Students receive funding to study medicine through Welsh

Students will be able to study part of Medicine through the medium of Welsh for the first time in 2015, at both Cardiff and Swansea Universities.

Lecturers appointed under the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol Academic Staffing Scheme will teach and support prospective students who want to follow part of their degree course through the medium of Welsh.

Sara Whittam at Cardiff University and Dr Heledd Iago at Swansea University will ensure students develop clinical and professional skills in Welsh and enable them to discuss elements of their work in Welsh.

There will be strong emphasis on practical and research skills at both universities. Each student will be supported by a personal tutor and gain from being on work placement with Welsh medium doctors and patients.

There is an increasing demand for bilingual workers in health care across Wales and doctors who can provide treatment and care for patients through the medium of Welsh.

Dr Heledd Iago, who will lead the Graduates Entry Welsh medium provision at Swansea University under the auspices of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol said:

''It's vital that our medical students realise that Welsh is an additional skill that can be used to provide high quality service to patients in Wales. Welsh medium clinical experiences will help our students gain confidence to treat patients and deal with colleagues in both Welsh and English.''

The courses will be eligible for the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol Incentive Scholarship and those who want to study part of Medicine through Welsh will be entitled to apply for funding of £1,500 by 8 May 2015.

Mari Trydwr of Dyffryn Ogwen School was glad to hear about the new Welsh medium provision and financial support available at Cardiff University:

''Some patients can only communicate their needs effectively in Welsh therefore it's important that they have the choice to receive the best possible care in their mother tongue. I will take advantage of the opportunity to study part of Medicine through the medium of Welsh and apply for the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol Incentive Scholarship.''