Welsh (BA)

Research is central to the student experience at Cardiff University, and this degree programme applies the latest findings to equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to contribute positively to the Welsh language as a language of learning, work, creativity and society.

Throughout the degree, our aim is to support you to become an independent thinker. You’ll learn through a wide range of teaching methods including interactive lectures, lively discussion-based seminars, and workshops. Seminars and workshops offer a rewarding experience to engage critically with the key ideas and readings on different topics. They provide a valuable opportunity to explore ideas and work closely with your lecturers and to learn from other students. There is also an important role to be played by tutorials, workshops and language classes, especially if you’re following the second language route. You’ll have access to course materials through our electronic learning environment.

In this supportive environment, you’ll develop your abilities to closely analyse texts and arguments, evaluate evidence, collaboratively work through problems, construct your own arguments, hone your language skills, and present your ideas clearly to others.

How will I be supported?

You’ll be guided through your studies by a Personal Tutor, who is able to advise you on academic issues. If you encounter any problems which affect your studies, your Personal Tutor should always be your first point of contact. You’ll meet with your personal tutor regularly during each academic year, and you are encouraged to get in touch with them at any other time if you need help or advice.

Our Professional Services team provides academic and student support can help you with information and guidance if you have any queries. In addition, the University offers a range of support services and events to help you plan your career, manage your emotional, mental and physical health, support you with financial issues, and provide assistance for students with disabilities. These services are co-located at the University's Centre for Student Life. Libraries, study spaces and other resource centres will all be available to you.

Feedback:

You’ll regularly receive feedback on your progress. Oral feedback in lectures and seminars will help you assess your understanding of the course material and your critical responses to it. You’ll receive formative comments on essay ideas, and detailed feedback on all marked coursework. You’ll also be able to regularly discuss your overall performance with your Personal Tutors.

How will I be assessed?

Your assessments are designed to cumulatively develop key skills in communication, collaboration, critical analysis and reflection. You’ll apply your knowledge and understanding of the subject to a range of contemporary challenges and opportunities that are relevant to the sustainability of the Welsh language as a minority language. Assessments are varied and aimed at diverse audiences, and may include essays, projects, group work, presentations and creative writing.

You’ll receive regular feedback on your progress as you move through the degree. Oral feedback in lectures, workshops and seminars will help you assess your understanding of the course material and your critical responses to it. You’ll receive formative comments on essay ideas and draft work, and detailed feedback on all marked coursework.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Comprehend the structure and features of written and spoken Welsh in its standard form together with its registers and variations in different contexts.
• Critique aspects of Welsh linguistics, literature and sociolinguistics, from different historical periods, in local, national and international contexts.
• Understand how linguistic, social and historical influences affect the production and reception of texts.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the relationship between the historical development of the Welsh language, its use, and the diverse identities of Welsh speakers in historical and contemporary contexts.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the factors affecting the linguistic and cultural viability of Welsh as a minority language in the context of sustainable and global practices.

Intellectual Skills:

• Apply knowledge and appropriate terminology related to standard Welsh and its various registers in professional, creative, and academic contexts.
• Critically evaluate texts, data, concepts and theories relevant to the Welsh language, using appropriate methods of analysis.
• Critically respond to literary, linguistic, critical and creative materials in writing and speech to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Demonstrate the ability to critically assess the strengths and limitations of arguments and perspectives, formulating coherent conclusions supported by the interpretation and analysis of source material.

Professional Practical Skills:

• Communicate complex information and arguments in various registers and forms, in speech and in writing appropriate to different purposes.
• Apply skills, knowledge and understanding of the Welsh language across a range of academic and professional contexts by undertaking, reflecting and critically evaluating experiential or work-based learning.
• Utilise planning, drafting and editing skills, and effectively employ digital and media tools to produce and present content in Welsh for diverse audiences.
• Utilise effective research techniques and project management skills to produce an extended essay, portfolio or research project.
• Demonstrate multilingual and multicultural awareness by engaging with diverse viewpoints.

Transferable/Key Skills:

• Develop initiative by taking responsibility for structuring and time-managing work.
• Contribute in a collaborative manner to group discussions or team projects.
• Develop creative, critical, and independent responses to problems or tasks.
• Reflect and act on constructive feedback to support personal and professional development and foster resilience.
• Demonstrate the ability to act as global and sustainable citizens by applying advanced knowledge and skills in Welsh to critically engage with, and contribute to solutions for, local, national and global challenges.