Welsh and Music (BA)
The Joint Honours degree in Music and Welsh provides the opportunity to specialise in two university honours subjects.
Course overview
The Joint Honours degree in Music and Welsh provides the opportunity to specialise in two university honours subjects.
By combining Welsh and Music, you will gain a wealth of transferable skills and knowledge, opening the doors to a variety of career paths. You may find a joint honours degree both stimulating and rewarding as you observe similarities and differences between the two subjects. Often there are complementary issues and perspectives that link the subjects, be they critical analysis, historical context or recent research.
The Welsh course is relevant to contemporary Wales and delivered by a school noted for its research quality and impact. The course aims to produce graduates with a thorough academic and practical understanding of the Welsh language, its literature and culture, a high level of skill in written and spoken Welsh and well-developed employability and creative skills relevant to modern Wales.
Undergraduate courses in the School of Music are flexible and challenging, allowing you to specialise and develop your own interests while building a thorough grounding in music aesthetics, analysis, composition, ethnomusicology, music history and performance. The location of the school greatly adds to its appeal for music enthusiasts, as Cardiff is a great location for the study of music in the UK: the city has a professional opera company, Welsh National Opera, and a professional symphony orchestra, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. The School of Music enjoys a fruitful relationship with both organisations that allows, for instance, students to attend dress rehearsals and buy cut-price tickets for concerts.
Distinctive features
The distinctive features of the course include:
- the opportunity to follow a degree course that develops skills relevant to both the academic world and the workplace
- a core module which focuses on employability skills and which offers a period of work experience
- a range of core and optional modules in Welsh language, literature and culture as well as the opportunity to specialise in areas of personal and career interest
- the emphasis on practical research skills, that will benefit you throughout your career
- the emphasis on independent learning in a supportive environment
- the involvement of research-active staff in teaching
- the experience of being taught by staff who will recognise you as an individual
- fully-funded instrumental tuition on your principal study instrument, including accompaniment at your final recital, for students taking a Practical Musicianship module
- the Business of Music module which offers a short work placement
- learning opportunities such as composition workshops, performance masterclasses, the University concert series, the John Bird lectures presented by visiting academics and careers talks providing opportunities for contact with active music professionals
| UCAS code | QW53 |
|---|---|
| Next intake | September 2019 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Mode | Full time |
| Typical places available | The School of Welsh typically has 30 places available. The School of Music typically has 70 places available. |
| Typical applications received | The School of Welsh typically receives 100 applications. The School of Music typically receives 350 applications |
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Music Building
31 Corbett Road
Cathays
Cardiff
CF10 3EB
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John Percival Building
Colum Drive
Cardiff
CF10 3EU
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Bute Building
King Edward VII Avenue
Cardiff
CF10 3NB
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Arts and Social Studies Library
Arts and Social Studies Library
Colum Drive
Cathays
Cardiff
CF10 3EU
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Library Wing
Aberdare Hall
Corbett Road
Cardiff
CF10 3UP
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Bute Building
King Edward VII Avenue
Cardiff
CF10 3NB
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Bute Building
King Edward VII Avenue
Cardiff
CF10 3NB
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Videoconference suite, Ty Dewi Sant
Ty Dewi Sant
University Hospital of Wales
Heath Park
Cardiff
CF14 4XN
Contact
Entry requirements
BBB including a B in Welsh and a B in Music. Please note, General Studies will not be accepted. Please also see ‘Other requirements’ below.
Extended Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
Please contact the University. Please also see 'other requirements' below.
Achieve IB Diploma with 665-655 in 3 HL subjects plus a Welsh Language qualification. 6 in HL Music and 5 in HL Welsh. Please also see 'other requirements' below.
Alternative qualifications may be accepted. For further information on entry requirements, see the School of Music and School of Welsh admissions criteria pages.
If you are an overseas applicant and your first language is not English, please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our accepted qualifications.
You will require GCSE English or Welsh Language at grade C or grade 4. Alternatively, IGCSE English First Language or English Second Language will be considered at grade C. You will also be required to show that you have completed, or are working towards, Grade 8 Music Practical in an instrument/voice and attend an audition.
Tuition fees
UK and EU students (2019/20)
| Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|
| £9,000 | None |
Visit our tuition fee pages for the latest information.
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Students from outside the EU (2019/20)
| Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|
| £16,650 | None |
Tuition fees for international students are fixed for the majority of three year undergraduate courses. This means the price you pay in year one will be the same in years two and three. Some courses are exempt, including four and five year programmes and Medical and Dental courses. Visit our tuition fee pages for the latest information.
Additional costs
Course specific equipment
Other than your principal study instrument, you will not need any specific equipment.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget. Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Course structure
This is a three-year full-time degree, consisting of 120 credits a year, equally split between 60 credits in Welsh and 60 credits in Music.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2019/20 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2019.
