Welsh and Linguistics (BA)
- Subject areas: English language and literature, Welsh
- UCAS code: QQ36
- Next intake: September 2025
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode: Full time
Why study this course
World around you
Combine your knowledge of Welsh and linguistics, focusing on their application to the social world.
Branching out
A wide variety of modules in both Welsh and linguistics allow you to explore your interests and discover new ones.
Future-focused
Develop in-demand employability skills, enhancing your career prospects in a wide range of fields.
Welsh at work
Build your confidence and practical skills using Welsh in a professional setting on placement.
Communicate effectively
Develop bilingual skills in shaping and presenting your ideas and arguments.
On our Welsh and Linguistics (BA) programme, you’ll develop a thorough understanding of the Welsh language, its literature and culture, and engage with key questions across a broad range of linguistic topics. You’ll achieve a high level of skill in written and spoken Welsh, key skills in collaboration and critical thinking, and well-developed employability and creative skills relevant to modern Wales.
We welcome those who’ve studied Welsh either as a first or second language. If Welsh is a second language to you, you’ll be provided with specific modules in the first and second years to practise and enhance your communication and language skills. After this, first and second language students come together for the majority of second year, and all final year, modules. Module options allow you to explore topics such as historic and contemporary Welsh writing, language policy, and professional translation.
In linguistics, you’ll be provided with a rigorous grounding in the analysis of language (including key aspects of phonetics, morphology and syntax). You’ll also be able to select modules on varied topics, letting you follow your passions and interests, using the latest approaches to study with a critical eye and making connections to debates in the public sphere.
Acquiring career-enhancing skills, you’ll have the opportunity to produce different types of texts and work with specialised software. You’ll gain skills from analysing real-world examples of language and learn how to construct arguments and communicate ideas to different audiences. You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake a work placement in a workplace where Welsh is used daily, to develop your confidence and professional skills. During your final year, you’ll undertake a dissertation, in which you’ll design and carry out a research project on a topic of your choice related to Welsh language, culture or literature.
Graduating with a range of academic, linguistic and practical skills – including teamworking, leadership and communication – the confidence to use them and the ability to see the big picture, you’ll be valued by employers and ideally placed to progress into a range of careers. The ability to use the Welsh language at a professional level is also extremely attractive to employers, which means that you have a unique opportunity to ensure an interesting and varied career where you can influence the linguistic, cultural, civic and economic future of Wales.
Subject area: English language and literature
Subject area: Welsh
Entry requirements
We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:
A level
ABB-BBC. Must include grade B in 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 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
32-30 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.
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
DD-DM 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 2025 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
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
Additional costs
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 degree, with 120 credits of study in each year. You will study 60 credits in Welsh and 60 credits in linguistics each year.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2025/2026 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2025.
Year one
The modules in year 1 introduce you to the key skills and areas of knowledge that feature throughout the degree.
In Welsh, you’ll explore aspects of Welsh language and literature in various contemporary, historical, and social contexts. Your choice of Welsh modules will depend on whether you’ve studied Welsh as a first or second language.
The core modules in linguistics will cover all the essential tools of linguistic analysis, introduce you to the basic skills needed for your studies, and equip you with the necessary academic writing skills you’ll use throughout your degree and beyond.
Module title | Module code | Credits |
---|---|---|
Sgiliau Astudio Llenyddiaeth | CY1513 | 20 credits |
Sgiliau Iaith | CY1515 | 20 credits |
Y Gymraeg Heddiw | CY1516 | 20 credits |
Iaith ac Ystyr | CY1600 | 20 credits |
Awdur, Testun a Darllenydd | CY1601 | 20 credits |
Y Gymraeg yn y Gymru Gyfoes | CY1602 | 20 credits |
How Language Works 1 | SE1113 | 20 credits |
How Language Works 2 | SE1114 | 20 credits |
Writing at University and Beyond | SE6266 | 20 credits |
Year two
In year 2, you’ll take a core module that will help you develop your Welsh language skills within both an academic and a vocational context. This module includes a period of work experience in a workplace in which Welsh is used on a daily basis. You can choose from optional modules on Welsh language, literature and culture, including several with direct relevance to specific fields of employment, such as language planning and the creative and heritage industries.
For your linguistics component, you’ll choose 2 core modules from a set of options, allowing you to broaden your knowledge of linguistics and focus on phonetics, syntax and semantics, and/or discourse.
