Welsh and Education (BA)
- Subject areas: Social sciences, Welsh
- UCAS code: QX53
- Next intake: September 2027
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode: Full time
Why study this course
A year abroad or on placement
Expand your horizons; gain experience with study abroad options or a professional placement.
A thriving community
Make connections through the Welsh Students' Union, Welsh-language halls and the Welsh-language Academy.
Capital connections
Benefit from our city location and links to cultural, political, heritage, and media organisations to help you get ahead.
Our BA in Welsh and Education will help you develop a variety of transferable skills and knowledge that will benefit a range of different careers.
The programme is relevant to contemporary Wales and will provide you 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. Core modules will give you a grounding in language and literature while optional modules will give you the opportunity to specialise in areas of personal or career interest.
Our education teaching is informed by our research in education (highly ranked for quality and impact) and the latest developments in policy and practice, encompassing aspects of culture and identity, childhood and youth, gender and ethnicity, and social justice and inclusion. You'll develop a deep understanding of the social, historical, political, economic, and developmental contexts of education – in Wales, the UK and internationally.
You'll find that there are complementary issues and perspectives that link Welsh and education - whether critical analysis, historical contexts or recent research.
The knowledge and skills - analytical, creative, research, employability - you gain throughout your studies will set you up for success in your career with graduates working in fields like teaching, policy, government, media and journalism.
Subject area: Social sciences
Subject area: Welsh
Entry requirements
We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as acceptable alternative international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:
A level
BBB-BCC. Must include grade B in Welsh First or Second Language.
Applicants who do not meet the A-level Welsh first or second language requirement, but who have equivalent demonstrable Welsh language skills, will be considered on a case-by-case basis. These skills will be determined via satisfactory completion of a written and oral assessment to confirm eligibility for the programme.
Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
- Our grade range covers our standard offer and contextual offer. We carefully consider the circumstances in which you've been studying (your contextual data) upon application. Eligible students will be given an offer that is lower than the standard offer (usually the middle or lower end of the advertised grade range).
- Where there is no grade range advertised and/or where there are selection processes in place (like an interview) you may receive additional consideration in the selection process.
Learn about eligible courses and how contextual data is applied.
International Baccalaureate
31-29 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects. You must also have a Welsh Language qualification equivalent to grade B at A-level.
Baccalaureate Wales
From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
GCSE and other essential requirements
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 Student 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.
English language requirements
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 a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking.
PTE Academic
At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 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.
Criminal convictions
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.
Other qualifications from inside the UK
BTEC
DM-MM in a BTEC Diploma in Humanities or Social Science subjects and grade B in A-level Welsh First or Second Language.
T level
Acceptance of T Levels for this programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic School. Consideration will be given to the T Level grade/subject and grades/subjects achieved at GCSE/Level 2.
Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.
Tuition fees for 2027 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2027/28 academic year.
1 Home status tuition fees are charged at the maximum fee set by the Government each year. If the tuition fee cap changes before you start your course, we’ll email you to let you know. We’ll explain any changes to your tuition fees, and allow you to withdraw without penalty if you decide not to study with us.
Tuition fees may increase for subsequent years of your course if the fee cap changes. Learn what happens if tuition fees increase.
Fees for overseas status
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2027/28 academic year.
Additional costs
You should be prepared to invest in some key text books and to cover the costs of basic printing and photocopying. You may also want to buy copies of other books, either because they are particularly important for your course or because you find them particularly interesting.
If you have a laptop computer you will have the option of purchasing software at discounted prices.
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
This is a 3-year, full-time course with 120 credits each year.
In year 1 you’ll take a number of core modules and follow a study skills programme designed to help you make the transition into higher education.
In year 2 and the final year, you’ll be encouraged to study and learn independently, giving you the opportunity to read more widely and to develop your own interests. The final year also includes the option to study a 40-credit dissertation.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2027/2028 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2027.
Year one
In year 1, you'll take 60 credits in Welsh and 60 credits in education.
You’ll develop key skills (linguistic, analytical, creative, and employability) in the fields of language and literature and gain an introduction to education and the social sciences.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| An Introduction to Education | SI0279 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Social Science Research | SI0280 | 20 credits |
| Key Ideas in Social Science | SI0281 | 20 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Sgiliau Astudio Llenyddiaeth | CY1513 | 20 credits |
| Sgiliau Iaith | CY1515 | 20 credits |
| Iaith ac Ystyr | CY1600 | 20 credits |
| Awdur, Testun a Darllenydd | CY1601 | 20 credits |
| Y Gymraeg: Iaith a Chymdeithas | CY1757 | 20 credits |
| Y Gymraeg yn ei Chymdeithas | CY1758 | 20 credits |
Year two
In year 2, you'll take 60 credits in Welsh and 60 credits in education.