Year one
You will take 120 credits in all. There are two routes in the first year, one for students who have studied Welsh as a first language and the other for students who have studied Welsh as a second language.
The emphasis in year one Welsh is on developing key skills (linguistic, analytical, creative and employability) in the fields of language and literature, and all students follow a set number of modules with an appropriate number of contact hours. The School will also provide additional arrangements for second language students to develop and practise their language skills.
For the first-language route the core modules are:
- Iaith ac Ystyr [Language and Meaning]
- Awdur, Testun a Darllenydd [Author, Text and Reader]
- Y Gymraeg yn y Gymru Gyfoes [The Welsh Language in Contemporary Wales]
The first year in Music prepartes you to take advantage of the creative and intellectual benefits of higher education. It offers instruction in analysis, harmony and counterpoint, history of music, composition and practical musicianship. As a BA student you will take a free choice from these subjects, subject to availability.
To complement your academic study, you are actively encouraged to join the University Choir or Orchestra and other ensembles.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Sgiliau llafar | CY1500 | 20 credits |
| Defnyddio'r Gymraeg | CY1501 | 20 credits |
| Y Gymraeg Heddiw | CY1508 | 20 credits |
| Astudio Testunau Llenyddol | CY1512 | 20 credits |
| Iaith ac Ystyr | CY1600 | 20 credits |
| Awdur, Testun a Darllenydd | CY1601 | 20 credits |
| Y Gymraeg yn y Gymru Gyfoes | CY1602 | 20 credits |
| Composition 1A | MU1107 | 10 credits |
| Ethnomusicology 1: Music in Human Life | MU1124 | 10 credits |
| Elements of Tonal Music 1 | MU1125 | 20 credits |
| The Full Works | MU1127 | 10 credits |
| Elfennau 1 | MU1135 | 20 credits |
| Composition 1B | MU1208 | 10 credits |
| A History of Popular Music | MU1226 | 10 credits |
| Elements of Tonal Music 2 | MU1227 | 20 credits |
| From Page to Stage: Dramaturgy in Musical Theatre | MU1230 | 10 credits |
| Composing the Landscape | MU1231 | 10 credits |
| Elfennau 2 | MU1237 | 20 credits |
| Practical Musicianship 1 | MU1314 | 10 credits |
| Repertoire Studies | MU1317 | 20 credits |
| Cerddoriaeth Ymarferol I | MU1324 | 10 credits |
| Astudiaethau Repertoire | MU1327 | 20 credits |
Year two
You will take 60 credits in Welsh and 60 credits in Music.
In year two Welsh, you will build on the skills and knowledge acquired in year one. The core linguistic elements of the course focus on language skills within both an academic and a vocational context, and include a period of work experience in a workplace in which Welsh is used on a daily basis.
Alongside these core elements, the Welsh course offers optional modules in years two and three in Welsh language, literature and culture, including several with direct relevance to specific fields of employment, such as language planning, scriptwriting and translation.
In Music, courses are more advanced and you will focus on more specialist topics, choosing from four groups: composition and electroacoustic studies, written and practical musicianship, analytical and critical skills, and historical studies.Our year two modules on the Business of Music I/II are designed to help you better understand different branches of the music profession and give an opportunity for a short placement in an area related to music or the arts, either in one block or as a series of regular workplace visits.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Yr Iaith ar Waith | CY2205 | 20 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Sgiliau Academaidd Uwch | CY2210 | 20 credits |
| Llenyddiaeth Plant | CY2310 | 20 credits |
| Theori a Beirniadaeth Lenyddol | CY2330 | 20 credits |
| Ysgrifennu Creadigol | CY2360 | 20 credits |
| Bywydau Llên | CY2425 | 20 credits |
| Tafodieitheg | CY2450 | 20 credits |
| Sosioieithyddiaeth | CY2530 | 20 credits |
| Treftadaeth a Thwristiaeth | CY2665 | 20 credits |
| Analysing 20th Century Music | MU2152 | 10 credits |
| Studio Techniques 1: Midi and Synthesisers | MU2153 | 10 credits |
| Formal Functions in the Classical Tradition | MU2157 | 20 credits |
| Issues in Popular Music | MU2160 | 10 credits |
| Orchestration | MU2161 | 20 credits |
| The Business of Music 1 | MU2164 | 10 credits |
| Performance Practice and Organology: the Long Eighteenth Century, 1700-1830 | MU2167 | 10 credits |
| Performance Practice and Organology: the Long Eighteenth Century, 1700-1830 | MU2168 | 20 credits |
| Issues in Popular Music | MU2170 | 20 credits |
| Harmonic Practice, 1725-1870 | MU2178 | 10 credits |
| Reading Film Sound | MU2179 | 10 credits |
| Reading Film Sound | MU2181 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Schenkerian Analysis | MU2257 | 10 credits |
| Studio Techniques 1: Midi and Synthesisers | MU2261 | 10 credits |
| Ethnomusicology 2: Music in Cross-Cultural Perspective | MU2271 | 20 credits |
| The Business of Music 2 | MU2272 | 20 credits |
| British Music in the 20th Century | MU2279 | 10 credits |
| British Music in the 20th Century | MU2281 | 20 credits |
| Contrapuntal Practice, 1725-1870 | MU2284 | 10 credits |
| Composition 2 | MU2320 | 20 credits |
| Music Sounded Out: Interpreting Oral and Recorded Genres and Forms | MU2356 | 20 credits |
| Practical Musicianship 2 | MU2358 | 10 credits |
| Practical Musicianship 2B | MU2359 | 10 credits |
| Practical Contribution Portfolio 2 | MU2360 | 10 credits |
| Cerddoriaeth Ymarferol II | MU2365 | 20 credits |
Year three
You will take 60 credits in Welsh and 60 credits in Music.