Module title | Module code | Credits |
---|---|---|
Yr Iaith ar Waith | CY2205 | 20 credits |
Module title | Module code | Credits |
---|---|---|
Cymraeg Proffesiynol | CY2215 | 20 credits |
Myrddin a Merlin | CY2350 | 20 credits |
Rhyddiaith Ddiweddar | CY2410 | 20 credits |
Cynllunio Ieithyddol a Pholisi Iaith | CY2610 | 20 credits |
Tu Hwnt i'r Tudalen | CY2702 | 20 credits |
Canu'r Gymru Newydd: Barddoniaeth er 1990 | CY2810 | 20 credits |
Caffael Iaith | CY2910 | 20 credits |
Discourse | SE1387 | 20 credits |
Digital Literacy and Language | SE1389 | 20 credits |
Structure, Meaning and Function | SE1424 | 20 credits |
Words and Meaning | SE1427 | 20 credits |
Style and Genre | SE1428 | 20 credits |
Sounds of Speech | SE1429 | 20 credits |
Sociolinguistics | SE1430 | 20 credits |
Language and Gender | SE1431 | 20 credits |
History of English | SE1432 | 20 credits |
First and Second Language Acquisition | SE1433 | 20 credits |
Year three
In your final year, you are challenged to think more deeply about topics across Welsh and linguistics and gain a deeper understanding of how current research can impact the world.
In Welsh, you’ll undertake independent research in the form of either a 20-credit extended essay or 40-credit longer project work, which you’ll complete 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 one or two 20-credit Welsh optional module on themes such as translation, language and education, and contemporary literature.
In linguistics, you’ll take one core module, which will equip you with relevant employability skills and the opportunity to analyse data in a real-world context. You’ll choose from a wide variety of optional modules to cover the remaining credits.
Module title | Module code | Credits |
---|---|---|
Working with Linguistic Data | SE1425 | 20 credits |
Module title | Module code | Credits |
---|---|---|
Cymraeg i Ymarferwyr Addysg | CY3015 | 20 credits |
Llenyddiaeth Plant | CY3310 | 20 credits |
Theori a Beirniadaeth Lenyddol | CY3330 | 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 |
Forensic Linguistics | SE1324 | 20 credits |
Dissertation in Language and Communication 1 | SE1383 | 20 credits |
Dissertation in Language and Communication 2 | SE1384 | 20 credits |
Patterns of Language | SE1396 | 20 credits |
Media Discourse | SE1408 | 20 credits |
The Graphic Memoir | SE1409 | 20 credits |
Experimental Approaches to Psycholinguistics | SE1418 | 20 credits |
Language and Popular Culture | SE1419 | 20 credits |
Phraseology in Theory and Application | SE1421 | 20 credits |
World Englishes | SE1423 | 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
Throughout the degree, our aim is to support you to become an independent, creative, and critical thinker.
First year teaching provides carefully structured support through lectures and seminar discussions to help you develop key skills and gain confidence. The learning activities will vary from module to module, but may include lectures, seminar discussions, student presentations, and small-group work. For Welsh, there is also an important role to be played by tutorials, workshops and language classes, especially if you’re following the second language route. You’ll also have access to all materials through our electronic learning environment.
Through second and final year, you’ll increasingly learn through guided independent reading and interactive workshops and seminars, discussing new research with internationally recognised academics who are currently working in that area.
In this supportive environment, you’ll develop your abilities to analyse texts, construct arguments, collaboratively work through problems, and present your ideas clearly to others.
You’re expected to do the reading and other relevant preparation to enable you to take part fully in these activities and are encouraged to explore the resources of the library.
How will I be supported?
Your main sources of support are your module leaders and your Personal Tutor. You’ll be allocated a Personal Tutor in both Welsh and linguistics. Personal Tutors can advise you on academic matters, including study skills, careers, and your academic progress, as well as on pastoral matters. They also act as a first point of contact if you experience any difficulties. You’ll be invited to meet with your Personal Tutor regularly throughout your degree, and they are available for extra meetings as needed. Your module leaders have drop-in sessions during teaching weeks that you can attend if you have any questions about course materials or assessments. The Writing Development Centre (exclusively for students in the School of English, Communication and Philosophy) provides specialist support for academic writing across the programme. You can access online materials, workshops and one-to-one meetings about any aspect of academic writing to support you with your assessments.
