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Welsh

View the Welsh employability skills in English

The information below is also available in Welsh

A graduate in Welsh/Gymraeg typically will have the ability to:

  • use Welsh to discuss complex topics in a polished fashion, both orally and in writing
  • assemble and convey information about literary texts and to treat them critically
  • respond appropriately to the use of language and imagination in literature
  • consider literature in its historical, social and intellectual context
  • understand material produced in another language or other languages and reproduce it in Welsh in a way that is consistent with the characteristics of the language
  • use skills appropriate to the discipline, such as producing bibliographies and referring to sources in a consistent and standard fashion
  • think for themselves and to respond critically, analysing and summarising the arguments and opinions of others.
  • work independently and in a detailed and thorough way
  • gather information in an orderly and purposeful fashion from various sources, evaluate it critically and present it in a coherent, meaningful way
  • understand and develop complex concepts and treat them critically and analytically
  • work as part of a team
  • demonstrate organisational skills in handling set tasks including time management
  • use information technology skills.

Welsh is a broad and varied academic discipline involving creating, presenting and interpreting written and oral texts, as well as the nature and history of the language and the opportunities which are open to it in today's world. Studying Welsh fosters a flexible and open-minded attitude and the ability to evaluate different concepts and to present them using appropriate spoken and written language; it enables students to discuss and interpret the cultures and values of the past as well as contemporary developments in the modern world.

Welsh is open to the influences of the contemporary international world of which Wales is a part. The attitudes of Welsh speakers are similar to those of the inhabitants of the western world in general and ways of writing literature and of communicating in Welsh are more diverse now than they have ever been. The language faces significant changes that place a particular responsibility on those concerned with the subject to safeguard its basis and attributes as it develops and as the range of opportunities and new ways of using Welsh present themselves.

The heart of the subject is the Welsh language, its nature, history and current position, and Welsh literature in all periods. Literary studies may include drama, film, folklore and creative writing. Welsh is characterised by its long history and the strength of its literary tradition since the early Middle Ages. Some degree schemes offer the opportunity for detailed study of particular periods, or types of literature, or aspects of language.

A degree in Welsh can include studying one or more of the other Celtic languages and their literatures, works in other languages and similar multilingual situations. Other academic disciplines can be involved including literary theory, linguistics, modern languages, English, classical studies, history, politics and sociology. Some students combine Welsh with these subjects, and many opportunities exist for interdisciplinary and comparative studies.

With the growing demand for a knowledge of Welsh in many fields, particularly in education, the media, local government and the public sector, the degree is a valuable qualification for posts requiring bilingual personnel and Welsh graduates enter a variety of careers. Following the Welsh Language Act (1993), the call for bilingual administrators in local government, health service, police authorities and commerce in general has increased considerably. A number of graduates are employed in the Welsh National Assembly in various capacities.

To check the growing range of resources produced by the Subject Centre to support employability and the use of this profile (including the Skills and Attributes map) go to www.llas.ac.uk/index.aspx.

This profile, produced in 2006, is based on the QAA benchmark to be found at www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/honours/default.asp.


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