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Aberystwyth University

This Summer Institute is a three-week cultural and academic programme focusing on the theme ‘Identity and Nationhood through the lens of Wales’, at a critical juncture in the politics of Wales, the UK and wider Europe.

The programme will provide a comprehensive overview of the impact of economic and social change, structural and political reform, the relationship of the monarchy with the Welsh nation in the wake of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the implications of dynamics such as migration for the politics of identity and nationhood and shifting perceptions of Welsh identity and nationhood. Through a combination of taught sessions and field trips, the programme offers an exciting opportunity to discuss these issues from a Welsh, British and international perspective. 

The Summer Institute is hosted by Aberystwyth University, home to a multitude of scholars across several disciplines with expertise in the issues at the heart of the summer institute programme. These scholars are clustered in an internationally recognised interdisciplinary centre of excellence, the Centre for Welsh Politics and Society, which is in turn the Aberystwyth hub of the national Welsh Institute of Social and Economic Research and Data.  

Highlights

Through an interactive programme of seminars, roundtable discussions and visits, the course will examine the following specific aspects of identity and nationhood:   

  • Economic and social change in Wales  
  • Structural and political change  
  • Migration and the politics of identity  
  • Welsh identity and nationhood 

These sessions will be delivered by academic staff and researchers from across the university, including the departments of International Politics, Geography and Earth Sciences, Theatre Film and Television Studies and History and Welsh History. They will provide an inter-disciplinary approach to examining questions of identity and nationhood and will encourage participants to reflect on their own identities, loyalties and tribes.  

Under the topic of economy and social change the programme will also include a service-learning project for the participants with AberFood, a local food surplus project developed and run by Aberystwyth alumni as a co-creation with the local community. 

The themes of the programme will be drawn together in a day visit to the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff with the opportunity to learn about the government of Wales and how it tackles the issues highlighted in the programme. 

Participants will also take part in local and national events and festivals to maximise their interactions with the Welsh culture and community. 

There will be no cost to the students for any of the activities undertaken as part of the programme.  

More Information

23 June - 13 July 2024 

Summer Institute participants will be housed in single rooms on campus in Aberystwyth University. Apartments have fully equipped kitchens where students will be able to prepare their own food and brown bag lunches (lots of day trips!). Meals are all provided on campus via an Aber Card which enables the participants to use any of the university’s cafes as well as a grocery delivery service on campus. Students will also receive a free gym membership for the duration of their stay. 

On successful completion of the programme, participants will earn 10 AU credits (5 ECTS credits) for their participation in this Summer Institute. 

The institute will include outdoor activity, plenty of hiking and possibly some rain! It can be physically demanding at times. 

More UK Summer Institutes:

Queen's University Belfast

Understanding Northern Ireland

University of Bristol

Arts, Activism, and Social Justice

University of Bristol

Black Humanities

Scotland (Glasgow School of Art and University of Strathclyde)

Technology, Innovation, and Creativity

University of Exeter

Climate change and the environment

University of St Andrews

Scotland's History: Kingdom, Nation, People.

Applications for 2024 UK Summer Institutes are open.
Click here to learn more.

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