Close
About us
HJS is an ambitious Department where you can study language, history, society, and politics
We are a small, friendly, enthusiastic department of staff and students from around the globe who aim to teach every aspect of Jewish culture to students of all backgrounds. Our range of Jewish Studies courses is the widest anywhere in Europe, and we encourage our students to pursue their own interests and research.
What do we offer?
We offer a different variety of modules each term which cover variously:
Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Modern Hebrew
- Yiddish
- Akkadian
- Syriac
- Sumerian
- Ugaritic
- Aramaic
History
- Ancient Near East
- Medieval Jewish history
- Modern Jewish history
- Nazis and the Holocaust
- History of the Hebrew language
- European Jewry
- Ancient science
- Ancient Israel
Literature & Culture
- Yiddish literature
- Gender
- Hasidism and modernity
- The origins of Christianity
- Biblical and rabbinic literature
- Jewish philosophy and mysticism
- Ancient Jewish magic
Politics
- Israel and Palestine
- US-Israeli relations
- Jewish-Muslim relations
- Anglo-Israeli relations
- The modern Middle East
Who studies here?
You do not have to be Jewish to study Hebrew & Jewish Studies! While some of our staff and students are Jewish (of every persuasion), a substantial minority are not. Our students and staff make up a colourful international mix of people from all over the world. Whatever your background, you are welcome.
What can I do with this degree?
Study in this field is more than becoming a Rabbi or staying in academics. Our degrees arm you with an incredible amount of knowledge in your subject area, but you also learn transferrable skills that can be applied to a variety of careers. Many of our alumni work for government agencies, multinational corporations, and in the media, as well as area specific cultural and academic institutions.
