"Studying Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive exploration of the languages, literatures, and cultures of Northern Europe from the early medieval period to the present day. This interdisciplinary programme provides students with a deep understanding of the historical development, literary traditions, and cultural contexts of these fascinating peoples and their languages. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of primary texts, including Old English poetry, Norse sagas, and Celtic legends, gaining skills in language analysis and historical interpretation. The programme combines rigorous linguistic training with cultural and historical studies, allowing students to appreciate the richness and diversity of Northern European heritage. Students will have access to excellent resources such as the University Library and specialized linguistic laboratories, as well as opportunities for study abroad and research projects. The programme prepares graduates for careers in academia, publishing, archaeology, heritage management, and other fields requiring language proficiency and cultural expertise. With expert supervision from renowned faculty, students explore the medieval worlds that shaped much of modern Europe, fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of the complex interactions between these cultures. The course structure balances taught modules, independent research, and language practice to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Whether interested in philology, archaeology, literature, or history, students will find this programme an intellectually stimulating journey into the past, with connections that extend into contemporary issues of identity and cultural exchange. Graduates of the programme leave well-equipped with the linguistic and cultural competencies necessary to analyze historical texts, interpret cultural artifacts, and contribute to ongoing scholarly conversations about the early medieval period in Northern Europe."

MPhil students meet for a weekly hour-long text-seminar throughout the first two terms of the course. The text-seminar focuses on a sequence of literary texts (studied in translation), including key Latin and vernacular texts from all the fields within ASNC, preceded by a group of earlier works that provided the intellectual background to the medieval world.  

Alongside this core seminar, students are expected to attend the two courses they have chosen to pursue from among the selection of linguistic/literary and historical subjects offered in the Department, which are taught through a varying combination of lectures, classes and seminars.  In this way, a significant proportion of the taught element of this MPhil is tailored to the individual needs of each student, hence the possible variation in weekly hours of seminars, classes and lectures.

Assessment

Thesis

The MPhil dissertation (between 10,000 and 15,000 words) makes up 50% of the total mark for the course, and is submitted in the last week of the third term (mid-June). Students are required to submit a dissertation title, with abstract, by the mid-point of the second term (February).

Essays

At the end of the first term of the course (December), students are required to submit a 5000-word Review of Scholarship essay, intended as a survey and assessment of scholarship on the topic of the projected MPhil dissertation. The mark for the Review of Scholarship essay constitutes 10% of the overall MPhil grade.

Over the course of four days in the first week of the third term (April), students write a 3000-word take-home essay, on a broad topic chosen from a selection, and drawing on at least three of the works of literature discussed during the course of the MPhil text-seminar, which runs throughout the first two terms of the course. The mark for the take-home essay makes up 10% of the overall mark.

Written examination

Students are required to take two 3-hour written examinations which assess knowledge and skills acquired during the first two terms of the academic year, in two courses chosen from among those taught in the Department. Courses on offer include Anglo-Saxon history, Scandinavian history, Brittonic and Gaelic history, Old English, Old Norse, Medieval Welsh, Medieval Irish, Insular Latin, and palaeography, most of which can be pursued at beginner, intermediate or advanced level; Germanic philology, Celtic philology, and textual criticism are further options for students with the appropriate prior knowledge. Each written examination is worth 15% of the total MPhil mark, and is assessed independently by two examiners.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.5
• TOEFL Internet Score 110
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Sample of Work 
• Research Proposal 
• Personal Reference

The financing of the Anglo-Saxon Norse and Celtic program at the University of Cambridge is primarily supported through a combination of university-funded scholarships, grants, and students' personal funding. The university offers various scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students, which are awarded based on academic excellence and financial need. These scholarships aim to reduce the financial burden for students, enabling more inclusive access to the program. In addition to university-specific awards, students are encouraged to apply for external funding sources, including government grants, private foundations, and international scholarship programs, which can provide comprehensive financial support throughout their studies.

Students in the program often have the opportunity to participate in work placements, internships, or research projects, some of which offer stipends or financial compensation, helping students cover living expenses and enrich their academic experience. The university also provides advice and support on applying for loans and external funding, ensuring that students are aware of all available financial resources.

Living costs in Cambridge, including accommodation, food, transportation, and books, are additional expenses covered by students through a combination of personal savings, part-time employment, or financial aid. The university has dedicated financial aid offices that assist students in planning their finances and applying for available funding sources. Many students also benefit from alumni-led scholarships and fellowships designed specifically for those pursuing degrees in Anglo-Saxon Norse and Celtic studies.

Overall, while the primary funding mechanisms are university scholarships and external grants, students are encouraged to explore multiple avenues to finance their education. The university commits to ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent talented students from accessing and completing the program. The availability of financial support is regularly reviewed to expand opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, making the Anglo-Saxon Norse and Celtic program accessible to a broad range of applicants.

The Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic Studies program at the University of Cambridge offers an in-depth exploration of the languages, literatures, cultures, and history of early medieval Europe, focusing on the Norse, Anglo-Saxon, and Celtic worlds. This interdisciplinary course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the languages such as Old English, Old Norse, and the Celtic languages, alongside an analysis of the archaeological and historical contexts that shaped these societies. The program emphasizes the development of linguistic skills through language modules, enabling students to read and interpret original texts in their ancient forms. In addition to language acquisition, students engage deeply with medieval manuscripts, poetry, and prose, gaining insights into the literary traditions, mythologies, and religious beliefs of these early cultures.

The curriculum integrates historical studies with literary analysis, allowing students to develop a nuanced appreciation of the social, cultural, and political landscapes of the early medieval period. The program involves coursework, language classes, and extensive research projects, culminating in a dissertation that reflects students' interests and expertise. Students have the opportunity to participate in archaeological and palaeographic activities, attend lectures by leading scholars, and engage in fieldwork when possible. The program also emphasizes the importance of understanding the impact of Norse and Celtic peoples on the broader history of Britain and Northern Europe, drawing connections between ancient texts and modern cultural identities.

Graduates of this program have pursued careers in academia, archaeology, cultural heritage, museum curation, and publishing, among other fields. The program benefits from Cambridge’s rich resources, including access to historic manuscripts, extensive library collections, and connections with research institutions specialized in medieval studies. Overall, this course offers a unique chance to immerse oneself in the languages and cultures that shaped large parts of European history, combining linguistic proficiency with cultural and historical analysis to produce well-rounded scholars in early medieval studies.