This course has been developed in response to the growing demand from employers for graduates with a high standard of Welsh language skills that can be easily utilised in the workplace. You will study a variety of areas related to Welsh language and literature with emphasis placed on both the practical and the vocational. This course provides the opportunity to complete work experience with employers and professional companies.

We see Welsh as a subject for students from all walks of life. This four year course allows complete beginners to study with us.

This course works closely with Canolfan Bedwyr, named after the former head of Bangor’s Welsh Department, the late Bedwyr Lewis Jones. You will benefit from the national and international expertise that Canolfan Bedwyr has developed over the years.

The 4-year beginners’ pathway, includes a foundation year, which focuses on practical skills and has been designed for Welsh learners and beginners. This route gives the opportunity for language learning and also the chance to build confidence in readiness, in the following year, to join the first year of the BA Professional Welsh.

Why choose Bangor University for this course?

• Bangor is an ideal location to study Welsh. You will get to fully develop your skills by learning in small groups and by following special modules.
• Bangor University is located in the county of Gwynedd, where the majority of the population speaks Welsh. No other university offers such a remarkable linguistic environment to study a living Celtic language.
• You will have the opportunity to go on work experience as an integrated part of the course.
• At Bangor, you can experience all aspects of student life through the medium of Welsh, in a natural and friendly environment.
• Lecturers at the School of Welsh have won important national prizes: we have two crowned poets and two prose medal winners at the National Eisteddfod, and our lecturers have won the Book of the Year prize several times.
• You will be taught by academic staff who are leading international experts in their respective fields of study.

The four-year programme includes a Foundation Year, which leads to the regular three-year BA degree (see also Professional Welsh BA).

There will be a variety of assessment methods depending on the requirements of individual modules. You will learn through a combination of lectures and seminars, and will also be able to go on a work placement. Our aim is to give students the opportunity to study the Welsh language in a practical way that will strengthen their written and oral skills and also allow them to study Welsh literature. This course places particular emphasis on developing awareness, and promoting understanding, of Welsh in the workplace.

What will you study on this course?

Foundation Year

The foundation year focuses mainly on developing speaking skills. Students will also develop writing skills and have the opportunity to learn about the history, literature and culture of Wales.

During this year, you will be learning under the guidance of specialists at the north-west Wales Welsh for Adults Centre as well as the School of Welsh.

Compulsory Modules:

• Cymraeg Llafar Dwys 1 (Intensive Spoken Welsh 1)
• Cymraeg Llafar Dwys 2 (Intensive Spoken Welsh 2)
• Cyflwyno Llenyddiaeth Gymraeg (Introduction to Welsh Literature)

Year 1

You will join 1st year students on the Welsh BA degree (second-language route).

Compulsory Modules:

• Defnyddio’r Gymraeg
• O’r Senedd i’r Swyddfa
• Llên Gyfoes
• Llên y Cyfnod Modern Cynnar
• Cyflwyniad i Bolisi a Chynllunio Ieithyddol a ddysgir gan Dr Rhian Hodges o’r Ysgol Gwyddorau Cymdeithas

Optional Modules:

You may choose up to 40 further credits from modules in the School of Welsh from a list that may include:

• Golwg ar Lenyddiaeth II (Looking at Literature II)
• Defnyddio’r Gymraeg (Using Welsh)
• Sgriptio Teledu (Scriptwriting for Television)
• Gweithdy Creadigol (Creative Workshop)
• Theatr Fodern Ewrop (Modern European Theatre)
• Gwyddeleg Modern (Modern Irish)
• O’r Senedd i’r Swyddfa (From the Senedd to the Office)

Year 2

In Year 2 you will follow two core modules. The Iaith Gwaith (Working Welsh) core module will build further on from the O’r Senedd i’r Swyddfa module and include additional work experience. The second core module, Ymarfer Ysgrifennu (Practical Writing) will apply what was learned during Defnyddio’r Gymraeg to specific contexts, e.g. summaries, news bulletins, reviews, short translation. You will also have the opportunity to choose any other 40-60 credits from the School of Welsh modules or other schools. Many of our modules are taught every second year (to the Second and Third Years together). For that reason students will follow the mandatory Datblygiad yr Iaith (a module which maps the history of Welsh from its earliest period to the present) when available to them.

Year 3

During the final year you will follow two core modules. Medrau Cyfieithu (Translation Skills) will build on the linguistic skills developed in Defnyddio’r Gymraeg and Ymarfer Ysgrifennu. The focus of the Portffolio Proffesiynol (Professional Portfolio) module will be on independent research skills. Here there will be an opportunity to: link your project to your work experience, to focus on an individual case study, or to present a portfolio of relevant materials. You will also select another 60 credits from those offered by the School of Welsh modules (with the exception of the Dissertation module.

Careers