Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic
Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic is a unique course combining early medieval history with a study of languages and literature.
Below you will find information about the specific degree course offered by Cambridge University to study Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic, how to prepare, and how Oxbridge Interviews can help you with your application.
BOOK NOWCambridge University’s degree in Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic has one of the smallest cohorts in the entire university. The degree course is three years long.
The application process is highly competitive with only 1 in 3 applicants successful. To be offered a place, you generally need to get A*AA at A Level (or equivalent) and no specific subjects are required, although English, History and/or a language would be useful preparation.
Oxford University does not offer a degree in Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic.
To prepare for your Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic application, you must demonstrate your motivation for the subject and specific interests. You can do this reading beyond your school curriculum Our interviewers recommend:
- Any of the Viking Society’s publications, which can be found online
- Seamus Heaney’s translation of the ‘Beowulf’ poem
- Sioned Davies’ translation of ‘The Mabinogion’
- Venerable Bede’s ‘Ecclesiastical History of the English People’ (translated by Sherley-Price)
Practice interviews for Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic applications are critical. You wouldn’t sit an exam without doing a mock, so don’t place yourself in an interview without having experienced a practice interview first.
Sophie (ASNAC, Cambridge)
Sophie studied Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic at Selwyn College, Cambridge.
Q&A
Sophie, why did you choose Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic?
"I have always loved history, but I preferred medieval history to any other period. I also believe the best way to learn about the past is by studying as many different aspects of it as possible. Most university courses don't give you the opportunity to study the archaeology, language and literature alongside history. Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic does just that."
How did you prepare for your application?
"I had learnt several languages before I started my A Levels, but once I knew I wanted to apply to ASNAC, I took ab initio language classes in Arabic and Italian at school so that I could get back into the habit of learning a new language from scratch and mastering new grammar. One thing I also cannot recommend enough, I went on a summer school, where I stayed in Cambridge for a week and had taster lessons in all the papers ASNAC offers."
How did you prepare for your application?
"Honestly, I don't think my application could have been much better, although I wish I had read more of the books on the suggested reading list on the ASNAC website before I arrived to start my first term - just so I had more of a head start."
There are no pre-interview written admissions test as part of the application process for Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic at Cambridge in 2020, although mature students may be required to take a written test at interview, if invited to interview.