Your personal tutor will help you to choose modules that best suit your interests and future career choices.
In Welsh, the core linguistics elements of your studies focus on language skills in academic and vocational contexts and include a period of work experience in a workplace in which Welsh is used daily. Welsh optional modules looking at language, literature and culture, and several with direct relevance to specific fields of employment, such as language planning and translation, are available.
You’ll take 2 core 20-credit modules from the Education portfolio as well as a 20-credit core module specialising in research design.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Yr Iaith ar Waith | CY2205 | 20 credits |
| Social Research Methods | SI0297 | 20 credits |
| Sociology of Education | SI0298 | 20 credits |
| What Happens in Schools: Assessing Policy in Practice | SI0299 | 20 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Dafydd ap Gwilym a'i Gyfnod | CY2290 | 20 credits |
| Llenyddiaeth Plant | CY2310 | 20 credits |
| Theori a Beirniadaeth Lenyddol | CY2330 | 20 credits |
| Bywydau Llên | CY2425 | 20 credits |
| Tafodieitheg | CY2450 | 20 credits |
| Sosioieithyddiaeth a’r Gymraeg | CY2650 | 20 credits |
Year three
In your final year, you’ll take 60 credits in Welsh and 60 credits in education.
In Welsh, 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’ll also choose more optional modules.
In education, you’ll have the option of undertaking a 40-credit dissertation project, designing, conducting and writing up a small-scale research project under one-to-one supervision by a member of academic staff. The dissertation will be studied alongside core modules.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Dafydd ap Gwilym a'i Gyfnod | CY3290 | 20 credits |
| Llenyddiaeth Plant | CY3310 | 20 credits |
| Theori a Beirniadaeth Lenyddol | CY3330 | 20 credits |
| Bywydau Llên | CY3425 | 20 credits |
| Tafodieitheg | CY3450 | 20 credits |
| Sosioieithyddiaeth a’r Gymraeg | CY3650 | 20 credits |
| Yr Ystafell Ddosbarth | CY3660 | 20 credits |
| Cyfieithu Proffesiynol | CY3705 | 20 credits |
| Blas ar Ymchwil | CY3900 | 20 credits |
| Ymchwilio Estynedig | CY3905 | 40 credits |
| Cyfiawnder Byd-eang | SE4394 | 20 credits |
| Dissertation | SI0131 | 40 credits |
| Radical Education | SI0604 | 20 credits |
| Work and Skills in the 21st Century: an international perspective | SI0605 | 20 credits |
| Reflections on Education: Theory into Practice | SI0622 | 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 can develop 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’ll learn through a mixture of lectures and seminars. Our lectures will introduce you to the key concepts and frameworks for a topic and will equip you to carry out independent research for the seminars and to develop your own ideas. During seminars, you’ll get 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 full-group discussion, small-group work and student-led presentations. There is also an important role to be played by tutorials, workshops and language classes.
How will I be supported?
As well as having regular feedback from your personal tutor in each course, you’ll 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’ll have access through the Learning Central website to relevant multimedia material, presentations, lecture handouts, bibliographies, further links, electronic exercises, and discussion circles.
You'll also have access to a range of student services and support, co-located in the Centre for Student Life. This includes services relating to Advice and Money, Student Futures, Counselling, Health and Wellbeing, the Student Disability Service, Academic Study Skills and Student Mentoring.
Regular feedback on your work will be provided in different ways including oral feedback during tutorials, personalised feedback on written work, feedback in lectures and seminars, generic written feedback, and feedback on tutorial performance.
Your coursework will be marked by your module tutor and your tutor will give you written feedback on your work. You’ll also have a feedback class after each assessment. You’ll be given general feedback in relation to examinations following the May/June examination period and you’ll 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?
We use a range of assessment methods 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 ability to gather, organise, evaluate, and deploy relevant information and ideas from a variety of sources in reasoned arguments. Our dedicated essay workshops and individual advice will allow you to produce your best work, and written feedback on essays feeds forward into future work, which will enable you to develop your strengths and address any weaker areas.
