Anglo-Saxon Norse and Celtic

The BA in Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic at the University of Cambridge offers students an in-depth exploration of the languages, literature, history, and cultures of the early medieval peoples of northern Europe. This interdisciplinary programme encompasses the study of Old and Middle English, Old Norse, and Celtic languages such as Welsh and Irish, providing a comprehensive understanding of the linguistic roots and cultural developments of these regions. Students will engage with a diverse range of texts, from epic poetry and sagas to historical chronicles, analyzing their linguistic features, literary styles, and cultural contexts. The programme encourages critical thinking about the societal structures, religious beliefs, and mythology of the Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic peoples, fostering a nuanced appreciation of their enduring influence on modernBritish and European identity.

Throughout the course, students will develop essential language skills, enabling them to read and interpret original texts in their historic languages. The curriculum combines language acquisition with historical, archaeological, and literary studies, offering a well-rounded understanding of the early medieval period. Research opportunities include examining manuscript traditions, engaging with archaeological findings, and exploring themes such as heroism, mythology, and cultural exchange. The programme also emphasizes comparative analysis, allowing students to draw connections between different linguistic and cultural traditions within the broader context of early medieval Europe.

Graduates will be well-equipped for careers in academia, publishing, museums, heritage management, or public history, benefiting from a rigorous intellectual foundation and a specialized knowledge of early northern European cultures. The programme’s supportive academic environment and access to world-renowned resources and collections at the University of Cambridge provide students with unique opportunities for original research and scholarly development. Overall, the BA in Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic offers an enriching academic journey into the rich tapestry of early medieval history, languages, and literature, fostering skills in critical analysis, linguistic proficiency, and cultural appreciation.

Teaching is provided through lectures, classes, seminars and supervisions and you can expect between 10 and 15 hours of lectures and classes per week during Part I.

Years 1 and 2 (Part I)

Year 1

In the first year, you study the various disciplines which form the core of ASNC studies. There are no compulsory papers – you choose six subjects selected from a range of 10, and take an examination in four of them and departmental tests in the other two.

Historical subjects:

• Anglo-Saxon history
• Scandinavian history
• Gaelic history (Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man)
• Brittonic history (Wales, Brittany, Cornwall, the Pictish kingdoms and the North Britons)

Language and literature subjects:

• Old English
• Old Norse
• medieval Welsh
• medieval Irish
• medieval Latin
• palaeography (the study of manuscripts and handwriting)

Year 2

In your second year, you may continue to study your chosen subjects and take an examination in all six of them. Alternatively, you have the option to replace up to three of your first-year subjects with a dissertation and/or one or two 'shared' papers (from related courses). Shared papers currently include subjects from Archaeology, English, and Modern and Medieval Languages.

Year 3 (Part II)

This is where you develop and use the skills you learned in Part I, exploring your chosen fields and applying your newly acquired knowledge in original and imaginative ways.

You study four subjects selected from a range of 17 papers including, for example:

• The Conversion of Scandinavia
• Beowulf
• Advanced Medieval Irish Language and Literature
• Germanic Philology

These are designed to give you the opportunity to pursue more detailed study in your chosen areas. You may replace one of your four Part II ASNC papers with a shared paper (from another course). The range of subjects currently includes medieval English literature, medieval French literature, historical linguistics, North Sea archaeology, the archaeology of late antiquity and the migration period, and a subject from the Faculty of History. You may also replace one of your Part II subjects with a Part I paper that you didn’t offer for the examinations at the end of your second year.

In addition, you write a dissertation of between 9,000 and 12,000 words on a specific subject of your own choice within the scope of the course.

• All applicants to the University of Cambridge must submit an application to UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) by the relevant deadline.
• The Attestat o (polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) is not considered to be suitable preparation for a competitive application to the University of Cambridge. We strongly recommend that you undertake further study if you wish to apply for an undergraduate degree. Examples of the qualifications that would be considered suitable for admission to Cambridge are A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), five or more Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or possibly the first year of an undergraduate degree at a university outside the UK. We recommend that you contact the College that you wish to apply to directly for further advice and guidance.
• IELTS – normally a minimum overall grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element.
• Cambridge English: Advanced – grade A or B.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency – grade A, B or C.

The financing options for the Anglo-Saxon Norse and Celtic program at the University of Cambridge are comprehensive and designed to support both domestic and international students throughout their course of study. Prospective students are encouraged to explore various funding sources to facilitate their educational pursuits. The university offers a range of scholarships, bursaries, and grants specifically targeted at students enrolled in humanities programs, including those focusing on Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic studies. These financial awards are awarded based on merit, financial need, or a combination of both, and application procedures typically require candidates to submit academic transcripts, personal statements, and relevant documentation demonstrating eligibility. In addition to institutional funding, students may also consider external funding opportunities such as government-sponsored scholarships, cultural foundations, and international organizations that support studies related to Northern European history and languages. Students are advised to consult the university’s dedicated finance office or the departmental website for detailed information about eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and the amount of funding available. Furthermore, the university provides guidance on student loans and work-study options, which can help offset tuition fees and living expenses. International students should pay particular attention to scholarships open to non-UK residents, as these often have specific eligibility requirements and application processes. The university also offers advice and support concerning part-time work opportunities, both on and off-campus, enabling students to gain valuable experience and additional income during their studies. Overall, Cambridge is committed to making its programs accessible through a variety of financial aid schemes, ensuring that talented students from diverse backgrounds can pursue their academic interests in Anglo-Saxon Norse and Celtic studies without financial barriers.

Your living expenses may be higher than for a Home student (eg if you stay in Cambridge/the UK during vacations). The minimum resources needed in Cambridge for the year (excluding tuition and College fees) are estimated to be approximately £10,080 in 2017-18 and £10,310 in 2018-19, depending on lifestyle (you should allow for increases in future years).