COURSE CURRICULUM

The Welsh: Language and Literature MA is a research-focused program designed for students who wish to develop advanced expertise in Welsh language, literature, and culture through independent study. The course follows a traditional academic structure based on essays and a substantial dissertation. In the first stage, students complete three course essays of 4,000 to 6,000 words, which demonstrate a strong understanding of the key themes, debates, and contexts within their chosen area of study. This is followed by a 20,000-word dissertation based on original research, drawing in part on primary sources. During Semester 1, students also undertake an induction course in research methodology, providing essential training in scholarly methods and critical approaches within Welsh studies. A defining feature of the program is its flexibility, allowing students to shape their studies around individual academic interests. Those focusing on medieval Welsh literature can pursue topics such as early poetry, the Mabinogion, or medieval poets under the guidance of a specialist supervisor, while students interested in modern Welsh literature, culture, or language studies are equally supported. The program also welcomes comparative and interdisciplinary research, linking Welsh studies with fields such as literature, history, language revitalization, philosophy, gender studies, and political or cultural theory.