Celtic Studies
Bachelor's degree
In Aberystwyth
Description
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Type
Bachelor's degree
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Location
Aberystwyth (Wales)
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Duration
4 Years
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
Reviews
Course programme
The Department of Welsh at Aberystwyth is one of the leading university centres in the British Isles for the study of Celtic languages, literatures and cultures. Since the University has specialists in all the Celtic languages, it is particularly well equipped to offer you an integrated course in Celtic Studies where you will be given the opportunity to study Irish as well as Welsh, and Scottish Gaelic and Breton modules may also be selected as options. No prior knowledge of any Celtic language is required.
Part 1
Beginners in Welsh take Level 1 in two years whilst entrants with A-Level Welsh can take Level 1 in one year. In the first year of your course you will study Irish and Welsh language and literature and may be introduced to Celtic culture and music.
Part 2
Having completed Part 1 successfully, Beginners in Welsh proceed to Levels 2 and 3 in years 3 and 4. Normally this includes one semester abroad. If you already speak Welsh (first or second language), you spend three years in Part 2, which usually includes two semesters abroad.
In Part 2 you will build up a sound practical and academic knowledge of the languages and literatures of the Irish and Welsh from the beginnings to the present day, and take courses comparing the Celtic languages and literatures in general. You will also be able to choose between a wide range of Part 2 optional courses including Scottish Gaelic, Breton, Arthurian Literature, creative writing in Welsh and women in Welsh literature.
Study Abroad
We have bilateral contracts with several of the best universities in Ireland and Brittany which allow our Celtic Students to study abroad for one or two semesters. This attractive scheme, funded by the European Community’s SOCRATES programme also brings students from Ireland and Brittany to study in our Department. You may also study in a number of other European universities.
Although study abroad is the norm, an exemption can be allowed in certain cases, e.g. students who come from Ireland or Brittany, although this will not necessarily reduce the length of the course.
Learning Welsh in the Celtic Studies Course
As well as learning during the official teaching hours, Celtic Studies students obviously benefit from living in the heart of the Welsh-speaking countryside. For the first one or two years, Welsh taught in three streams: one for complete Beginners, one for those who have studied Welsh as a second language; and one for those for whom Welsh is a first language. This system of streaming has proved very effective in enabling all Celtic Studies students to participate in Welsh-medium classes by the final years of their study.
Celtic Studies