Welsh and Politics (BA)

Studying Politics and Welsh at Cardiff is not just about lectures and textbooks — it’s about gaining real-world experience and developing practical skills that employers value. From the very start of your degree, you’ll have opportunities to apply what you learn in authentic settings, build professional confidence, and prepare for a wide range of future careers. Whether you’re using Welsh in the workplace, analysing current political issues, or engaging directly with policymakers, the emphasis is always on learning by doing.

Here’s how the programme helps you put theory into practice:

• Work placement in a Welsh-language environment: In your second year, you’ll spend time in a professional setting where Welsh is used daily, allowing you to apply your language skills in a real-world context.

• Independent research and dissertation projects: In your final year, you’ll complete an in-depth research project or dissertation on a topic of your choice, or choose the “Politics in Practice” placement module to combine academic study with hands-on experience.

• Engaging seminars and workshops: Small group seminars, student-led presentations, and collaborative discussions develop your communication skills, critical thinking, and ability to argue persuasively.

• Access to digital learning tools: Cardiff’s Learning Central platform provides online lecture materials, multimedia resources, reading lists, and exercises to support your studies and enhance your learning.

• Connections with political institutions: Modules like Parliamentary Studies are co-taught with the UK Parliament, and you’ll benefit from Cardiff’s strong links with Senedd Cymru, government agencies, and policy organisations.

• Extensive libraries and research resources: You’ll have access to Cardiff’s large library collections, specialist archives, and digital databases to support your research and coursework.

• Welsh-medium learning opportunities: Many modules are available in Welsh, and you can choose to study and be assessed in Welsh across all three years, strengthening your language skills and career prospects.

A degree in Politics and Welsh from Cardiff opens doors to an exciting range of careers where language, politics, and communication come together. Graduates are in demand across government, media, education, policy, and cultural sectors — working to shape public services, influence decision-making, and promote the Welsh language in society. Many go on to roles such as policy adviser, civil servant, political journalist, or communications and public affairs officer, where their bilingual skills and political knowledge truly stand out.

Here’s how Cardiff helps you turn your degree into a successful career:

• Dedicated career support: The School of Law and Politics offers tailored careers services, including one-to-one guidance, CV and interview workshops, employer events, and access to internships and placement opportunities.

• Strong employability outcomes: Cardiff graduates are highly valued by employers — with 86% in highly skilled jobs or further study within 15 months of graduating.

• Competitive graduate salaries: Recent data shows that Cardiff undergraduates earn an average salary of around £25,200 within a year of finishing their degree.

• Valuable partnerships: The programme benefits from Cardiff’s strong links with political institutions like the UK Parliament and Senedd Cymru, as well as media organisations, cultural bodies, and policy think tanks — providing real-world context and networking opportunities.

• Prestigious Russell Group reputation: A Cardiff degree is recognised across the UK and beyond, adding significant weight to your CV and helping you stand out in the job market.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, this degree is an excellent foundation for postgraduate qualifications. You could specialise further with a Master’s in Politics, Public Policy, or Welsh Government, explore research pathways with an MPhil or PhD, or branch into professional fields such as law, education, or public administration through conversion courses.