Welsh and Religious Studies (BA)
Entry year
Religious Studies and Welsh BA (Joint Honours) enables students to combine the study of religion, which has formed part of human life since the beginning of human existence, with the study of the Welsh language, its literature and culture.

Course overview
By combining Welsh and Religious Studies, you will gain a wealth of transferable skills and knowledge, opening the doors to a variety of career paths. You may find studying 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 areas of study, 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.
Religion has been part of human experience from the earliest traces of human existence up to the present day. It has been the way most cultures have sought to express their understanding of the purpose of life and the foundation of personal and social behaviour. As a student of Religious Studies, you will have the opportunity to explore your own and other peoples' religious history and culture, and some of the fundamental questions of existence.
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
- the opportunity to explore religions in relation to a wide range of historical, theoretical, and social issues, and
- the exploration of a range of methodological approaches to religious studies, including textual hermeneutics, language study, gender theories, conflict studies, cultural and theoretical anthropology
- the opportunity to learn languages that allow you to study some religious texts in their original form, for example New Testament Greek and Sanskrit.
UCAS code | QV56 |
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Next intake | September 2020 |
Duration | 3 years |
Mode | Full time |
Typical places available | The School of Welsh typically has 30 places available. The School of History, Archaeology and Religion typically has 320 places available. |
Typical applications received | The School of Welsh typically receives 100 applications. The School of History, Archaeology and Religion typically receives 1800 applications. |
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School of History, Archaeology and Religion
John Percival Building
Colum Drive
Cardiff
CF10 3EU
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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
Contact
Entry requirements
ABB-BBB including a B in Welsh First or Second Language. Please note, Crtiical Thinking and General Studies will not be accepted.
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.
DM in BTEC Humanities or Social Science and predicted B in A-Level Welsh First or Second Language.
Achieve IB Diploma with 665 in 3 HL subjects plus a Welsh Language qualification.
Alternative qualifications may be accepted. For further information on entry requirements, see the School of History, Archaeology & Religion and School of Welsh admissions criteria pages.
GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.
PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 51 in all communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.
Other accepted qualifications
Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our other accepted language qualifications.
GCSE English or Welsh Language Grade C or 4, or an accepted English Language equivalent
Tuition fees
UK and EU students (2020/21)
Tuition fee | Deposit |
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£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 (2020/21)
Tuition fee | Deposit |
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£17,450 | 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.
Additional costs
Course specific equipment
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. You’ll study six 20-credit modules a year, split equally between Welsh and Religious Studies.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2020/21 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2020.
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. First-language Welsh students will take 60 credits in Welsh and 60 in Religious Studies, while second-language students will take 80 credits in Welsh and 40 in Religious Studies.
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.
Normally, students who have studied A-level Welsh as a second language follow the second-language route, but we will consider your linguistic skills, both oral and written, before deciding which route you will follow.
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]
For the second-language route the core modules are:
- Sgiliau Llafar [Oral Skills]
- Defnyddio’r Gymraeg [Using Welsh]
- Astudio Llenyddiaeth [Studying Literature]
- Y Gymraeg Heddiw [The Welsh Language Today]
In your first year of Religious Studies, you are encouraged to acquire a broad knowledge of the history of the Christian Church and Christian theological thought, as well as a number of world religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Islam
You will develop the basic skills required for the academic study of religions and theology, including an introduction to languages such as Sanskrit, Arabic, Hebrew or New Testament Greek to be able to study religious texts in their original languages. Your year one modules will allow you to study religion through texts, poetry, art, film, biographies, fieldwork and drama.
Module title | Module code | Credits |
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The Origins and Legacies of Religion in the Modern World | RT0101 | 20 credits |
Module title | Module code | Credits |
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Module title | Module code | Credits |
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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 |
A World Full of Gods | HS0001 | 20 credits |
Projecting the Past: Film, Media and Heritage | HS0002 | 20 credits |
Themes and Issues in the Study of Religion | RT0102 | 20 credits |
Introduction to a Scriptural Language 1 | RT0103 | 20 credits |
Introduction to a Scriptural Language 2 | RT0104 | 20 credits |
Introduction to the Bible | RT0105 | 20 credits |
The Story of Christianity | RT0106 | 20 credits |
Year two
You will take 60 credits in Welsh and 60 credits in Religious Studies.
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.
Year two in Religious Studies will give you the opportunity to develop a more advanced knowledge of Christian theology and history and related subjects, building on introductory modules undertaken in year one. You will take modules designed to develop your awareness of the role of religion in shaping the cultural, intellectual, and ethical concerns of contemporary societies, and develop a more advanced knowledge of a range of religious traditions, such as Islam in the contemporary world, ancient and modern Judaism or the life of the Buddha.
