Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic

Typical offer: A*AA, in A Levels (or equivalent)

Required subjects: None

Typical number of ASNC undergraduates admitted per year: 2-3 

Submitted written work requirements: see our Written Work webpage 

Admissions assessment: none

The study of Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic (ASNC) at degree level is unique to Cambridge! It is truly multi-discplinary, incorporating the study of the history, languages, literature, and cultures of the different peoples of Britain, Ireland, and Scandinavia in the Middle Ages. 

ASNC allows students to place the emphasis of their studies where they please. Most will select a combination of historical and literary options. In this way, budding historians will learn to handle the various kinds of evidence at their disposal and to read primary sources in the original languages, and students whose primary interest lies in language and literature will be able to place the literature of their choice in its historical context and to study it against its cultural background and in comparison with other literatures. It is also possible, however, to select a range of mainly historical or mainly literary and linguistic courses, or to concentrate on either the 'Celtic' or 'Germanic' peoples.

Undergraduates studying ASNC work extensively with primary sources and this is one of the few undergraduate degree courses that will give you option of studying palaeography (the study of manuscripts) and codicology (the study of the physicality of books). 

For more information about the ASNC course at Cambridge, visit the University website.

Corpus is home to the world-renowned Parker Library, one of the greatest collections of Anglo-Saxon and early English manuscripts in the world. The library contains the earliest copy of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (MS 173), the Old English Bede (MS 41), King Alfred’s translation of Pastoral Care (a manual for priests, MS 12), and the St Augustine Gospels (MS 286), one of the oldest bound books in existence. ASNC students at Corpus will have the chance to learn about, study and read from this remarkable collection, as well as the unique opportunity to drink from our Anglo-Saxon drinking horn (!), made from the horn of a now extinct Auroch, a remarkable survival from the foundation of the College in 1352.

In addition, the Parker Library and its associated academics ensure that Corpus is at the forefront of research into the Middle Ages, with talks and events such as the History of the Book seminar series and exhibitions of the Parker Library treasures regularly held in the College which are open to all College members. Drawing on these resources and expertise, the College is also proud to organise and host the Medieval Worlds: Manuscripts, Texts, and Film residential, which gives our ASNC undergraduates the opportunity to help run workshops and sessions focused on their areas of historical and literary interests. 

The course should appeal to anyone with a special interest in early languages or medieval literature or medieval history. It requires the eagerness to indulge in the investigation of things unknown, and the determination to pursue matters into dark corners, and while all students will find it demanding, they will also find it deeply rewarding.

A few students may come to Cambridge with some knowledge of medieval history, or of Welsh or Latin, but in general no previous knowledge of the subjects studied is expected or required, and all the subjects are (or can be) approached from scratch.

• We strongly recommend that prospective applicants read as much as they can about their historical and/or literary interests that lie within the medieval period and that are related the geographic areas that ASNC focuses on. The ASNC department has an introductory reading list aimed at sixth form students.
• The Cambridge ASNC society has lots interesting subject links and recommendations.
• The Parker Library online catalogue is a great place to start exploring manuscripts and early printed books. 
• If you are brave you can start to teach yourself Old English.