Course description
The MA/Diploma course in Welsh Studies is a new cross-disciplinary degree scheme with a humanities emphasis. It is suitable for students with interests in Welsh literature (whether written in English or translated from Welsh), in Celtic archaeology and history, in contemporary Welsh history, politics and society archaeology, in theology, music, bilingualism and in Welsh heritage and culture. It is both a research training degree and a free-standing course. It is organised through a cross-departmental research institute (the Welsh Institute for Social and Cultural Affairs, or WISCA) but draws on expertise from a wide range of departments. This means that students are exceptionally well-supported and have access to a wide and unique range of staff.
The degree provides a cross-disciplinary perspective on various aspects of Welsh affairs, develops research and other skills (including the opportunity to develop Welsh language skills) and allows for specialist study in one particular area. It is an ideal preparation for a variety of jobs within Wales in particular, but is also a valuable training degree for those wishing to undertake a cross-disciplinary PhD. The course does not assume substantial knowledge of Welsh affairs.
The highly flexible degree structure has one course (Themes and Issues in the study of Wales). Students must take some further research training (from a range of options) and complete the MA degree with a 20,000 word dissertation which develops their own ideas and builds on their taught courses. However, a substantial portion of the degree consists of optional papers, including topics such as The Welsh in America; The archaeology of the early medieval churches; Medieval Welsh Literature; Welsh writing in English; Plaid Cymru and Welsh Politics; Welsh Devolution; Religion or Music in Wales; Bilingualism and other options.
There is an opportunity to develop or improve Welsh language skills as part of the degree scheme for students who wish to do so. Some modules may be taught in Welsh or English.
