The ASNC PhD is a research degree, examined, usually after three years of research, by a thesis of up to 80,000 words. The criteria for obtaining the degree are that the thesis represents a 'substantial contribution to knowledge' and that it also represents a realistic amount of work for three years' study. The Department can offer doctoral supervision on topics in a variety of early medieval languages and literatures (Old English, Old Norse, Medieval Welsh, Medieval Irish, Insular Latin), in the history of a comparable range of geographical areas (Anglo-Saxon England, Scandinavia, Ireland, Wales, Brittany, and Scotland), as well as in palaeography.

Applicants for the PhD who have not previously taken an MPhil, MA, or similar research foundation course in a closely related discipline to the one in which they wish to pursue their research, are usually required to take the MPhil course before they are registered for the PhD. Those with relevant master's qualifications who are admitted into the PhD programme are registered for the degree towards the end of their first year if progress has been satisfactory. 

As part of a PhD student's learning and development, regular postgraduate seminars are held throughout each term, where papers are given both by current students and by guest speakers. In addition, the Easter Term Postgraduate Symposium is a more informal setting in which students present their research in a variety of formats (including posters and round-table discussions). ASNC postgraduate students also organise their own annual day-long conference (Cambridge Colloquium in Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic), as well as being involved in the running of two inter-university conferences.  Training and professional development sessions are organised by the Department to supplement the University's provision.

Continuing

MPhil students may apply to continue to a PhD in ASNC; the academic condition for continuation is an overall mark of 70 or more in the MPhil course, and 70 or more for the thesis. A viva on the thesis is compulsory for all students who have been made an offer for continuation to PhD. 

Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the beginning of November. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

Departments

This course is advertised in the following departments: