University of Cambridge St. John's College

Course in Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic (ASNC)

The Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic Tripos is concerned with the history, literature, language and material culture of Britain, Ireland and Scandinavia in the early medieval period (from about the fifth century to the twelfth). It appeals to anyone with an interest in medieval history and/or literature and/or early languages, and in particular to those who would like to continue their study of both literary and historical topics at the same time. No previous knowledge of the subject is either expected or assumed.

The subject as studied is very much source-based and students are taught how to analyse different kinds of primary evidence and to read texts in their original languages. The range of subjects on offer is wide and varied, enabling students to place the emphasis where they choose. Most will combine language and literature papers with historical ones. However, it is also possible to focus predominantly on history, on the one hand, or on language and literature, on the other, or to study mainly Celtic or Germanic peoples. Whatever a student’s subject choices, study of them will involve getting to the heart of the matter, the original manuscript work or artefact ever at the core.