Welsh and Philosophy (BA)
- Subject areas: Philosophy, Welsh
- UCAS code: QV55
- Next intake: September 2025
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode: Full time
Why study this course
Tailored to you
With primarily optional modules you have freedom to choose a personalised degree.
Industry experience
Gain skills, confidence and connections through a variety of cultural internships.
A thriving community
Make connections through the Welsh Students' Union, Welsh-language halls and the new Welsh-language Academy.
Capital connections
Ideally located with links to cultural, political, heritage and media organisations to help you get ahead.
Cardiff awaits you
Immerse yourself in the bustling Welsh capital and all it has to offer.
On our Welsh and Philosophy (BA) programme, you’ll develop a thorough understanding of the Welsh language, its literature and culture, and engage with key philosophical questions across a broad range of topics and traditions. 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’ll support you to engage critically and creatively with difficult problems in an open-minded and collaborative way, including on sensitive and controversial topics.
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 practice 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 Philosophy, you’ll develop a solid grounding in moral philosophy, will also study epistemology, philosophy of mind, and political philosophy, and have the opportunity to study areas such as aesthetics, feminist philosophy, and phenomenology. In the final year of the programme, you can specialise in your preferred areas of study.
Many of our modules directly examine different uses of language. You’ll come to a deeper appreciation of the implications of philosophical thought, providing you with a clear link between theories and their application. This is emphasised in the final year of the programme, where in a core module you will take part in a project to apply philosophical research to develop policies or strategies aimed at solving a real-world ethical or social problem.
During the degree, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a work placement in a workplace where Welsh is used daily, to develop your confidence and professional skills. You’ll also 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.
You’ll graduate with a range of professional skills, including collaboration, communication and critical thinking. You will be aware of the ethical, social and linguistic challenges that face contemporary society and industry, and have the ideas and confidence required to solve them. 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: Philosophy
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
AAB-ABB. 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 at the 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 points in the selection process or be guaranteed interview/consideration.
Learn about eligible courses and how contextual data is applied.
International Baccalaureate
34-32 overall or 666-665 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 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
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
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
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
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
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Additional costs
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 degree, with 120 credits of study in each year. You will study 60 credits in Welsh and 60 credits in philosophy in each year of study.
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
You will take 120 credits in total, equally split between 60 credits in Welsh and 60 credits in Philosophy.
The emphasis in year one is on developing key skills (linguistic, analytical, creative and employability) in the fields of language and literature, and all students follow a set number of modules with an appropriate number of contact hours. The School will also provide additional arrangements for second language students to develop and practise their language skills.
For the first-language route the core modules are:
- Iaith ac Ystyr [Language and Meaning]
- Awdur, Testun a Darllenydd [Author, Text and Reader]
- Y Gymraeg yn y Gymru Gyfoes [The Welsh Language in Contemporary Wales]
For the second-language route the core modules are:
- Sgiliau Iaith [Language Skills]
- Sgiliau Astudio Llenyddiaeth [Studying Literature Skills]
- Y Gymraeg Heddiw [The Welsh Language Today]
Year One Philosophy modules will provide you with a thorough grounding in the subject to provide you with a solid foundation for the modules you choose in years two and three.
Module title | Module code | Credits |
---|---|---|
Mind, Thought and Reality | SE4101 | 20 credits |
Moral and Political Philosophy | SE4103 | 20 credits |
Critical Thinking | SE4107 | 20 credits |
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 |
Year two
You will take 60 credits in Welsh and 60 credits in Philosophy.
In year two Welsh, you will build on the skills and knowledge acquired in year one. The core linguistic elements of the course focus on language skills within both an academic and a vocational context, and include a period of work experience in a workplace in which Welsh is used on a daily basis.
Alongside these core elements, the Welsh course offers optional modules in years two and three in Welsh language, literature and culture, including several with direct relevance to specific fields of employment, such as language planning, scriptwriting and translation.
Your second year in Philosophy is designed to build on the foundation of year one through more focused modules that provide a more solid grounding in particular areas. There are no compulsory modules in year two. You will be encouraged to follow the interests you developed in year one, but also consider what you would like to take in the following year.
