Cymraeg (Welsh) and English Literature

Highlights

We have our own archive that features manuscripts, archival collections and a diverse range of rare books and printed material. Benefit from our expertise in Arthurian Literature, 19th and early modern literature, the history of the book, Welsh writing in English. Visiting guest writers help inspire creativity which in the past have included hosts readings and discussion from award-winning novelists and poets.

Catrin Kean, poet Bhanu Kapil, and short fiction author Wendy Erskine are just some of the writers to pay us a visit. You can gain funding when you study through the medium of Welsh. Scholarships by The Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer up to £500 per year whilst the University Welsh Medium Bursary offers an additional £250 per year depending on the amount of Welsh modules taken.

Course overview

This Welsh and English Literature course offers you the opportunity to delve into two literatures in parallel, from medieval times to the present, in Britain and around the world. As a joint honours’ student, you will take half of your modules each year in Welsh and half in English Literature. As you read, research, and write, you will develop analytical and critical skills relevant to a wide range of careers.

Explore rich and diverse literary texts from the tales of the Mabinogion to the dynamic literature of contemporary Wales. Our English literature content spans a broad range of genres, periods, cultures and themes, analysing works from contemporary and historical perspectives. Studying Welsh and English Literature will give you an opportunity to delve into literatures in the early modern period, a period characterized by political, technological and religious transformations as well as look at how grammar works in the living language today.

We specialise in literatures from the Middle Ages and Renaissance period, through to Victorian and Modernist and contemporary forms. Our staff have published on topics such as gender and devotion, materiality and book history, social networks and infrastructure. The School of Welsh 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. Studying Welsh here at Bangor University means you'll be surrounded by the language, you can engage with academic and support staff, working professionals and potential employers through the medium of Welsh.

English Literature has been an integral part of Bangor University since the University opened its doors in 1884. Our faculty includes published and award-winning authors, and some of the world’s foremost authorities on Arthurian Literature, Thomas Hardy, Shakespeare, Chaucer, early modern literature, the history of the book, and Welsh writing in English. A big advantage of studying Welsh and English Literature with us is the breadth, choice, and flexibility within the curriculum.

You can discover the roots of Welsh identity through ancient and modern history, be inspired by the contemporary politics of a devolved government, look at how the book trade is being reshaping in the 21st century or ways in which literature, film and media shape our understanding of climate change. 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…