Developing bilingual journalists and communicators

Since its launch in 2014, the School of Journalism, Media and Culture’s undergraduate Welsh language pathway has successfully taught a new generation of Welsh speaking journalists and communicators.

It was created in response to a demand from the media industry for confident Welsh speakers with a high level of skills and knowledge.

The pathway includes engagement workshops aimed at pupils aged 16-18 through to a series of undergraduate teaching modules and postgraduate sessions based in the School.

Sian Morgan Lloyd, who leads the pathway said, “By drawing on our Welsh language lecturers’ experience as professional journalists and communicators our free workshops are able to illustrate the benefits of pursuing a career in the Welsh media to pupils who have an interest in media, journalism and communications.

“We encourage pupils to learn new skills including how to understand news bulletins, how to create digital content, recognise fake news and present TV news.”

"Pupils that progress onto one of our undergraduate degrees can look-forward to lectures that range from critical examinations of online privacy, the development of digital storytelling through to more hands-on journalistic skills and all through the medium of Welsh."

Those wishing to include Welsh language and literature studies in their degree have the option to study BA Welsh and Journalism, a joint-honours degree with the Cardiff University’s School of Welsh.

Sian added, “Our Welsh language provision continues to flourish and has helped graduates secure roles with BBC Cymru Wales, ITV Cymru, Golwg 360, independent productions companies such as Boom and Welsh Government.”

Expanding the team

This month the School welcomed BBC Wales Sport’s former Managing Editor Andrew Weeks to the Welsh language teaching team.

Sian said, “Having worked as editor, project manager and producer for the BBC and extensively across public affairs and public relations for Sport Wales, Andrew is ideally placed to support our outreach workshops and his experience will be of great benefit to our students.”

To see workshops in action, follow the @JOMECCymraeg team on Twitter or contact Sian to find out more.