A voyage of discovery
From the history and culture of Anglo-Saxon England, and Celtic languages to Viking exploits, Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic (ASNC) allows you to explore a range of cultures, and to look at history, language and literature side by side.
ASNC focuses on the history, material culture, languages and literature of the peoples of Britain, Ireland and the Scandinavian world in the earlier Middle Ages.
ASNC students discover medieval history while learning one or more languages and reading great works of literature in the original languages, such as the Old English poem Beowulf, the epic medieval Irish tale Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley) and Icelandic sagas. Exactly which areas you study and to what depth is largely up to you, and to support your learning Cambridge has rare and exceptional resources to offer in the University Library, the College libraries, and in the Fitzwilliam and other museums.
What are we looking for?
No previous knowledge of the subject is expected or required; all languages are taught from scratch and we don’t assume that students have studied early medieval history or literature at school. However, we do require passion and commitment and look for evidence of your general ability in arts and humanities subjects.
Course costs
Tuition fees
Information on tuition fee rates for ASNC is available on the tuition fees page.
Additional course costs
There are no compulsory additional course costs for ASNC. Full course details are available on the Department of ASNC website. If you have any queries about resources/materials, please contact the Department.
Changing course
A few students choose to transfer to another course after Part I. ASNC combines well, for example, with Part II of the History or English degree courses.
To be able to change course, you need the agreement of your College that any change is in your educational interests, and you must have the necessary background in the subject to which you wish to change – in some cases you may be required to undertake some catch-up work or take up the new course from the start/an earlier year. If you think you may wish to change course, we encourage you to contact a College admissions office for advice. You should also consider if/how changing course may affect any financial support arrangements.
After ASNC
This unusual and challenging degree develops your powers of argument and sharpens your powers of analysis. It equips you for a wide range of careers where intellectual and analytical skills are important.
‘Asnac’ (as they like to be called) graduates can be found in a wide range of careers. Some take advantage of the specialist opportunities open to them and do research and teaching in schools and universities, or work in museums and libraries; while many others go into careers including journalism, publishing, banking, law, the Civil Service, industry and business, and even software development.