Module title | Module code | Credits |
---|---|---|
Yr Iaith ar Waith | CY2205 | 20 credits |
Module title | Module code | Credits |
---|---|---|
Cymraeg Proffesiynol | CY2215 | 20 credits |
Dafydd ap Gwilym a'i Gyfnod | CY2290 | 20 credits |
Llenyddiaeth Plant | CY2310 | 20 credits |
Theori a Beirniadaeth Lenyddol | CY2330 | 20 credits |
Ysgrifennu Creadigol | CY2360 | 20 credits |
Bywydau Llên | CY2425 | 20 credits |
Tafodieitheg | CY2450 | 20 credits |
Enwau'r Cymry: Lleoedd, Pobl a Pholisi | CY2460 | 20 credits |
Sosioieithyddiaeth | CY2530 | 20 credits |
Philosophy of Mind | SE4313 | 20 credits |
Philosophy of Language | SE4358 | 20 credits |
Philosophy of Contemporary Politics | SE4363 | 20 credits |
French Existentialism | SE4369 | 20 credits |
Modern Moral Philosophy | SE4373 | 20 credits |
Contemporary Ethical Theory | SE4388 | 20 credits |
Epistemology | SE4398 | 20 credits |
Credoau'r Cymry | SE4400 | 20 credits |
What to Believe in the Age of the Internet | SE4407 | 20 credits |
Philosophy of Psychology | SE4421 | 20 credits |
Damcaniaethu a Dadfeilio'r Gymdeithas Gyfalafol | SE4423 | 20 credits |
Aesthetics | SE4424 | 20 credits |
Philosophy of Feminism (AUT) | SE4436 | 20 credits |
Philosophy of Feminism (SPR) | SE4437 | 20 credits |
Year three
You will take 60 credits in Welsh and 60 credits in Philosophy.
In Welsh, it is compulsory to choose one of the following modules:
- Blas ar Ymchwil [Research Taster]
- Ymchwilio Estynedig [Extended Research]
You will 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 will also choose more optional modules.
Year three in Philosophy is a ‘research-led’ year, where the modules on offer reflect the current research activities of the staff who teach them, building on the themes studied in year two. You will read and think about the very same texts that the module leader is currently thinking and writing about.
There is also the opportunity for independent research in the dissertation module.
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 |
Ysgrifennu Creadigol | CY3360 | 20 credits |
Bywydau Llên | CY3425 | 20 credits |
Tafodieitheg | CY3450 | 20 credits |
Enwau'r Cymry: Lleoedd, Pobl a Pholisi | CY3460 | 20 credits |
Sosioieithyddiaeth | CY3530 | 20 credits |
Yr Ystafell Ddosbarth | CY3660 | 20 credits |
Cyfieithu Proffesiynol | CY3705 | 20 credits |
Blas ar Ymchwil | CY3900 | 20 credits |
Ymchwilio Estynedig | CY3905 | 40 credits |
Dissertation in Philosophy | SE4385 | 20 credits |
Cyfiawnder Byd-eang | SE4394 | 20 credits |
Hanes Athroniaeth yr 20fed Ganrif yng Nghymru | SE4396 | 20 credits |
Belief & Irrationality | SE4419 | 20 credits |
Ethics of Knowing | SE4422 | 20 credits |
Beauty & Ethics | SE4425 | 20 credits |
Moral Responsibility | SE4426 | 20 credits |
A Sense of the Possible | SE4427 | 20 credits |
Paradoxes of Democracy | SE4432 | 20 credits |
Meaning Through Silence | SE4433 | 20 credits |
Aesthetic Injustice | SE4434 | 20 credits |
Sociality Online | SE4435 | 20 credits |
Reasons and Relationships | SE4438 | 20 credits |
The Politics of Language Diversity | SE4439 | 20 credits |
Disruptive Emotions | SE4440 | 20 credits |
Speech Acts Online | SE4441 | 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 thinker. You’ll learn through a wide range of teaching methods including interactive lectures, lively discussion-based seminars and workshops.
