Wrexham University offering Welsh language qualification to policing students

Prifysgol Wrecsam/Wrexham University is responding to the needs of the region’s police force by delivering a Welsh language module, as part of its Policing degree course.

Starting from this academic year, students on the Professional Policing degree at Wrexham University are required to complete the Welsh in the Workplace module as part of their studies.

The introduction of the module means that the University is preparing graduates for the world of work in Wales, and also assisting the Force with its commitment to supporting the bilingual and Welsh speaking communities that it serves as all roles in North Wales Police require a level of Welsh language proficiency.

On successful completion of the module, students will gain either a Level 1 or 2 Welsh in the Workplace qualification.

Elen Mai Nefydd, Head of Welsh Medium Academic Development at Wrexham University, said: “The addition of the Welsh language module on our Professional Policing degree is an excellent development in our Welsh medium provision here at Wrexham.

“It’s been fantastic to work alongside colleagues at North Wales Police to introduce this module.

“Offering this provision for our students not only has advantages for them, in terms of their employability beyond their studies but also, in helping respond to the needs of our region’s police force.

“Since incorporating the module into our Policing students’ learning, it’s been wonderful to see such a diverse range of learners engage with the Welsh language.

“I feel incredibly proud that not only are we supporting North Wales Police but that we are contributing to the Welsh Government’s ambition of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050.

“This is just the latest bit of progress we have made since approving our Welsh Language Academic Strategy and Action Plan last year.”

Andy Jones, Senior Lecturer in Professional Policing, said: “The introduction of the Welsh in the Workplace module on our Policing degree is a welcome and exciting addition to our programme.

“It means that we are meeting the needs of North Wales Police and equipping our students for the field beyond their studies, which is great news for not only the Force and our students but also the communities that the Force serves.”

Melfyn Thomas, Head of Welsh Language Services at North Wales Police, added: “We are delighted to fully endorse and support the development by Wrexham University to adopt our Welsh Language course, a course that has proven to be accessible and successful for our new recruits – both officers and staff.

“This will be a huge advantage for any students at the University, who wish to have a career with North Wales Police in the future – they will already be one step ahead of the competition.”