Cymraeg (Welsh)

Highlights

Responding to the demand for high quality, bilingual professionals, this degree in Welsh blends practical modules with literature, language and culture, relevant to Wales’s societal and linguistic needs. Gain work experience in Welsh-speaking organisations. Past placements have included the University, BBC Cymru, S4C, Gwynedd County Council, Dysgu Gymraeg, and Canolfan Bedwyr.

Based in Gwynedd, a county with one of the highest numbers of Welsh speakers, Bangor University offers a friendly, welcoming bilingual university and community where you can immerse yourself in Welsh culture. A world-renowned centre for the study of Welsh and Celtic Studies, our research specialisms span 1,500 years covering Welsh literature, and culture. You can gain funding when you study through the medium of Welsh.

Scholarships by The Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer up to £1,000 per year whilst the University Welsh Medium Bursary offers an additional £250 per year depending on the amount of Welsh modules taken.

Course overview

Improve your proficiency in Welsh and become a highly skilled, bilingual professional ready for the modern workforce in Wales. With plans to double current numbers of Welsh speakers by 2050 there has never been a more exciting time to develop your Welsh language skills. This degree in Welsh is a cultural package that will allow you to play a professional role in the revival of Welsh and the creation of a truly bilingual Wales.

Combining the study of literature and culture with linguistic studies this course has been designed to meet the societal and linguistic needs of Wales. Welsh at Bangor University is a living language. You will have the opportunity to not only study and enjoy one of the most remarkable Celtic literatures in the world, but there will also be opportunities to pursue more practical modules that will prepare you for a successful career working bilingually.

Welsh and Celtic Studies is one of the oldest subjects to be taught at the University, its contribution to the literary and cultural life of Wales has been crucial. Our academic team include some of the most prominent writers and poets in contemporary Wales. Garnering international acclaim, they have won awards including Book of the Year, Prose Medals, Drama Medals, Chairs and Crowns at the Urdd Eisteddfod and National Eisteddfod A big advantage of studying Welsh with us is the breadth, choice, and flexibility within the curriculum.

You can explore the roots of Welsh identity through ancient and modern history or be inspired by the contemporary politics of a devolved government. You will gain an awareness of the Welsh language in wider international contexts. What is the relationship of Welsh with the other languages of the world?

How does the fate of the language compare with languages like Basque and Irish? How have Welsh writers and poets responded to global themes such as slavery, the Holocaust and the ecological challenge of the modern industrial world? At Bangor University, we offer Welsh-speaking work placements and the chance to interact with the many Welsh-speaking professionals and communities we collaborate with.

Many of our students join Bangor University’s Welsh Students' Union and choose to live in our Welsh-speaking halls of residence, Neuadd JMJ. Read more Course options

Placement year

What is the Placement Year? This exciting opportunity allows you to spend a year working with a self-sourced, professional organisation relevant to your studies. You'll typically start between June and September of your second year and finish by the following June or September.

Placements can be UK-based or even overseas. Why choose a Placement Year? Gain practical experience that complements your academic learning Make valuable industry contacts that could open doors for future careers Strengthen your employability by gaining real-world experience.

How does the Placement Year work? With dedicated support from your Academic School…