Welsh language in higher education institutions: September 2017 to August 2018

Main points

• The number of students learning some of their degree through Welsh has fallen in 2017/18 from 6,870 to 6,205. Most of this decline is within the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David. The University have reported that their provision has since declined, accounting for much of the reduction in students studying through Welsh over the past two years.
• Education was the most popular subject taught through Welsh. 1 in every 5 students with some teaching in Welsh were studying Education. 
• One third of students in Wales, who consider themselves fluent in Welsh, were studying part of their degree through Welsh. 1 in every 15 fluent Welsh speakers were studying mainly through Welsh (120 credits in Welsh).
• The number of academic staff able to teach in Welsh has increased 38% over the last 6 years, although has dropped by 9% this year compared to last year.
• The number actually teaching has changed little. The numbers of Welsh medium staff has remained constant. This is despite the Coleg Cymraeg providing less funding through its staffing scheme this year, suggesting that institutions are funding the posts themselves.

Future publication of these statistics

We are in the process of updating the way in which these statistics are presented in future and would value any feedback you may have.