Our Professional Services teams in both Welsh and linguistics provide academic and student support and are there is to help you with information and guidance if you have any queries. In addition, the University offers a range of support services and events to help you plan your career, manage your emotional, mental and physical health, support you with financial issues, and provide assistance for students with disabilities. These services are co-located at the University's Centre for Student Life. Libraries, study spaces and other resource centres will all be available to you.
Feedback:
You’ll regularly receive feedback on your progress. Oral feedback in lectures and seminars will help you assess your understanding of the course material and your critical responses to it. You’ll receive formative comments on essay ideas, and detailed feedback on all marked coursework. You’ll also be able to regularly discuss your overall performance with your Personal Tutors.
How will I be assessed?
Your assessments are designed to cumulatively develop key skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and reflection.
A range of formative and summative assessment methods are used, including essays, examinations, presentations, portfolios, and weekly tasks.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this programme describe what you’ll achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you’ll develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.
On successful completion of your programme, you’ll be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:
- Know the structures, registers and varieties of Welsh and use them flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes, as appropriate.
- Critique the development of the Welsh language and its literature in different historical periods, from a linguistic, literary, and social context as well as an understanding of the attempts to restore and promote the language.
- Critically analyse aspects of Welsh-language culture, literature, history and society, drawing on a range of materials and approaches.
- Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of core areas of English language and linguistics, including phonetics, grammar, semantics, pragmatics, and discourse.
- Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of how language works in the social world.
- Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of the interplay of an analysis of linguistic data with critical and theoretical sources.
Intellectual Skills:
- Apply descriptive terminology relevant to English language and linguistic phenomena.
- Analyse various types of linguistic data.
- Construct and explain complex and specialised arguments that support claims in response to the conventions of the genre.
- Evaluate the impact of language use in a given context.
- Critically evaluate texts, data, concepts, and theories relevant to the context of the Welsh language and Welsh literature, using the appropriate vocabulary and terminology.
Professional Practical Skills:
- Produce a range of material using written and spoken Welsh that is appropriate for the workplace and intended to address a range of audiences.
- Critically read and evaluate ideas, arguments and empirical research.
- Show critical awareness of different writing conventions and writing tools, and the ability to use and adapt them successfully for different types of assessment.
- Assess and solve problems independently, taking the views of others into account in a systematic and evaluative way.
- Apply knowledge, understanding and skills in a professional context.
Transferable/Key Skills:
- Effectively use relevant IT software and programmes, including Welsh language software, to present and analyse materials.KS2 Apply practical research skills
- Organise and communicate complex ideas and arguments in different formats suitable to different audiences, using appropriate referencing conventions.
- Use a range of employability skills, including communication, collaboration, time management and the ability to follow instructions.
- Reflect on and respond to constructive feedback.
- Develop creative, critical, and independent responses to problems or tasks.
Careers and placements
Career prospects
We’re committed to helping you achieve your professional ambitions and will encourage you, and work with you, to consider and explore your career or other post-graduation options early.
Graduates from this programme possess a range of transferable skills and areas of knowledge that are sought after by many employers.
These include the ability to communicate effectively to different audiences, and to use reflection and feedback to further develop your skills. The demand for Welsh speakers means that a degree in Welsh can be highly valuable for jobs and roles that require bilingual speakers. In linguistics, you’ll combine the best of humanities skills (flexibility, communication, critique) and social science skills (technical analysis and systematic method). This combination of specialist and transferable skills, alongside your powers of expression and critical thinking, will be valued by employers.
During your degree, you’ll benefit from the university’s range of careers support. The Cardiff Award provides a framework through which to develop your employability while our Students Futures service can provide opportunities to develop or increase your professional experience through placements or internships and maximise your skills and preparation with careers workshops and one-on-one advice sessions. Equally, you could work with the Enterprise and Start Up team to bring your ideas to life, grounding you with the know-how to succeed. Alternatively, you can take advantage of initiatives like Languages for All to gain new (or improve existing) language skills, enhancing both your CV and your personal experiences.
With the breadth of academic and professional skills, as well as personal development opportunities, open to them in Cardiff, our graduates can be found in a variety of roles and sectors. These include marketing and PR, sakes and advertising, media and broadcasting, education and teaching, speech and language therapy, the civil service and public administration, among many more.
Placements
In year 2, you’ll undertake a period of work experience in a workplace where 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. We also encourage you to undertake placements off-campus through Student Futures in order to further enhance your employability.
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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.