The number of bilingual and multilingual communities and workplaces is on the rise, and language planning is a field of growing importance. For this reason, there is an increased demand for individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to put in place effective strategies and systems that promote linguistic equality. As considering ‘language' becomes a priority for many fields - development, planning, education, health, IT, marketing - staff in a wide range of professions require an understanding of and skills in language planning. Furthermore, in Wales, the proposed new Welsh language legislation has the potential to further increase the demand for qualified personnel to address language-related issues and also to create new and different demands.
The MA in Language Policy and Planning offers an innovative and comprehensive exploration of a field that is of growing importance in Wales and beyond. The programme benefits from BangorUniversity's unique combination of expertise, which will provide students with an understanding of the theoretical as well as applied questions of Language Planning.
Structure
The programme is offered as an MA (180 credits), Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) and Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) with exit points available for each level. At all levels (Masters, Diploma and Certificate), the programme is designed to equip students with the necessary tools to implement successful systems of language planning in the workplace, community and family. At Masters and Diploma level, students will also be expected to develop a firm understanding of research methods. The Masters programme will, through the dissertation, allow students to explore a particular aspect of language planning further and will act as a springboard to doctorate level studies if desired. The combination of modules from Schools from across the University capitalises on Bangor’s ability to explore language planning and its associated issues from theoretical and applied perspectives.
Modules
Core Modules
- The Research Process / Y Broses Ymchwil (40 credits)
or
- Language Planning / Cynllunio Ieithyddol (20 credits)
- Bilingualism in Wales and Other European Countries / Dwyieithrwydd yng Nghymru a Rhanbarthau Ewropeaidd Eraill (20 credits) (Module on Law)
Optional Modules
- Public Law in Wales / Cyfraith Cyhoeddus yng Nghymru (20 credits)
- Public Sector Management / Rheolaeth yn y Sector Cyhoeddus (20 credits)
- Work Based Learning / Dysgu yn y Gweithle (20 credits)
- Current Issues in Bilingualism (20 credits)
- Agweddau ar Ddwyieithrywdd* (Aspects of Bilingualism) (20 credits)
- Hanes y Gymraeg* (History of the Welsh Language) (20 credits)
*Only available through the medium of Welsh
- Dissertation Module / Traethawd Hir (60 credyd)
PG Certificate = 60 credits (the Language Planning module is compulsory)
PG Diploma = 120 credits (including all core modules)
Masters = 180 credits (including all core modules and the dissertation module)
Teaching and Assessment Methods
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, group work, project work, problem solving scenarios, outside seminar facilitators and guest speakers and individual guidance. Assessment methods include coursework/written work, oral presentation, work based learning activity, dissertation.
Careers Information
The programme equips students to work in a variety of posts and fields – in the public, private and third sectors – including language officers, policy development, management, marketing. The programme also prepares students for doctoral level study in the broad field of language planning.
1 year full-time; up to 48 months part-time