Module title | Module code | Credits |
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Yr Iaith ar Waith | CY2205 | 20 credits |
Module title | Module code | Credits |
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Dafydd ap Gwilym | CY2105 | 20 credits |
Sgiliau Academaidd Uwch | CY2210 | 20 credits |
Rhyddiaith Ddiweddar | CY2410 | 20 credits |
Cynllunio Ieithyddol a Pholisi Iaith | CY2610 | 20 credits |
Sgriptio | CY2700 | 20 credits |
Canu'r Gymru Newydd: Barddoniaeth er 1990 | CY2810 | 20 credits |
Caffael Iaith | CY2910 | 20 credits |
Now and Next: From Academia to Employment (20 Credits) | HS0004 | 20 credits |
What is Religion | RT0201 | 20 credits |
Independent Study or Critical Translation | RT0202 | 20 credits |
Exploring Christian Doctrine | RT0203 | 20 credits |
Christian Ethics | RT0204 | 20 credits |
The Hebrew Bible: Stories, Suffering and Justice | RT0205 | 20 credits |
Buddhism: The First Thousand Years | RT0208 | 20 credits |
Intermediate Scriptual Language | RT0211 | 20 credits |
Elementary Language for the Study of Religion | RT0212 | 20 credits |
Further Elementary Language for the Study of Religion | RT0213 | 20 credits |
Emotions, Symbols and Rituals: Introducing the Anthropology of Religion through Film | RT0214 | 20 credits |
Foundational Ethics | RT0215 | 20 credits |
From Jesus to the New Jerusalem: New Testament Studies | RT0216 | 20 credits |
History and Religion of Ancient Israel | RT2301 | 20 credits |
Year three
You will take 60 credits in Welsh and 60 credits in Religious Studies.
In Welsh, it is compulsory to choose one of the following modules:
- Blas ar Ymchwil [Research Taster]
- Ymchwilio Estynedig [Extended Research]
You 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.
Year three in Religious Studies will allow you to further deepen your understanding of religious themes and topics such as gender and sexuality or Islamic perspectives with a range of specialised modules. You will acquire skills in qualitative and quantitative research into religion(s) in modern societies, and have the opportunity to write a research dissertation.
You will also build upon your religious language knowledge acquired in years one and two and develop high-level translation and text-critical skills across a range of language modules.
Module title | Module code | Credits |
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Dafydd ap Gwilym | CY3105 | 20 credits |
Rhyddiaith Ddiweddar | CY3410 | 20 credits |
Cynllunio Ieithyddol a Pholisi Iaith | CY3610 | 20 credits |
Yr Ystafell Ddosbarth | CY3660 | 20 credits |
Sgriptio | CY3700 | 20 credits |
Cyfieithu Proffesiynol | CY3705 | 20 credits |
Canu'r Gymru Newydd: Barddoniaeth er 1990 | CY3810 | 20 credits |
Blas ar Ymchwil | CY3900 | 20 credits |
Ymchwilio Estynedig | CY3905 | 40 credits |
Caffael Iaith | CY3910 | 20 credits |
Dissertation or Critical Translation | RT0301 | 30 credits |
The War of the Worlds: An Introduction to the Mahabharata | RT0304 | 30 credits |
The Life and Legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer | RT0305 | 30 credits |
Exploring Gnosticism | RT0306 | 30 credits |
Islam in the Contemporary World | RT0307 | 30 credits |
The War Against the Jews: Antisemitism, the Holocaust, and Jewish Experience | RT0308 | 30 credits |
Advanced Scriptural Language | RT0309 | 30 credits |
Religion and the News: Conflict and Context | RT0310 | 30 credits |
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
We offer a supportive learning environment, where you are enabled to acquire a range of skills and a wealth of specialist knowledge. Our courses foster intellectual skills, such as critical thinking, close analysis, evaluating evidence, constructing arguments, using theory and the effective deployment of language in writing and in debate. We also help you gain experience in team working, independent research and time management.
You will be taught both by lecture and seminar. Lectures provide an overview of the key concepts and frameworks for a topic, equipping you to carry out independent research for the seminars and to develop your own ideas. Seminars provide an opportunity for you to explore the ideas outlined in the lectures.
Seminars usually consist of about 15 students and the seminar leader (a member of the teaching team). Seminars may take various formats, including plenary group discussion, small-group work and student-led presentations. For Welsh, there is also an important role to be played by tutorials, workshops and language classes (especially for students following the second language route).
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 be marked by your module tutor and your tutor will give you 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.
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
School of Welsh
In 2015/16, 100% of the School of Welsh’s graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduating.
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.
School of History, Archaeology and Religion
In 2015/16, 94% of the School’s graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduating.
At the School of History, Archaeology and Religion we organise interactive workshops with the Careers Service to help students identify their skills and attributes and have our own, in-School Workplace Placements and employability officer. Some of our graduates enter professions which make direct use of their academic expertise while others compete very successfully in a wide range of other fields.
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.
The School of History, Archaeology and Religion also has a dedicated Work Placements Officer who supports students with work experience opportunities both in and out of term time
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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