In Welsh, it is compulsory to choose one of the following modules:
- Blas ar Ymchwil [Research Taster]
- Ymchwilio Estynedig [Extended Research]
You will have a choice of an essay or project of 5,000 words (20 credits) or 9,000 words (40 credits), to be completed under the direction of a member of staff who is an expert in the relevant field. This may lead to further research or provide an effective showcase for potential employers. You will also choose more optional modules.
In Music, you choose again from the four subject groups, and can pursue one of the three major academic projects: Dissertation, Project in Ethnomusicology, or Project in Music Analysis.
You may complete a short composition portfolio (Composition IV) and/or an ‘open’ recital in front of examiners and an invited audience (Practical Musicianship IV).
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Llenyddiaeth Plant | CY3310 | 20 credits |
| Theori a Beirniadaeth Lenyddol | CY3330 | 20 credits |
| Ysgrifennu Creadigol | CY3360 | 20 credits |
| Bywydau Llên | CY3425 | 20 credits |
| Tafodieitheg | CY3450 | 20 credits |
| Sosioieithyddiaeth | CY3530 | 20 credits |
| Yr Ystafell Ddosbarth | CY3660 | 20 credits |
| Treftadaeth a Thwristiaeth | CY3665 | 20 credits |
| Cyfieithu Proffesiynol | CY3705 | 20 credits |
| Blas ar Ymchwil | CY3900 | 20 credits |
| Ymchwilio Estynedig | CY3905 | 40 credits |
| Practical Musicianship 3 (Ensemble) | MU3137 | 10 credits |
| The Birth of Modernism | MU3149 | 10 credits |
| Studio Techniques 2: Audio and Hard Disk Recording | MU3163 | 20 credits |
| 20th Century Contrapuntal Practice | MU3164 | 10 credits |
| The Birth of Modernism | MU3165 | 20 credits |
| Nineteenth Century Italian Opera | MU3168 | 10 credits |
| Nineteenth Century Italian Opera | MU3169 | 20 credits |
| Studio Techniques 2: Audio and Hard Disk Recording | MU3267 | 20 credits |
| Wagner and Romantic Opera | MU3274 | 10 credits |
| Wagner and Romantic Opera | MU3275 | 20 credits |
| The Cultures of Beethoven | MU3280 | 10 credits |
| The Cultures of Beethoven | MU3281 | 20 credits |
| Performance Practice and Organology the Long Seventeenth Century, 1550-1700 | MU3284 | 10 credits |
| Performance Practice and Organology the Long Seventeenth Century, 1550-1700 | MU3285 | 20 credits |
| Jazz, Culture and Politics | MU3286 | 10 credits |
| Jazz, Culture and Politics | MU3287 | 20 credits |
| Fugue | MU3288 | 10 credits |
| Dissertation | MU3340 | 30 credits |
| Project in Music Analysis | MU3343 | 30 credits |
| Practical Musicianship 4 (Performance) | MU3344 | 20 credits |
| Composition 4 | MU3345 | 20 credits |
| Project in Ethnomusicology | MU3346 | 30 credits |
| Practical Contribution Portfolio 3 | MU3347 | 10 credits |
| Traethawd | MU3350 | 30 credits |
| Cerddoriaeth Ymarferol IV (Perfformiad) | MU3354 | 20 credits |
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
The degree is based on a range of core (mandatory) and optional modules. Each module is supported by electronic teaching materials shared via Learning Central, part of the University’s virtual learning environment.