Seminars and workshops offer a rewarding experience to engage critically with the key ideas and readings on a topic. They provide a valuable opportunity to explore ideas and work closely with your lecturers and to learn from other students. 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 have access to all course materials through our electronic learning environment.
In this supportive environment, you’ll develop your abilities to closely analyse texts and arguments, evaluate evidence, collaboratively work through problems, construct your own arguments, hone your language skills, and present your ideas clearly to others.
How will I be supported?
Your main sources of support are your module leaders and your Personal Tutors. You will have one Personal Tutor in Welsh and one in Philosophy. Personal Tutors can advise you on academic matters, including study skills, careers, and your academic progress, as well as on pastoral matters and you’ll be invited to meet with them regularly throughout your degree. Your module leaders are also available during teaching weeks 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 Philosophy provide academic and student support and are there 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, workshops and seminars will help you assess your understanding of the course material and your critical responses to it. You’ll receive formative feedback on assessment ideas, and detailed feedback on all marked coursework. You will receive regular feedback on your final year research project from your supervisor.
How will I be assessed?
Your assessments are designed to cumulatively develop key skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking and reflection. These can include critical analyses of texts, essays, exams, critical reviews, presentations, group work and group discussion assessments, and reflective assessment of your own skills. In the final year, you’ll take part in a large collaborative philosophy project that involves writing and presenting for a professional audience, and in Welsh you’ll undertake an independent research project.
Optional modules can offer a wider variety of assessments, including writing for a public audience, commenting on an artwork or a media piece, or creative assignments.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.
On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:
KU1 Understand the structures, registers and varieties of Welsh and use them flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes, as appropriate.
KU2 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.
KU3 Critically analyse aspects of Welsh-language culture, literature, history and society, drawing on a range of materials and approaches.
KU4 Critically evaluate some of the central theories and arguments, and their applications, in moral, political or social philosophy.
KU5 Critically evaluate some of the central theories and arguments, and their applications, in philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, or epistemology.
KU6 Critically analyse theories and arguments from contemporary philosophical research, which may come from the intersection of different areas of philosophy or from interdisciplinary research.
KU7 Apply philosophical research to draft policy or strategy documents, or action recommendations, in response to a real-world ethical or social problem of contemporary societal concern.
Intellectual Skills:
IS1 Critically analyse how meanings are created through language, and the affective power of language.
IS2 Develop independent and innovative responses to linguistic, literary, critical, cultural and creative material in writing and in speech, and for different audiences.
IS3 Critically evaluate texts, data, concepts, and theories relevant to the context of the Welsh language and Welsh literature, using the appropriate vocabulary and terminology.
IS4 Explain complex and specialised philosophical claims and arguments.
IS5 Construct informed and well supported arguments.
IS6 Apply techniques of philosophical, linguistic or cultural analysis to critically evaluate texts, claims and arguments.
Professional Practical Skills:
PS1 Produce a range of material using written and spoken Welsh that is appropriate for the workplace and intended to address a range of audiences.
PS2 Apply knowledge, understanding and skills in a professional context.
PS3 Utilise relevant and effective research techniques to produce a supervised extended essay or research project.
PS4 Communicate complex information in different formats appropriate to different purposes.
PS5 Contribute in a collaborative manner to group discussions and team projects.
PS6 Articulate and evaluate your own academic and professional skills.
Transferable/Key Skills:
KS1 Effectively use relevant IT programmes, including Welsh medium software, to present and analyse materials.
KS2 Respond to problems creatively, critically and independently.
KS3 Implement task instructions and manage workload effectively to meet deadlines.
KS4 Deliver and act on constructive feedback.
KS5 Demonstrate initiative, resilience, adaptability and creativity, actively reflecting on own studies and achievements.
Careers and placements
Career prospects
The demand for Welsh speakers means that a degree in Welsh can be highly valuable for jobs and roles that require bilingual speakers. Many of our graduates are now following careers in areas such as law, politics, media, performing arts, administration and education, or engaged in postgraduate study.
We provide our students with a highly satisfying academic experience that assists their development as critically-minded, culturally-aware citizens whose high analytic skills, powers of expression and progressive self-reliance make them extremely attractive to employers.
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.
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.