Hebrew and Yiddish BA
Learn the Hebrew language from leading experts and access remarkable resources from specialist libraries and collections. Learn to speak Yiddish to a near-native level, supported by expert academics and state-of-the-art language learning facilities. A year spent abroad will immerse you in the cultures and societies of both languages.
Key information
Entry requirements
- Grades
- ABB
- Subjects
- Foreign language preferred.
Contextual offer
- Grades
- BBC
- Subjects
- Foreign language preferred.
At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
- Points
- 34
- Subjects
- A total of 16 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5. Foreign language preferred.
Contextual offer
- Points
- 30
- Subjects
- A total of 15 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5. Foreign language preferred.
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 and International Education.
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who do not 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.
About this course
Over recent decades, our world has become more interdependent and with these deeper connections comes an enhanced need for enlightened citizenship. Our Hebrew and Yiddish BA 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 UCL School of European Languages, Culture and Society (SELCS) and the UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES), focusing on literature, film, linguistics and history from an interdisciplinary perspective.
You will spend the third year of your studies abroad, split between two countries or in one country for the whole year 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.
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.
Course structure
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 the target 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 the third year of your studies 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, or spend the whole year in one country. You may spend the term studying at a partner university or on an approved work placement (subject to availability).
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.
This course is not offered on a part-time basis.
Modules
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).
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.
Compulsory modules
- Modern Hebrew Language 1 (HEBR0004)
- Kita Alef: Introduction to Jewish Studies (HEBR0007)
- Yiddish Language 1 (HEBR0041)
Optional modules
- Introduction to Judaism (HEBR0014)
Compulsory modules
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.
You will take 30 credits of compulsory Yiddish language in each year of study, accompanied by credits in literature/culture.
Optional modules
Optional modules include culture, literature and cinema across HJS as well as a choice of interdepartmental modules.
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 modules
Optional modules
Compulsory modules
You will take 30 credits of compulsory Modern Hebrew language in each year of study.
You will take 30 credits of compulsory Yiddish language in each year of study, accompanied by credits in literature/culture.
Optional modules
Optional modules include culture, literature and cinema across HJS as well as a choice of interdepartmental modules.
Optional modules include courses in aspects of Jewish history, culture, and literature, as well as Jewish languages such as Biblical Hebrew, Yiddish, and Aramaic.
Optional modules
The third year of your studies 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.
Optional modules
- Final Year Dissertation (HEBR0010)
- History of Yiddish Language, Literature and Culture (HEBR0045)
- Yiddish Language 3 (HEBR0097)
Compulsory modules
You will take 30 credits of compulsory Modern Hebrew language in each year of study.
You will take 30 credits of compulsory Yiddish language in each year of study, accompanied by credits in literature/culture.
Optional modules
Optional modules include culture, literature and cinema across HJS as well as a choice of interdepartmental modules.
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 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.
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.
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 the third year of your studies will follow a different pattern of study.
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 are 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.
Fees and funding
| Study mode | UK fee (2026/27) | Overseas fee (2026/27) |
|---|---|---|
| Full time | £9,790 | £32,000 |
UK undergraduate fees for 2026/27 are subject to parliamentary approval 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. Fees for 2027/28 entry will be published in August 2026.
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
Although departments endeavour to make course materials available digitally, an additional cost of approximately £50–100 per year for language textbooks may be incurred. The only other extra costs associated with this course relate to the year spent abroad. 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 £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2026. 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).
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, once you have joined the university. Please view the study page of our website for more information.
Why study this course at UCL?
At a global top ten university for the arts and humanities (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 by subject), UCL has the only independent Hebrew and Jewish Studies department in the UK, and many of our academic staff are world leaders in their fields.
The year spent 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.
Discover Uni
To see official information about this course and others visit Discover Uni.
What this course will give you
There are many career opportunities for UCL Hebrew and Jewish graduates. The acquisition of transferable skills is embedded within our teaching. Our graduates have advanced skills in languages, independent-critical thinking and creativity, as well as socio-cultural literacy, all of which may help them to find employment in organisations within the UK and abroad. Our graduates can be found in careers that cross international boundaries and require strong communication skills.
Popular career paths for graduates from UCL Hebrew and Jewish studies include teaching and education (33.3%), charities, NGOs and international development (16.7%), publishing, journalism or translation (16.7%) and construction, built environment and property (16.7%).
Employers of our graduates include the Daily Mail, Kier Group, AMJ International, Mizrachi UK and Toast Ale Ltd. Some graduates may pursue careers that make special use of their language skills such as translation or 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 2017–2023 cohorts.
Professional accreditation
This course is not accredited
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Register your interest in undergraduate study and become part of the UCL community.
Register nowHow 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.
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 can meet academics from the department.
Selection
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
Apply for this course
You are applying for the Hebrew and Yiddish BA course. For application guidance please visit Application guidelines.Course starts: September 2027
UCAS applications open for 2027 entry on 12 May 2026.
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Hebrew and Jewish Studies
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