Welsh and Politics (BA)
- UCAS code: QL52
- Next intake: September 2021
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode: Full time
Entry Year
Why study this course
By combining Welsh and Politics, 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 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.
Our Politics programme allows you to explore how parliaments and governments function and evaluate political ideas such as power, freedom, democracy, conflict, legitimacy or accountability as well as incorporating international relations.
Modules are varied, allowing you to explore how politics works in Britain and further afield as well as investigate how public policy is made. Other strands of work discuss justice, democracy, human rights and international relations; providing you with a broad understanding of politics tailored to your own particular needs.
This degree aims to provide you with an excellent understanding of politics and government while also equipping you with associated intellectual and communications skills that will be of value whether you work in government or in the private or voluntary sectors.
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
- academic links with the National Assembly for Wales via the Welsh Governance Centre and long established relationships with national and international organisations such as the Westminster parliament, European Union and NATO.
Where you'll study
School of Law and Politics
Our vibrant student body combined with highly qualified academic staff provides the perfect environment to explore the dynamic and fast-paced fields of law, politics and international relations.
School of Welsh
We are committed to the development of language, society and identity in contemporary Wales through teaching and research of the highest standard.
Entry requirements
BBB-BBC. Must include grade B in Welsh First or Second Language.
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 a BTEC Diploma in Humanities or Social Science subjects and grade B in A-level Welsh First or Second Language.
31-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects. You must also have a Welsh Language qualification equivalent to grade B at A-level.
Other UK qualifications may also be accepted, often in lieu of A-levels, but subject requirements must be met. If you are offering non-UK qualifications, our qualification equivalences guide should allow you to calculate what kind of offer you are likely to receive.
Please be aware that this is a general guide, and that some programmes may have more detailed or specific entry requirements which will be reflected in your offer.
GCSE
Grade B or grade 6 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in writing and a minimum of 6.0 in all other subskills.
TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with a minimum of 22 for writing and 20 in all other subskills.
PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 62 in writing and a minimum of 54 in all other communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
II: a Distinction in Writing and at least one Distinction and two Merits in other components.
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.
You must have or be working towards:
- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Tier 4 visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements.
We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course. If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement, including the ability to travel to outside of the UK or to undertake a placement/studies outside of Cardiff University
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.
Tuition fees
UK and EU students (2021/22)
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2021/22 academic year. Fees for the previous year were £9,000.
Students from outside the EU (2021/22)
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2021/22 academic year.
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.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2021/22 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2021.
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 Politics, while second-language students will take 80 credits in Welsh and 40 in Politics.
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]
Year one Politics is a foundation year to give you the skills for advanced study and an overview of the subject to inform your later choices. You will take our foundation core modules to lay the groundwork for your study in years two and three.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Political Thought | PL9196 | 20 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 |
| Y Da, Drwg a'r Gwleidyddol: The Good, the Bad and the Political | PL9193 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Political Science | PL9194 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to International Relations | PL9195 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Political Thought | PL9196 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Globalisation | PL9197 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to European Integration | PL9198 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Government | PL9199 | 20 credits |
Year two
You will take 60 credits in Welsh and 60 credits in Politics.
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.
You will also take optional modules from our range of politics and international relations options.
| 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 |
| Ysgrifennu Creadigol | CY2360 | 20 credits |
| Bywydau Llên | CY2425 | 20 credits |
| Tafodieitheg | CY2450 | 20 credits |
| Sosioieithyddiaeth | CY2530 | 20 credits |
| Treftadaeth a Thwristiaeth | CY2665 | 20 credits |
| Gender, Sex and Death | PL9220 | 20 credits |
| International Relations of the Cold War | PL9221 | 20 credits |
| Colonialism, GPE and Development | PL9222 | 20 credits |
| Digital Technologies and Global Politics | PL9223 | 20 credits |
| Global Governance | PL9224 | 20 credits |
| EU Politics | PL9225 | 20 credits |
| From Espionage to Counter-Terrorism: Intelligence in Contemporary Politics | PL9229 | 20 credits |
| The Power and Politics of Research Methods | PL9230 | 20 credits |
| Critical War and Military Studies: an Introduction | PL9231 | 20 credits |
| Comparative European Politics | PL9232 | 20 credits |
| Modern Welsh Politics | PL9233 | 20 credits |
| Modern Political Thought: Machiavelli to Mill | PL9234 | 20 credits |
| Local to Global Sustainable Development | PL9236 | 20 credits |
| Damcaniaethu a Dadfeilio’r Gymdeithas Gyfalafol | PL9238 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Data Science for Politics and International Relations | PL9239 | 20 credits |
| The Barbarians are Coming!: Cross-cultural Political Theories | PL9240 | 20 credits |
| Credoau'r Cymry | PL9286 | 20 credits |
| British Politics since 1945 | PL9287 | 20 credits |
| International Security: Concepts and Issues | PL9288 | 20 credits |
| Justice and Politics: Contemporary Political Theory | PL9291 | 20 credits |
| Global Justice | PL9292 | 20 credits |
| International Law in a Changing World | PL9299 | 20 credits |
| The History of Thought in International Relations | PL9311 | 20 credits |
Year three
You will take 60 credits in Welsh and 60 credits in Politics.
