the social and international aspects of language planning.
The originality and rigour of our research make the School of Welsh at Cardiff a popular choice for those interested in postgraduate study.
Programme aims
To offer knowledge and expertise for a career in language planning, media, government, teaching, management and research. The School provides training and a high level of support, and the postgraduate community makes a vital contribution to the University's international reputation for research.
Distinctive features
- Annual series of research seminars and conferences
- Language Planning and Policy Research Unit
- Opportunities to teach in the School and the Welsh Language Teaching Centre (Welsh for Adults)
- Collaborative research with several North American and European institutions, for instance in Canada and Ireland
- Close links with the Welsh Government and other national institutions including the National History Museum, St. Fagans.
Key facts
| Mode of study | Full-time, part-time |
|---|---|
| Qualification | PhD, MPhil |
| Full-time duration | PhD 3 years; MPhil 1 year |
| Part-time duration | PhD 5 years; MPhil 2 years |
| Start dates | January, April, July, October |
Skills developed
- Advanced subject knowledge and expertise
- Advanced research skills and methodology (theory and application)
- Self-management and motivation
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Research dissemination and engagement
Assessment
This programme is assessed based on the research outcome produced through submission of a thesis and viva voce.
- For PhD students, the thesis should be up to 80,000 words.
- For MPhil students, the thesis should be 50,000 words.
Research can be undertaken through the medium of Welsh or English in any of the following areas:
- Welsh literature (medieval, renaissance, modern)
- Literary and critical theory
- Sociolinguistics (including Patagonia and Ireland)
- Language planning and policy
- Religion and popular culture
- Textual transmission: oral and written
- Welsh American Studies
- Second language acquisition/Welsh for adults
- Creative and Critical Writing
Previous graduates of this programme have go on to pursue careers in higher education, research, media, teaching, government and publishing.
UK government postgraduate doctoral loans
Candidates for the Professional Doctorate programme may be eligible to apply for a UK government postgraduate doctoral loan.
Find out more about UK government postgraduate doctoral loansFunding
The School offers a limited number of scholarships that include:
Celia Thomas and Glyn and May Ashton Scholarships
These scholarships are available to students (home and international) who wish to study for an MPhil or PhD at the School of Welsh. The size of each scholarship varies from year to year. Scholarships are usually worth up to £3000.
The Islwyn Scholarship
This scholarship is available to students (home and international) who wish to study an MPhil or PhD at the School of Welsh, and who wish to investigate Welsh-language 19th-century literature, the Welsh literary or religious history of Welsh Gwent or the work of Islwyn, the poet. The amount of each scholarship varies from year to year. Scholarships are usually worth up to £ 3000.
To apply for the above opportunities, contact the School of Welsh to receive an application form.
We are also a part of the AHRC-funded South, West and Wales Doctoral Training Partnership which means that prospective students are able to apply for scholarships in the field of Celtic Studies. The subjects in this field include Literature and Sociolinguistics and Language Policy.
There is more information about this scholarship on the website above. To discuss making an application, please contact the School’s Director of Postgraduate Research.
See our latest PhD studentships and projects and find out more about other funding opportunities.
Tuition fees
Students from the UK
Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.
Students from the rest of the world (international)
Applications should include a research proposal of up to 1,500 words that outlines their intended programme of research. Candidates should contact the School of Welsh to discuss their research interests before making a formal application.
Suitable for graduates in Welsh or other Humanities and Social Science subjects. Students who have not completed an MA or a research methods training course normally follow the research skills module of the taught MA while preparing for their MPhil/PhD thesis.
A 1st or an upper 2nd class UK Honours degree, or equivalent, is required.
Candidates who wish to submit their MPhil or PhD dissertation in Welsh, and who have not graduated in Welsh, must satisfy the School as to the standard of their written and oral skills in the language.
The School of Welsh also welcomes applications from UK or overseas non-Welsh speaking students who wish to study and submit their MPhil or PhD dissertation through the medium of English.
English language requirements
IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or equivalent. Please see our English Language Requirements guidance for more details.
