Welsh

Why study with us

Our MA in Welsh and Celtic Studies and our PhD/MPhil pathways enable you to explore the relationship between literature, language, culture, and identity through both an international and interdisciplinary lens. Tailoring the content to your interests and matched with our expertise, you’ll become part of a dynamic, challenging and transformative research and teaching community.

Professional experience

Benefit from opportunities and training which will develop your professional profile and your employability skills.

Highly ranked

Ranked 2nd for Celtic Studies in Wales and the UK (Complete University Guide 2027).

Flexible study

Study through the medium of Welsh, English or a combination of both, and tailor the programme to your interests and ambitions.

Welsh and Celtic Studies (MA)

Full time, Part time

Join us to explore Welsh literature, language and culture through an international and interdisciplinary lens.

Creative and Critical Writing (Welsh) (PhD)

Full-time, part-time

Produce an original piece or collection of creative work as well as developing important critical skills.

Language, Policy and Planning (PhD)

Full-time, part-time

Explore the social, economic and environmental implications of language over both time and space.

Welsh (PhD)

Full-time, part-time

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.

Tune in as Dr Rhiannon Marks tells us more about the course and how it prepares you for the world of work.

I chose to study the MA Welsh and Celtic Studies programme as it is an exciting, varied and really interesting degree. The thing that I’ve enjoyed most is the opportunity to experience different aspects of the Welsh language as an academic discipline, from literature to linguistics, and from language policy to language sociology. Studying sociolinguistics, and learning about the factors that influence the ways that we all use our language or languages, has made me think differently about the ways I use Welsh and English from day to day.

Osian Morgan MA Welsh and Celtic Studies

Your Cardiff, your experience

Vibrant community

Our MA and research students come from a range of different backgrounds and often other countries, each bringing with them unique experiences and perspectives which enrich our community. It’s a creative, collaborative and friendly environment in which to live and learn.

Our specialisms and expertise

Studying with us will provide you with an opportunity to engage with a variety of subjects relevant to Welsh, and other languages, including: Welsh literature and literary criticism; children’s literature; sociolinguistics; language acquisition; dialectology; language policy and planning; and translation theory and methodology.

Exciting PhD pathways

Explore your research interests in a supportive and impact-focused environment. Recognised internationally for research quality and impact, we have a proud history of positive practical, cultural and legislative change, benefiting communities in Wales and around the world. We offer 3 PhD/MPhil pathways: Welsh; Language, Policy and Planning; and Creative and Critical Writing.

This programme offers opportunities to research specialist subjects and develop unique projects to foster research expertise in Welsh and Celtic Studies. Emphasis is placed on responding to contemporary challenges by developing analytical and critical-thinking skills, that will enable you to form original research questions and present new viewpoints. In a world where an understanding of language, identity and culture is essential to communication, policy making and innovation, this degree prepares you to play a meaningful role in the creative, academic and professional sectors.

Dr Rhiannon Marks MA Director

Find out more about our School

We’re based in the John Percival Building on the Cathays Park campus. Minutes from the Students’ Union, and the University’s support services, you can also walk to the city centre in 10 minutes.

We’re also located next door to the Arts and Social Sciences library which holds an extensive collection of relevant works and archives, including the Salisbury Collection.