ASNC
Course Overview
The Anglo Saxon, Norse and Celtic degree allows you to study the early medieval world from the perspective of Northern Europe, and the interactions of these peoples with each other and areas as far flung as Russia, the Mediterranean and Middle East. You can study the viking raids, the colonisation of Iceland, early medieval Wales, the pre-conquest English kingdoms, the Picts, Ireland and Scandinavia. Students also have the chance to study material culture first hand, in papers such as palaeography (the study of manuscripts). You can try your hand at learning Old Norse and read and study the Icelandic Sagas in the original. Other language options with exciting literature to study are Insular Latin, Old Irish, Medieval Welsh and Old English. Or you can focus more on historical and archaeological study of these areas. Some students focus on languages, others might try out some language in their first year and then opt for historical options for the rest of their degree. The ASNC tripos is designed to be interdisciplinary so is perfect for those who would like to immerse themselves deeply in all aspects of early medieval culture.
Find out more about the course here.
The Benefits of ASNC at Fitzwilliam College
ASNC is a very small subject and a great deal of the teaching is organised centrally within the Department. The ASNC Department is very vibrant and the students enjoy having friendship groups both in the University Department and the College. ASNC pub on a Friday night is particularly popular.
Facts and Figures
Average intake each year: 1 - 2
Typical A Level offer: A*AA
Typical IB offer: 41 – 42 points with 776 at Higher Level
We may modify offers to take account of individual circumstances.
Essential subjects: no specific subjects required
Useful subjects: A proven ability to learn a foreign language is desirable but not a prerequisite. Many candidates have English Literature, History and/or a foreign language at A level
Additional Requirements: applicants must submit two pieces of written work
Application Process
Applicants should submit two examples of recent work, which will be available to interviewers.
The admissions process consists of two interviews. One will be with our Director of Studies and one with an interviewer from a cognate subject. Interviews, which will be conducted in a friendly and informal manner, aim to find out about your motivation and aptitude for the course.
Director of Studies
Dr Ben Guy
Professor Martin Millett
Dr Sara Owen
Deputy Senior Tutor
Find Out More
Every year, the College runs an Arts and Humanities Taster Day for Year 12 (England and Wales), S5 (Scotland), Year 13 (Northern Ireland) or equivalent students. More information will be posted in the autumn.