We provide exciting and challenging teaching in order to help you succeed in a competitive environment. Our teaching is informed and led by research, so you will learn about the latest ideas from scholars who are contributing to the development of their specialist subjects.
For Welsh, the teaching is usually delivered through both lectures and seminars which provide you with the opportunity to discuss the subject matter in detail within groups, with all modules being taught through the medium of Welsh. However, there is also an important role to be played by one-on-one tutorials, workshops and language classes (especially for students following the second language route).
Teaching methods on Music modules include lectures, seminars, practicals, one-to-one tutorials, rehearsals and instrumental tuition. You will also undertake independent study and research, with guidance from tutors.
Year 1
Scheduled learning and teaching activities
25%
Guided independent study
76%
Placements
0%
Year 2
Scheduled learning and teaching activities
null%
Guided independent study
null%
Placements
null%
Year 3
Scheduled learning and teaching activities
null%
Guided independent study
null%
Placements
null%
How will I be supported?
As well as having regular feedback from your personal tutor in each course, you will have a reading week each semester for guided study and a chance to catch up on assessed work, reading and revision. These weeks are also used by staff to visit students on their year abroad.
You will have access through the Learning Central website to relevant multimedia material, presentations, lecture handouts, bibliographies, further links, electronic exercises and discussion circles.
The University offers a range of services including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service, and excellent libraries and resource centres.
Feedback
We’ll provide you with frequent feedback on your work. This comes in a variety of formats including oral feedback during tutorials, personalised feedback on written work, feedback in lectures and seminars, generic written feedback and feedback on tutorial performance.
Coursework will usually be marked by your module tutor and you will be given written feedback on your work. You will also have a feedback class after each assessment. Students will be given general feedback in relation to examinations following the May/June examination period and you will be able to discuss your overall performance with your personal tutor as part of the monitored student self-assessment scheme.
How will I be assessed?
A range of assessment methods are used, including essays, examinations, presentations, portfolios and creative assignments.
Essays and examinations are used not only for assessment purposes but also as a means of developing your capacities to gather, organise, evaluate and deploy relevant information and ideas from a variety of sources in reasoned arguments. Dedicated essay workshops and individual advice enable you to produce your best work, and written feedback on essays feeds forward into future work, enabling you to develop your strengths and address any weaker areas.
The optional final-year dissertation provides you with the opportunity to investigate a specific topic of interest to you in depth and to acquire detailed knowledge about a particular field of study, to use your initiative in the collection and presentation of material and present a clear, cogent argument and draw appropriate conclusions.
Assessment methods (2017/18 data)
Year 1
Written exams
35%
Practical exams
19%
Coursework
46%
Year 2
Written exams
null%
Practical exams
null%
Coursework
null%
Year 3
Written exams
null%
Practical exams
null%
Coursework
null%
What skills will I practise and develop?
As a result of engaging fully with this course, you will acquire and develop a range of valuable skills, both those which are discipline specific and more generic ‘employability skills’. These will allow you to:
- grasp complex issues with confidence
- ask the right questions of complex texts
- have an imaginative appreciation of different views and options and analyse these critically
- identify and apply relevant data
- develop practical research skills
- propose imaginative solutions of your own that are rooted in evidence
- communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively in writing and speech
- work to deadlines and priorities, managing a range of tasks at the same time
- learn from constructive criticism and incorporate its insights
- work as part of a team, developing a collaborative approach to problem-solving
- use IT programmes and digital media, where appropriate
- take responsibility for your own learning programme and professional development
Careers and placements
Career prospects
The degree is especially suited to those seeking a career in teaching or academia, arts, but it can just as effectively lead on to other types of graduate employment or provide the foundation for postgraduate study.
The demand for Welsh speakers means that a degree in Welsh can be highly valuable for jobs and roles that require bilingual speakers. Many of our graduates are now following careers in areas such as law, politics, media, performing arts, administration and education, or engaged in postgraduate study.In 2015/16, 100% of the School’s graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduation.
Employability skills are embedded in modules at the School of Music so that you will learn both music-specific and academic skills that are transferable to other domains, especially the workplace. The skills developed within a music degree help our students to progress to a wide range of careers, both within and beyond the music profession.
Graduates have gone on to careers with the BBC, Arts Councils, Glyndebourne Opera, English National Opera, universities, Oxford University Press, the National Trust, and London Symphony Orchestra, along with a range of other industrial, commercial, and charitable organisations.
In 2015/16, 95% of the School’s graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduation.
Placements
Year two includes a period of work experience in a workplace in which Welsh is used on a daily basis. This period of work experience is part of a programme of events designed to focus on developing employability and career skills.
Studying in Welsh
Up to 56% of this course is available through the medium of Welsh. Please contact the Admissions tutor for more information.
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