Bachelor of Arts in Welsh and the Professional Workplace Cardiff University, UK

In modern Wales, with the growth of institutions such as the Welsh Government and the introduction of the Welsh Language Standards, the ability to use the Welsh language at a professional level is very appealing to employers. Similarly, there is increasing demand for graduates with vocational skills and experience.

The aim of this exciting, modern and varied programme is to help you to develop the necessary academic and employability skills to prepare you for a career in a range of different fields.

A specific core route with a strong vocational focus is provided which will nurture awareness and skills that are appropriate both for the professional workplace and for studying Welsh.  We will equip you with knowledge, understanding and skills that are relevant to the workplace and specific careers such as translation, linguistic planning and language policy, education or the heritage industry, but there is also emphasis on transferable skills. These will enable the workforce to use Welsh ‘in more practical, creative and interesting ways’ as the First Minister said when he launched the vision for one million Welsh speakers by 2050.

We focus on aspects such as the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, the ability to analyse and interpret the world around you in a critical and creative manner, to create professional texts and documents and the ability to act independently at a high level. The aim is to provide high level academic and vocational skills and experiences, such as reading, interpreting and producing a variety of texts, solving problems, creating strategies and working individually and in a team. One important element of the programme is the opportunity to undertake work experience placements in Years 2 and 3 to apply the knowledge and skills gained in a practical way in the real world of work, and to be mentored by an external practitioner.