The School of English has a long established reputation for teaching and researching the earliest forms of the English language.
This course offers you an integrated programme of study in the Old English language and its literature.
During the MA, equal status is given to the linguistic and literary dimensions. You are able to undertake a close analysis of selected texts alternating with an investigation into the history of the Old English language, in respect both of its Germanic and Indo-European roots and of its later development into Middle and Modern English.
Philology is also an important element of the course, though specialist linguistic knowledge (for instance, of historical sound-changes) is not expected in advance.
• Prospective students are expected to have prior knowledge of Old English at undergraduate level. In exceptional circumstances, those without this knowledge may be admitted to the course, in which case extra language supervision will be provided for the first four weeks of the first semester.
• The course convenor and principal tutor is Dr Paul Cavill but other tutors with expertise in specific areas contribute to the teaching, especially of Old English in History.