Study at Cardiff | Postgraduate

Welsh (PhD/MPhil)

Programme Aims

To offer knowledge and expertise for a career in language planning, media, government, teaching, management and research. The School provides training and a high level of support, and the postgraduate community makes a vital contribution to the University's international reputation for research.

Special Features

• Annual series of research seminars and conferences
• Opportunities to teach in the School and the Welsh Language Teaching Centre (Welsh for Adults)
• Collaborative research with several North American and European institutions, for instance in Canada and Ireland
• Close links with the Welsh Language Board and other national institutions including the National History Museum, St. Fagans.

Programme Description

The School of Welsh is well-known for its academic research and is one of the leading centres for Celtic Studies research in the UK. The research interests of our staff are varied and include the Welsh language, Welsh literature, creative and critical writing as well as the social and international aspects of language planning. The originality and rigour of our research make the School of Welsh at Cardiff a popular choice for those interested in postgraduate study.

Research Areas

• Welsh literature (medieval, renaissance, modern)
• Literary and critical theory
• Sociolinguistics (including Patagonia and Ireland)
• Language planning and policy
• Religion and popular culture
• Textual transmission: oral and written
• Welsh American Studies
• Second language acquisition/Welsh for adults
• Creative and Critical Writing

Note: Research can be undertaken through the medium of Welsh or English

Skills Acquired

• Advanced subject knowledge and expertise
• Advanced research skills and methodology (theory and application)
• Self-management and motivation
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Research dissemination and engagement

Career Prospects

Higher education, research, media, teaching, government and publishing.

Entry Requirements

Suitable for graduates in Welsh or other Humanities and Social Science subjects. Students who have not completed an MA or a research methods training course normally follow the research skills module of the taught MA while preparing for their MPhil/PhD thesis.

A 1st or an upper 2nd class UK Honours degree, or equivalent, is required.

Candidates who wish to submit their MPhil or PhD dissertation in Welsh, and who have not graduated in Welsh, must satisfy the School as to the standard of their written and oral skills in the language.

The School of Welsh also welcomes applications from UK or overseas non-Welsh speaking students who wish to study and submit their MPhil or PhD dissertation through the medium of English.

If English is not the candidates’ first language, and they wish to study through the medium of English, they will be required to demonstrate oral and written fluency before being accepted on to the programme. A minimum score of 6.5 on the International English Language Test (IELTS) is required.

Note: International students pursuing part-time programmes of study are not eligible for Tier 4 General Student) visas and must have alternative leave to remain in the UK if they intend to study at the University in person.

Application Guidelines

Applications should include 1,500 word research proposal that outlines their intended programme of research. Candidates should contact the School of Welsh to discuss their research interests before making a formal application. The Director of Postgraduate Research Studies at the School will then advise as to the expertise available and assist candidates as they develop their Research Proposals.

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The School is able to offer limited scholarships for postgraduate study. Candidates are also encouraged to apply for external funding to the AHRC, ESRC and The Pantyfedwen Foundation.

More details can be found on the School's website.

Next intake: The University has four entry points for research degrees; 1st October, 1st January, 1st April or 1st July

More information

• Learn more about Cardiff School of Welsh
  
• How to apply
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