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Language and Policy Planning (Part-time) (PGCert)

Distance Learning
1 Year Part-time

The Postgraduate Certificate in Language Policy and Planning is an engaging, part-time, online programme, tailored for individuals keen to understand bilingualism and multilingualism. With a foundation in Wales’ rich linguistic heritage, the course blends theoretical frameworks with practical insights into language planning at local and global levels.

This course prepares students for impactful roles in public policy, education, and community development, equipping them with the skills to navigate linguistic complexities. Explore how language shapes identities and societies while contributing to the evolving field of language policy.

Course details

Start date:
ÃÜÌÒ´«Ã½ modes:
  • Distance Learning
  • Part-time
Language:
  • Welsh
Course length:
1 Year Part-time

Why choose this course?

01
Flexible Learning: ÃÜÌÒ´«Ã½ part-time and online, allowing you to balance learning with professional and personal commitments.
02
Specialist Expertise: Benefit from the University’s deep knowledge of bilingualism and multilingualism, with a focus on Wales’ unique linguistic heritage.
03
Practical Relevance: Gain skills that can be directly applied to careers in language planning, policy-making, and community initiatives, both locally and internationally.

What you will learn

Our approach combines theory and practical application to ensure you develop both a strong understanding of language policy and the skills to apply it in diverse settings. Flexible and engaging, the programme is designed to meet professional needs and deepen your knowledge of bilingualism and multilingualism.

You will study the foundations of language policy and planning, focusing on its theoretical underpinnings and historical developments. Students will critically analyse key factors influencing the vitality of languages, exploring practical strategies to promote linguistic diversity in Wales and globally.

Promoting the Welsh language

(30 Credits)

Basics of Language Planning

(30 credits)

Disclaimer

  • The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.

    You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.

Ratings and Rankings

Staff

Our People

You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses. 

Further information

  • 2:2 honours degree  

    • or UWTSD recognised equivalent. 

    ´¡±ô³Ù±ð°ù²Ô²¹³Ù¾±±¹±ð&²Ô²ú²õ±è;±ð²Ô³Ù°ù²â r´Ç³Ü³Ù±ð²õ 

    Once you have successfully completed your PGCert or PGDip studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remainder of the Master’s degree. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    These are ideal routes if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    Admissions Advice and Support  

    For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    English language requirements  

    If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses. 

    Visa and funding requirements  

    If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

  • Assessment

    • Essentials of Language Planning: A 5,400-word written assignment (60%) and a 30-minute seminar presentation (40%).
    • Promoting the Welsh Language: A 5,400-word portfolio (60%) and a 30-minute seminar presentation (40%).
  • Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.  

    If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies. 

    We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.  

    Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities 

    There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    Opportunities to Learn Welsh 

    We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;

  • You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.

  • The University has excellent resources, thus enabling us to offer a range of modules available to suit professional developmental needs and personal interests. The degree has a broad focus which is suitable for a range of professional fields and aims to equip students with the information and skills to work confidently in the field of bilingualism / multilingualism and language planning. The course offers a range of experiences and would appeal to anyone involved in the development of the use of language in modern society, including:

    • Language Officers
    • Policy Makers & Government Officers
    • Language Planners
    • Teachers & Trainers
    • Translators
    • Youth/ Community Workers
    • Those currently working in adult education in various countries
    • Those developing learning opportunities in both youth and adult contexts