Language and Policy Planning (Part-time) (PGCert)
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
- Distance Learning
- Part-time
- Welsh
Why choose this course?
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.
(30 Credits)
(30 credits)
Disclaimer
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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
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The admission arrangements are overseen by the Admissions Tutor and the Programme Manager.
The Institute of Education and Humanities adheres to the University’s guidelines on required academic qualifications as specified in the Academic Quality Handbook. Postgraduate students are normally required to have attained an initial degree awarded by a university or an approved-degree awarding body. However, these guidelines also allow non-standard applications from students who may not conform to the academic requirements of the orthodox method of entry. We are, therefore, able to consider applications from mature students who may have relevant experience and/ or qualifications other than those outlined above.
International students whose mother-tongue is not English applying for study at postgraduate level will normally be required to show evidence of sufficient command of the English language in order to be able to follow their course, undertake research, and produce writing without major linguistic difficulties. For international students, an overall English Language level that is equivalent to a IELTS Academic score of 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any single component is required.
Following the receipt and scrutiny of applications by the Programme Manager, all eligible applicants are invited for interview. Distance learning students from abroad, are interviewed by Microsoft Teams or telephone, and under the same rigorous conditions as those interviewed at the University.
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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%).
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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.
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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