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This MA draws on the wide-ranging expertise of UCL Hebrew & Jewish Studies, the only department of its kind in the UK, and offers modules in all areas, periods, and aspects of Jewish studies. The programme prepares students for further research, personal engagement, and interdisciplinary study.
Key information
Programme starts
September 2021
Modes and duration
Application dates
Tuition fees (2021/22)
Note on fees:
The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.
Entry requirements
Normally a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in an arts or social science subject from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Only basic knowledge of Hebrew (beginners level) is required. Hebrew language skills will be assessed in a short placement test during induction week. Students without prior knowledge will be obliged to take one module in Hebrew.
English language requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
The English language level for this programme is: Good
UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level. International Preparation Courses
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
International students
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below.
Select your country:
About this degree
All students are introduced to the disciplines, theories, methods, and practice of learning and research in Jewish Studies, and those without prior knowledge of Hebrew learn the language at elementary level. An extensive range of optional modules are available in Jewish history, literature, languages, and Jewish thought, from antiquity to the modern world.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of one or two (see below) core modules (30/60 credits), between four or six optional modules (60/90 credits), and a research dissertation (60 credits).
Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded a MA in Jewish Studies.
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.
Compulsory modules
- Jewish Studies MA Core Course
- Biblical Hebrew or Modern Hebrew (for students without prior knowledge of Hebrew)
Optional modules
Options may include the following:
- Ancient Jewish Magic; Ancient Hebrew Inscriptions; Judaism and the Origins of Christianity
- European Jewry and the Holocaust; History of the Jews in Poland
- Hebrew (biblicial, rabbinic, modern)
- Moses Maimonides in Jewish Thought and History; Hasidism and Modernity
- Old Testament Historical Texts; Introduction to Talmud
- Muslim-Jewish relations
- The Arab-Israeli Conflict; Israel and the Occupied Territories; Anglo-Israeli Relations
- Yiddish; Aramaic; Ugaritic; Syriac
- Yiddish Literature; Special Topics
Dissertation/research project
All students undertake an independent research project which should be based in part on primary sources. The project culminates in a dissertation of 12,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and other media such as occasional film viewings. Students will be expected to visit the major archives and libraries in the London area or beyond, depending on their specific areas of research and interest. Assessment is mainly through unseen examinations, coursework, long essays, and the dissertation.
Additional costs
For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.
Funding
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Careers
Some recent graduates of the programme have gone on to PhD studies, while others have pursued a wide range of professional careers, including education at all levels, NGO activity, electronic and print media, the clergy (Jewish and non-Jewish), diplomacy, film-making, and much more.
Employability
This programme provides an outstanding foundation for those hoping to undertake PhD research and pursue an academic career, but it is also popular with students wishing to go into journalism, the civil service, law, business, museum and heritage, charities, and the education sector. Small-group seminars and tutorials help students to acquire strong presentation and communication skills for their future career. The analytical and research skills gained by taking this programme are highly valued by employers from a range of industries. Many additional activities are available, both within the department and the wider UCL community, to help students focus on employability skills whilst they are here. Both the department and UCL Careers offer advice and support to our MA students who are looking towards the next step in their career development.
Why study this degree at UCL?
UCL Hebrew & Jewish Studies is unique in the UK and Europe, with an outstanding international reputation for its research, teaching, and expertise. We are warm, friendly, and highly ambitious.
We offer a wide range of taught modules, with further options available in other departments at UCL and elsewhere in London. Our students are given individual attention and encouraged to pursue their own interests and research.
UCL is located in central London, within walking distance of the British Museum, the British Library, and other specialist libraries such as the Warburg Institute, and SOAS, University of London. With its own specialist library in Jewish Studies, UCL has access to the best resources for academic research in the subject.
Department: Hebrew & Jewish Studies
What our students and staff say
"Students, staff, and colleagues are tremendous. My colleagues at UCL are serious in the best sense as teachers and scholars."
Professor Michael Berkowitz
I advise students for the MA in Jewish Studies and occasionally supervise History MA students from the School of Slavonic and East European Studies and European History MA students who have a particular interest in Jewish history. I also have PhD students and serve as a second supervisor for students of colleagues.
Professor of Modern Jewish History
Application and next steps
Applications
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
This programme only requires one reference in support of your application. Your reference should be academic unless you have been out of university education for more than four years. Further information regarding references can be found in our How to apply section.
There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at: ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught/application.
Who can apply?
The MA is equally designed for:
- students with a background in Jewish studies who wish to further their studies, with or without focus on a specific area
- students with a background in other, relevant disciplines who wish to learn Hebrew and/or develop their knowledge of Jewish studies
- The programme is particularly suited to students wishing to progress to doctoral research, or to pursue relevant professional careers.
Application deadlines
- Visa nationals
- 31 May 2021
- Non-visa nationals
- 30 July 2021
For more information see our Applications page.
Apply nowWhat are we looking for?
When we assess your application we would like to learn:
- why you want to study Jewish Studies at graduate level
- why you want to study Jewish Studies at UCL
- what particularly attracts you to this programme
- how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this programme
- where you would like to go professionally with your degree
Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.
UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.
Page last modified on 28 August 2021