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.
You will take 60 credits in optional year three politics modules, including the option of writing a dissertation. Our final year dissertation module gives you the option to write a dissertation and engage more deeply with a chosen topic area, as well as extending your research and analytical skills.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Llenyddiaeth Plant | CY3310 | 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 |
| International Politics in the Nuclear Age | PL9320 | 20 credits |
| Africa in International Thought and Practice: Colonialism, Anticolonialism, Postcolonialism | PL9321 | 20 credits |
| Global Environmental Politics | PL9322 | 20 credits |
| Bombs, Bullets and Ballot-boxes: the Northern Ireland Conflict, 1969 to 1998 | PL9324 | 20 credits |
| Political Economy: Rationality in an Irrational World? | PL9325 | 20 credits |
| China in the World | PL9330 | 20 credits |
| War and Society | PL9331 | 20 credits |
| Cybersecurity: Diplomacy and Digital Rights in Global Politics | PL9332 | 20 credits |
| A History of British Intelligence | PL9333 | 20 credits |
| The Politics of Violence and Killing | PL9335 | 20 credits |
| Justice, Legitimacy and International Law | PL9336 | 20 credits |
| Latin American Politics | PL9337 | 20 credits |
| Sex, Drugs and Public Policy | PL9338 | 20 credits |
| Visual Global Politics | PL9339 | 20 credits |
| The Soul and the City: Plato's Political Philosophy | PL9341 | 20 credits |
| Crisis and Commitment in 20th Century Political Thought | PL9343 | 20 credits |
| Be the Change: Governing without the State | PL9346 | 20 credits |
| The Politics and Governance of Brexit | PL9347 | 20 credits |
| Representing Development | PL9348 | 20 credits |
| Truth and Power: Epistemology, Science, Politics | PL9349 | 20 credits |
| The Politics of Populism in Europe | PL9350 | 20 credits |
| US Government and Politics | PL9374 | 20 credits |
| Cyfiawnder Byd-eang | PL9377 | 20 credits |
| Cenedlaetholdeb, Crefydd a Chyfiawnder: Hanes Athroniaeth yr 20fed Ganrif yng Nghymru | PL9378 | 20 credits |
| Parliamentary Studies Module | PL9380 | 20 credits |
| International Relations Dissertation | PL9385 | 20 credits |
| Politics Dissertation | PL9386 | 20 credits |
| Elections in the UK | PL9387 | 20 credits |
| Global International Organisation in World Politics | PL9391 | 20 credits |
| Personality and Power | PL9392 | 20 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
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).
All modules in the School of Welsh are taught through the medium of Welsh. Politics and International Relations provide opportunities for learning and teaching through the medium of Welsh. Seminar teaching in Welsh is available in modules in each of Years 1, 2 and 3. Students may elect to write all or some of their assessed work and examinations in Welsh.
Year 1
Scheduled learning and teaching activities
18%
Guided independent study
82%
Placements
0%
Year 2
Scheduled learning and teaching activities
0%
Guided independent study
0%
Placements
0%
Year 3
Scheduled learning and teaching activities
15%
Guided independent study
85%
Placements
0%
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.
Year 1
Written exams
38%
Practical exams
8%
Coursework
53%
Year 2
Written exams
0%
Practical exams
0%
Coursework
0%
Year 3
Written exams
21%
Practical exams
7%
Coursework
73%
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
- hone linguistic skills and a broad appreciation of the culture, literature and history of Italian and Italian-speaking countries
- 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
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 of Welsh’s graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduating.
School of Law and Politics
In 2015/16, 97% of the School’s graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduating.
Politics at Cardiff is a respected recruitment pool for a variety of employers within this sector with the Public Service Ombudsman for Wales, the Department for Education, Oxford City Council, the UK Border Agency and a range of political parties all recruiting from the last graduating year.
The degree is also of interest to employers in both the public and private sectors, with graduates taking up management training opportunities within Ernst & Young, Enterprise Rent A Car, Zurich Insurance and King Worldwide.
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.
