Undergraduates
The Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic Tripos is concerned with the history, material culture, languages and literatures of the different peoples of the British Isles, and Scandinavia, mainly in the earlier Middle Ages (from the fifth century to the eleventh). Students lay firm foundations in Part I (Years 1-2), and move on in Part II (Year 3) to pursue their particular interests at a more advanced level.
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.
To listen to what our students have to say about ASNC, please view the video above.
Want to hear more?
Listen to the languages that can be studied in the ASNC tripos: The Spoken Word
Graduates
Students who have already taken a university degree and who wish to undertake further training and research in the area covered by ASNC, have three options, depending on their academic background.
The Affiliated BA degree in ASNC (two years)
This option is suitable for those who have taken their first degree elsewhere, and who wish to pursue their studies in ASNC subjects, but who do not yet have a background in these subjects. The Affiliated BA degree may be an end in itself, or it may lead onwards to an MPhil and then to a PhD.
The MPhil in ASNC (one year)
The one-year Masters (MPhil) degree is suitable for those who have taken their first degree in one or more ASNC subjects. It provides further training in ASNC subjects, as well as the opportunity to write a 15,000-word dissertation. We have between 10 and 15 MPhil students each year, some of them graduate of the department and some from other universities from around the world.
The PhD degree (three years)
Each year five to ten new doctoral (PhD) students begin their studies in ASNC. PhD students work on specialised subjects of their choice under the guidance and supervision of one or other of the senior members of the Department.