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Swedish and Yiddish BA

London, Bloomsbury

Learn to speak Swedish from experts while exploring the linguistics, culture and history of a fascinating region. Learn to speak Yiddish to a near-native level, supported by leading academics and state-of-the-art language learning facilities. 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 (2025/26)
£9,535
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£29,800
Programme starts
September 2026
Application deadline
14 Jan 2026
UCAS course code
R6SY
Apply via UCAS

Entry requirements

A levels IB Diploma Other qualifications
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 Swedish or Yiddish 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 Swedish or Yiddish 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, Swedish or Yiddish required.

ABB at Advanced Highers (or AB at Advanced Higher and BBB at Higher). Swedish or Yiddish 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. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.
Check your Access UCL Scheme eligibility

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 Swedish and Yiddish 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. Swedish language modules are taken at the UCL School of European Languages, Culture & Society (SELCS), while Yiddish modules are delivered by UCL Hebrew & Jewish Studies. You may also take modules offered by 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 renowned 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 which will enhance 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. In addition, London is 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

Your degree will be studied on a 50/50 ratio between Swedish and Yiddish.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4

Compulsory module(s)

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

You will take 30 credits of compulsory Yiddish 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.

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.

Compulsory module(s)

In each year of study at UCL, you will take compulsory Swedish language modules, normally up to the value of 30 credits.

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

Optional modules

Optional modules include culture, literature, film, history and linguistics and may be language specific or interdisciplinary in focus.   

Further details on modules is available at:  
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/european-languages-culture/programmes-courses/modules-and-timetable/undergraduate-modules 

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

Year abroad

Your third year is spent abroad, either split between two countries where your chosen languages are spoken or in one of the countries for the whole year. 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 depending on the country chosen. 

Compulsory module(s)

In each year of study at UCL, you will take compulsory Swedish language modules, normally up to the value of 30 credits.

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

Optional modules

Optional modules include culture, literature, film, history and linguistics and may be language specific or interdisciplinary in focus.   

Further details on modules is available at:  
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/european-languages-culture/programmes-courses/modules-and-timetable/undergraduate-modules 

Optional modules include courses in aspects of Jewish history, culture, and literature, as well as Jewish languages such as Modern Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew, 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 your year of study and module choice, and include lectures, seminars, practice-based activities and e-learning activities. Students will also undertake independent 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

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Virtual Open Event: Hebrew & Jewish Studies 1:1 calls (AM)

—

Book a 1:1 call with the UCL Hebrew & Jewish Studies Undergraduate Admissions Tutor. We offer degree programmes that have international scope: learning languages, studying history and culture, researching geographical origins. Our programmes span from reading ancient text to debating modern conflict.

Online - Open day

Virtual Open Event: Hebrew & Jewish Studies 1:1 calls (PM)

—

Book a 1:1 call with the UCL Hebrew & Jewish Studies Undergraduate Admissions Tutor. We offer degree programmes that have international scope: learning languages, studying history and culture, researching geographical origins. Our programmes span from reading ancient text to debating modern conflict.

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.

Watch on demand event

The foundation of your career

Popular career paths for graduates from both departments include teaching and education (11.5%), accountancy and financial services (11.2%), publishing, journalism or translation (10.8%), hospitality, leisure and tourism (7.7%), IT and Technology (6.2%), PR, advertising and marketing (6.2%) and performance and creative arts (4.6%).

Employers of our graduates include KPMG, PwC, JP Morgan, Bloomberg, Barclays Bank, BBC, Accenture and EY. 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 (2025/26) £9,535
Tuition fees (2025/26) £29,800

Fees are for Undergraduate 2025/26 entry 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 and are subject to the passing of secondary legislation. Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2025/26 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.

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.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

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, you will be invited to a Post Offer Open Day, where you will gain insights into the sort of teaching we offer and student life in both departments.

Apply via UCAS
Application guidelines
Download prospectus

Got questions? Get in touch

Hebrew and Jewish Studies
Hebrew and Jewish Studies

jewish.studies@ucl.ac.uk

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