Welsh and History

Welsh and history is a combination with a particular resonance at Bangor, situated in the heart of the Welsh-speaking north of Wales, where the language is living and central to the culture of the surrounding communities. Welsh is one of the oldest living languages in Europe, with a literary tradition stretching back over fifteen centuries, and studying it alongside history gives you a distinctive insight into a culture whose language, identity, and relationship with Britain and England have been shaped by centuries of complex and contested history.

At Bangor University, this three-year, full-time programme includes a foundation year and develops your Welsh language skills, covering both the spoken and written language, alongside historical study of Wales, Britain, and the wider world. You will engage with the social, political, and cultural history of Wales alongside broader historical periods and themes, using Welsh-language sources that are inaccessible to those without the language and developing an understanding of Wales as a distinct national community with its own history and cultural tradition. A sandwich year, year abroad option, and work placements are all available, giving you professional experience and the opportunity to broaden your engagement with history and the Welsh language in different contexts.

Graduates are well-placed for careers in Welsh-language education, broadcasting, the Welsh government and public sector, journalism, heritage, archiving, cultural administration, and community development. The combination of Welsh-language competence and historical knowledge is particularly valuable in Wales, where public, cultural, and media institutions operate bilingually and where there is consistent demand for graduates with real Welsh-language skills. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in Welsh, history, or related fields.