Five new lecturing posts announced

Cardiff University has announced the creation of five new Welsh-medium lecturing posts that have been funded by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

The announcement was made by Professor Colin Riordan, Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, at a meeting to launch the University's branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

The Coleg is a national organisation that plays a key role in planning, maintenance and development of Welsh medium education and scholarly activity in Welsh universities through the activities of the branches.

The new posts announced are in Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery, Healthcare Studies, Law and Journalism. All five lectureships are funded for a period of five years by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and the University is committed to these posts as part of its core provision.

Four lecturers have already been funded to work at Cardiff University since 2011 through the Coleg's Staffing Scheme. They are Dr Mathew Pugh (Maths), Alex Llewelyn (Law), Angharad Naylor (Welsh as second language), and Dr Huw Williams (Philosophy, a National lectureship).

Professor Patricia Price, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience and Academic Standards, said: "As the largest HEI in Wales with the highest number of Welsh speaking students in Wales, we welcome the new Academic Posts and are very grateful for the support we have received from the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

"The support will help the University to realise its potential as a leading player in the development of Welsh medium higher education provision in Wales.  Cardiff University is aiming to increase its provision offered through the medium of Welsh; in growing our provision we are looking to ensure our students are able to contribute to the social and economic well-being of Wales. 

"For example, our provision includes the development of vocational communication and professional skills through the medium of Welsh: by focusing on healthcare, law and other professional/vocational areas we hope to directly benefit the people of Wales."

Dr Dafydd Trystan, the Coleg Cymraeg Registrar, added: "The Coleg's staffing scheme provides substantial funding to higher education institutions in Wales to employ academic staff and to foster world-class lecturers known for innovation and excellence in teaching and research. We trust that this investment is a perfect opportunity to expand and develop Welsh medium courses of the highest quality for students."