Czech and Hebrew BA

London, Bloomsbury

Join 11 million native speakers by learning Czech from leading experts, while taking advantage of our well-equipped language learning suites and libraries. Master the Hebrew language from world-renowned experts and access remarkable resources from specialist libraries and collections. A Year Abroad will immerse you in the cultures and societies of both languages.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
4 academic years
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
Fees to be confirmed
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£32,000
Programme starts
September 2026
Application deadline
14 Jan 2026
UCAS course code
R7Q4

Entry requirements

Grades
ABB
Subjects
A level or equivalent in a foreign language required (not necessarily one of the named languages). Applicants seeking to study two languages at beginner level should seek advice from the departments concerned.
GCSEs
English Language at grade B or 6 and Mathematics at grade C or 4.

Contextual offer information

Grades
BBB more about contextual offers
Subjects
A level or equivalent in a foreign language required (not necessarily one of the named languages). Applicants seeking to study two languages at beginner level should seek advice from the departments concerned.
GCSEs
English Language at grade B or 6 and Mathematics at grade C or 4.
Points
34
Subjects
A total of 16 in three higher level subjects to include Czech or Hebrew, with no higher level score below 5

Contextual offer

Points
32 more about contextual offers
Subjects
A total of 15 in three higher level subjects to include Czech or Hebrew, with no higher level score below 5

UK applicants qualifications

For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:

Equivalent qualification

Pass in Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 30 credits at Distinction, 12 credits at Merit and 3 credits at Pass, all from Level 3 units. Please note, where subject specific requirements are stipulated at A level we may review your Access to HE syllabus to ensure you meet the subject specific requirements prior to a final decision being communicated.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

D3,M1,M1 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects, Czech or Hebrew required.

ABB at Advanced Highers (or AB at Advanced Higher and BBB at Higher). Czech or Hebrew at Advanced Higher required.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

International applications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

Access and widening participation

UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. Access UCL is our contextual offer scheme for applicants from groups that are underrepresented at UCL. We assess your eligibility for Access UCL based on the information contained within your UCAS application. We review and update our Access UCL eligibility criteria and datasets every year, so please check the requirements for the year you plan to apply.

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.

Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.

For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.

English language requirements

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.

A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.

Course overview

Over recent decades our world has become more interdependent and with these deeper connections comes an enhanced need for enlightened citizenship. Our Czech and Hebrew degree offers expert teaching and learning in both language acquisition and intercultural contexts that will equip students to thrive in today’s global society.

In Years 1, 2 and your final year you will take language modules in your chosen languages, as well as cultural modules related to them. You may also take modules offered by the School of European Languages, Culture and Society (SELCS) and the School of Slavonic & East European Studies (SSEES), focusing on literature, film, linguistics and history from an interdisciplinary perspective.

You will spend your third year abroad, split between two countries where your chosen languages are spoken. You will achieve the same linguistic competence regardless of whether you start a language from beginner level or have previous knowledge of it.

What this course will give you

At a global top ten university for the arts and humanities (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 by subject), we offer the widest range of Jewish and Ancient Near Eastern languages of any UK university department, and many of our academic staff are leaders in their fields.

The Year Abroad gives you the chance to attend a university overseas. During this time, you will finesse your language skills in your chosen languages and gain valuable experience, enhancing future learning as well as career prospects.

UCL has a very international population meaning you will meet people from all over the world, providing numerous opportunities to practise and speak your chosen languages with native speakers and learn about the associated cultures and societies from them.

Our location in London provides access to frequent and varied cultural events, a huge range of museums, galleries, specialist libraries and bookshops, theatres, cinemas, cuisines and cultural societies. London is also home to the largest Jewish community in Europe, including substantial populations of Yiddish and Hebrew speakers as well as a wealth of Jewish cultural institutions, bookshops, restaurants, and more.

Teaching and learning

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Upon successful completion of 480 credits, you will be awarded a BA (Hons) in Czech and Hebrew.

Modules

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. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

In each year of study, you will take two compulsory language modules and the remaining modules are optional choices. Additionally, in Year 1 you will take an introductory module in Hebrew and Jewish Studies.

You will spend the first two years at UCL gaining expertise in the productive and receptive skills of your selected languages as well as gaining a more developed understanding of the literature, cinema, politics, linguistics, history, culture and society of the countries where your languages are spoken.

For all language combinations, there is a compulsory year abroad in Year 3 during which you will spend Term 1 in the country where one of your languages is spoken and Term 2 in the country where the other language is spoken. You may spend the term studying at a partner university or on an approved work placement.

The final year is based at UCL where you will continue to study a range of advanced level modules on language, applied language (such as translation), literature, history, film and linguistics. A final year dissertation module is available, should you wish to undertake a self-initiated project building on the independent research skills developed over the course of your studies.

Compulsory module(s)

You will take 30 credits of compulsory Czech language in each year of study, accompanied by credits in literature/culture.  

You will take 30 credits of compulsory Modern Hebrew language in each year of study.  In addition, in Year 1 you will take an introductory course in Hebrew and Jewish Studies called Kita Alef: Introduction to Jewish Studies

Compulsory module(s)

You will take 30 credits of compulsory Czech language in each year of study, accompanied by credits in literature/culture. 

You will take 30 credits of compulsory Modern Hebrew language in each year of study. 

