Image of Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic image
Finds number NLM 449, Portable Antiquities. Photo by Daniel Buxton, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c7/Flickr_-_portableantiquities_-_Hilt_Fitting.jpg. Licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic

  • Number of students per year: up to two
  • Typical offer: A*AA or equivalent
  • Essential subjects: none
  • Useful subjects: a language, if possible

Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic explores the history, material culture, languages, and literatures of the different peoples of the British Isles and Scandinavia in the earlier Middle Ages, from the 5th to the 11th century.  

It's a fascinating, interdisciplinary course which is unique to Cambridge.

At Jesus you'll have the opportunity to develop your own interests within a supportive and challenging intellectual environment. We have first rate study facilities, including the Quincentenary Library.

Find out more on the University webpage.
What we look for

Requirements

Our typical offer is for an A* and two A grades in your A-Levels. The course is interdisciplinary, so there are no essential subjects you must have studied if you'd like to read Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic with us. 

There are some subjects which might be useful preparation: English, History, Classics, or languages are all a good fit. The main requirement is curiosity about early languages, medieval literature, or medieval history.

Preparation

We don't expect you to have any previous knowledge about any Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic subjects before you start the course. Instead we look for strength in languages, literature, or history. 

Written assessment

 There is currently no written assessment for Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic.

Interviews

In 2023-24, we’ll be interviewing shortlisted applicants virtually, with interviews taking place in December.

The interview process aims to assess your intellectual ability, potential, and commitment to the subject. Candidates are typically interviewed by at least three subject specialists, including the Director of Studies, and total contact time will be between 35-50 minutes in total. This could be in a single interview, or in two separate interviews. Further details will be made available to candidates closer to the time.

Find out more about the interview process on the University website.

Written work

You'll also be asked to submit two classwork essays in any humanities subjects; they should be under 2,000 words each. If you prefer you can submit an extract from your coursework instead of an essay.

Deferred or post A-Level entry

We're happy to consider post A-Level applications from anyone who has achieved an A* and two A grades, or equivalent. You'll need to go through the normal competitive assessment process with the other applicants.

Find out how to apply to study at Jesus.