The optional final-year dissertation gives you the opportunity to investigate a specific topic of interest to you in depth and build your knowledge about a particular field of study, to use your initiative in the collection and presentation of material and present a clear and strong argument and draw appropriate conclusions.
What skills will I practise and develop?
Knowledge & Understanding:
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:
- Understand the origins and organisation of education systems;
- Comprehend the complex relationship between education and society;
- Be familiar with theories of learning and teaching and their implications for practice;
Intellectual Skills:
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:
- Evaluate competing theories of the principles and purposes of education;
- Analyse contemporary developments in education from historical, sociological, psychological and political perspectives;
Professional Practical Skills:
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:
- Critically evaluate the evidence on which educational policies and practices are based;
Transferable/Key Skills:
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:
- Demonstrate personal and academic communication skills.
The Learning Outcomes for the Welsh half of this programme are not available in English and are as follows:
Bydd graddedigion nodweddiadol y BA yn y Gymraeg yn gallu gwneud y canlynol:
- arddangos sgiliau deallusol sy’n caniatáu darllen agos, disgrifio, dadansoddi, a chynhyrchu testunau o wahanol fathau (gan gynnwys cynhyrchu testunau ym maes ysgrifennu creadigol yn achos rhai myfyrwyr)
- dadansoddi rôl greiddiol iaith yn y broses o greu ystyr, a’r gallu i werthfawrogi grym affeithiol iaith
- gwerthfawrogi sut y mae rhagdybiaethau diwylliannol yn effeithio ar y broses o lunio barn
- gwerthuso testunau, cysyniadau a theorïau perthnasol i faes y Gymraeg a’u trafod gan ddefnyddio’r eirfa briodol
- dangos dealltwriaeth o ystod o destunau o wahanol gyfnodau hanesyddol ac o wahanol genres
- dangos dealltwriaeth dda o safle a phwysigrwydd y Gymraeg yn y gweithle cyfoes
- rhoi’r wybodaeth, y ddealltwriaeth a’r sgiliau a feithrinwyd ar waith:
- yn y gweithle, drwy gwblhau cyfnod o brofiad gwaith a dadansoddiad beirniadol o’r profiad hwnnw
- drwy gwblhau traethawd neu brosiect estynedig sy’n gynnyrch astudio annibynnol dan gyfarwyddyd tiwtor, gan ddangos perthnasedd y gwaith hwnnw i’r cam nesaf yn eich gyrfa
- rhoi sgiliau rhifedd sylfaenol ar waith wrth ddadansoddi data sy’n ymwneud â’r iaith Gymraeg
- defnyddio technoleg gwybodaeth i gyflwyno a dadansoddi deunyddiau mewn dull effeithiol a graenus, gan gynnwys defnyddio meddalwedd i wirio a gloywi iaith
- cynhyrchu Cymraeg ysgrifenedig safonol a Chymraeg llafar safonol
- defnyddio cyweiriau ysgrifenedig eraill, ar lafar ac yn ysgrifenedig, mewn cyd-destunau gwahanol, gan gynnwys y gweithle
- dangos dealltwriaeth dda o ddatblygiad y Gymraeg ar hyd yr oesoedd, o safbwynt ieithyddol a chymdeithasol, a dealltwriaeth o rai dulliau cyfoes o geisio ei hadfer a’i hyrwyddo
Careers and placements
Career prospects
The demand for Welsh speakers means that a degree with Welsh can be highly valuable for jobs and roles that require bilingual speakers. Our BA in Welsh and Education helps you develop a range of skills that will benefit you in a range of careers - from linguistic and communication skills to analysis and research skills.
Applying theory in practice and your work experience activities will be excellent preparation for moving into the working world. And during your studies, you'll have full access to our Student Futures services, which will help you to identify and prepare for the career you want.
You'll find graduates in a range of careers and roles including law, politics, media, administration, education, social policy and government, and youth and community work. Many graduates also choose to explore further study, whether a master's degree in an area they'd like to specialise or progressing to a PGCE course in order to enter teaching.
Placements
Year 2 includes a period of work experience in a workplace in which Welsh is used daily. This period of work experience is part of a programme of events designed to focus on developing employability and career skills.
Additionally, education staff are available to offer advice on available work placements, internships, work experience and opportunities to enhance your CV and broaden your horizons.
Studying in Welsh
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