Optional modules

Optional modules include culture, literature and cinema across SSEES and SELCS as well as a choice of interdepartmental modules 

Guidance and resources on SSEES modules and programme structure can be found in the SSEES handbook. 

Optional modules include courses in aspects of Jewish history, culture, and literature, as well as Jewish languages such as Biblical Hebrew, Yiddish, and Aramaic. 

Year abroad

Your third year is spent abroad, split between two countries where your chosen languages are spoken. This will not only bring the language and cultures you are studying to life, but also strengthen your resourcefulness and self-reliance. You will normally spend this year studying at a university in your chosen countries, but alternatives, such as work placements, may be possible. Information on the SSEES Year Abroad can be found at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ssees/study-us/undergraduate-programmes/ssees-year-abroad 

 

Compulsory module(s)

You will take 30 credits of compulsory Czech language in each year of study, accompanied by credits in literature/culture. 

You will take 30 credits of compulsory Modern Hebrew language in each year of study. 

Optional modules

Optional modules include culture, literature and cinema across SSEES and SELCS as well as a choice of interdepartmental modules 

Guidance and resources on SSEES modules and programme structure can be found in the SSEES handbook. 

Optional modules include courses in aspects of Jewish history, culture, and literature, as well as Jewish languages such as Biblical Hebrew, Yiddish, and Aramaic. 

Your learning

Your language classes focus on developing the active skills of speaking, listening, writing and reading through a variety of methods and media. You will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars, as well as undertaking web-based study and group work.

Typical contact hours vary between 8-12 hours per week, depending on the year of study and module choice, and include lectures, seminars, practice-based activities and e-learning activities. Students will also undertake self-directed study (25-30 hours per week) by engaging with key topics and required readings in preparation for the discussions in class.

Your year abroad at a partner university in Year 3 will follow a different pattern of study.

Assessment

Most language modules are assessed by examinations (including oral examinations) and coursework. Non-language modules are assessed by exams and coursework including presentations, quizzes and essays.

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Online - Open day

Book a 1-2-1 with the UCL Hebrew and Jewish Studies Admissions Tutor

Book a 1:1 call with the UCL Hebrew and Jewish Studies Undergraduate Admissions Tutor. You will be able to ask any questions you may have about the courses offered by the department, how these programmes are taught, where the degrees could take you or about studying at UCL.

Engineering Front Building, 1-4 Malet Place, WC1E 7JE, London, UK - Open day

UCL Undergraduate Open Event: Humanities, Social and Historical Sciences

Discover undergraduate degrees in Humanities, Social and Historical Sciences offered by UCL, located in the heart of Bloomsbury. This event aims to give you an authentic insight into what it is like to be a student at UCL and provide more information on the courses we offer.

Online - Open day

Hebrew and Jewish Studies information video

Watch this video to find out more about Hebrew and Jewish Studies at UCL, including entry requirements, course structure and other helpful information. Recorded Spring 2024.

The foundation of your career

Popular career paths for graduates from both departments include teaching and education (6.7%), consultancy (6.4%), IT and Technology (4.7%),  publishing, journalism or translation (4.4%),  PR, advertising and marketing (4.4%) and charities, NGOs and international development (4%).

Employers of our graduates include Deloitte, Bloomberg, KPMG, PwC, JP Morgan, BBC, Accenture and the Civil Service. Some graduates pursue careers that make special use of their language skills, including translating, interpreting and teaching, while others continue with graduate training, further study or academic research.*

*Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of UK and EU graduates in the 2017-2022 cohorts.

Employability

There are many career opportunities for UCL's modern language graduates. We seek to embed within our teaching the acquisition of transferable skills as well as linguistic and cultural knowledge. Our students hone skills in critical reasoning, independent thinking and application of theoretical concepts, which strongly place you to find employment in international organisations and in careers which cross international boundaries and use languages.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) Fees to be confirmed
Tuition fees (2026/27) £32,000

UK undergraduate fees for 2026/27 entry are to be confirmed and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases.

International undergraduate students benefit from a cohort guarantee unless indicated below, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

International fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2026/27 entrants.

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.

Additional costs

There are no programme-specific costs for this programme apart from those associated with study abroad.

Please note that study abroad during your programme at UCL is likely to incur additional costs. Studying abroad may cost between £200–£1,000 per month depending on where you choose to study. The cost of studying abroad can be difficult to predict as it will depend on your priorities and choices. There is more information available on the UCL Study Abroad website.

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1–2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).

Funding your studies

UCL Hebrew and Jewish Studies awards a range of annual prizes and scholarships of varying amounts to current students for academic excellence and/or financial need. Please view the study page of our website for more information.

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.

Scholarships

The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.

Next steps

Your application

We seek to select candidates who, in addition to academic achievement, have the motivation and passion for language learning, for inter-cultural inquiry, and who have a deep commitment to developing and finessing their language proficiency to an advanced level.

How to apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

Selection

For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.

Our admissions process aims to assess your linguistic abilities and attainments as well as cultural awareness and intellectual potential. We may interview candidates by telephone in order to establish a level of language ability.

If your application demonstrates that your academic ability and motivation make you well-suited to our degree and you receive an offer, then you will be invited to a Post Offer Open Day, where you will gain insight into the sort of teaching we offer and life in the departments.

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.