Welsh and Religious Studies (BA)
- UCAS code: QV56
- Next intake: September 2021
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode: Full time
Entry Year

Why study this course
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.

Where you'll study
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.
School of History, Archaeology and Religion
Curious about the human experience across millennia and cultures, we are seeking to better understand our past, to illuminate our present and improve our future.
Entry requirements
ABB-BBB. Must include Welsh First or Second Language.
Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ 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.
32-31 overall or 665 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 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.
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
Students from the UK
Tuition fee (2021/22) | Deposit |
---|---|
£9,000 | None |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss national, unless you qualify for UK fee status, tuition fees for 2021/22 will be in line with the fees charged for international students. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Students from the rest of the world (international)
Tuition fee (2021/22) | Deposit |
---|---|
£17,450 | None |
Financial support
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.
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Course structure
We are currently working with our students to update and improve the content of this course. The information shown below reflects the current curriculum and is likely to change. The review of the course is expected to be completed by August 2021 and this page will be updated by end of October 2021 to reflect the changes.
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 2021/22 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2021.
Year one
You will take 120 credits in total, equally split between 60 credits in Welsh and 60 credits 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 |
---|---|---|
The Origins and Legacies of Religion in the Modern World | RT0101 | 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 |
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 |
---|---|---|
Yr Iaith ar Waith | CY2205 | 20 credits |
What is Religion | RT0201 | 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 |
Independent Study or Critical Translation | RT0202 | 20 credits |
Exploring Christian Doctrine | RT0203 | 20 credits |
Christian Ethics | RT0204 | 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 |
From Jesus to the New Jerusalem: New Testament Studies | RT0216 | 20 credits |
Bhagavad-Gita in Context | RT0217 | 20 credits |
Living Islam | RT0218 | 20 credits |
Islamic Ethics of Life and Death | RT0219 | 20 credits |
Sociology of Religion | RT0220 | 20 credits |
Visual History of Early South Asia | RT0221 | 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 |
---|---|---|
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 |
Dissertation or Critical Translation | RT0301 | 30 credits |
Advanced Scriptural Language | RT0309 | 30 credits |
Religion and the News: Conflict and Context | RT0310 | 30 credits |
Bhagavad-Gita and the History of its Reception | RT0311 | 30 credits |
Understanding Christian Worship | RT0312 | 30 credits |
Empire of Faith | RT0313 | 30 credits |
Identity and Integration: Muslims in Britain | RT0314 | 30 credits |
Early Christianity and Late Antiquity | RT0316 | 30 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).
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.
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