Central and East European History and Jewish Studies

Central and East European History and Jewish Studies at University College London offers an interdisciplinary and comprehensive exploration of the histories, cultures, and societies of Central and Eastern Europe, with a particular focus on Jewish communities and their contributions. This programme is designed for students who are interested in understanding the complex historical developments of this diverse region, including political transformations, social movements, cultural exchanges, and major events such as the Holocaust and the formation of modern nation-states. Students will engage with a wide range of scholarly materials, including historical documents, literary texts, and contemporary scholarly debates, to develop a nuanced understanding of the region's multifaceted identities.

The curriculum combines core modules in history and Jewish Studies, alongside optional courses that allow students to tailor their learning according to their interests. Core modules cover topics such as the history of Eastern Europe from the medieval period to the present, the history of Jewish communities in Europe, and the impact of major political ideologies. Optional modules may include subjects like Holocaust studies, Migration and Diaspora, Cultural History of the Jewish East, and Comparative European History. The programme emphasizes critical analysis, research skills, and historical writing, preparing students for careers in academia, research, education, or international organizations.

Throughout the programme, students will benefit from UCL’s outstanding academic staff, who are leading experts in their fields. They will have access to extensive library resources, archival materials, and possibility of engaging in research projects or field visits. The programme also offers opportunities for interdisciplinary study, linking historical perspectives with insights from sociology, literature, and political science. Graduates of this programme will gain a sophisticated understanding of regional histories and cultures, along with essential skills for analytical thinking and research, equipping them well for future academic or professional endeavors.

This programme is ideal for students passionate about history, Jewish studies, and the history of Central and Eastern Europe, seeking an intellectually rigorous and culturally rich academic experience. It fosters a global perspective and critical understanding of the diverse identities and historical processes that have shaped this historically vibrant region. With a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical research skills, graduates will be well-prepared to contribute to fields such as history, cultural studies, public policy, or international relations.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 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 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Year one introduces you to the study of central and east European history and Jewish studies at the university level. In years two and four you can focus on topics of specific interest to you by choosing modules that examine particular periods and themes in east European and Jewish history. You can also study one or more relevant languages such as Hebrew, Yiddish, Russian, Polish, or Ukrainian. Your third year is spent abroad, at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and/or in a relevant central or east European country.

Year 1

Core or compulsory module(s)

• History of Eastern Europe since 1856
• Modern Historiography
• Seminars in History
• Survey of Jewish History 2: From Medieval to Early Modern Europe
• Survey of Jewish History 3: The Modern World
• Optional modules

You will select 1.0 credits from a wide range of optional modules, including:

• Elementary Yiddish
• Introduction to Biblical Hebrew
• Introduction to Biblical and Rabbinic Literature
• Introduction to Hebrew Literature: Medieval to Modern
• Introduction to Israeli Culture, Society and Politics
• Introduction to Jewish Languages
• Introduction to Jewish Philosophy and Mysticism
• Introduction to Modern Hebrew
• Introduction to Modern Jewish Literature
• Introduction to the Study of Judaism
• Survey of Jewish History 1: The Ancient and Medieval Near East

Year 2

Optional modules

You will select 2.0 credits from a wide range of optional modules within the department of Hebrew & Jewish Studies. A further 2.0 credits will be selected from SSEES.

Year 3

Year three involves studying a full-time programme at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and/or a central or east European university of your choice.

Year 4

Optional modules

You will select 2.0 credits from a wide range of optional modules in Hebrew & Jewish Studies and a further 2.0 credits from SSEES, including the option of taking a final-year dissertation of 10,000 words for the value of 1.0 credit.

A levels

Grades

ABB

Subjects

History required.

GCSEs

English Language at grade B, plus Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

34

Subjects

A score of 16 points in three higher level subjects including History, with no score lower than 5.

The University College London offers a comprehensive financing package for students enrolled in the Central and East European History and Jewish Studies program. Funding options include scholarships, grants, and loans designed to support students from diverse backgrounds. The university's scholarship scheme includes merit-based awards, which recognize academic excellence and potential in the fields of history and Jewish studies, as well as need-based grants aimed at reducing financial barriers for students demonstrating financial need. Additionally, UCL participants may be eligible for external funding opportunities such as government-sponsored loans and international scholarships, which can be applied for separately. The university also provides detailed guidance on financial planning, including estimates of tuition fees, estimated living expenses in London, and available financial aid options. International students are encouraged to explore specific funding programs tailored to their circumstances, including the Commonwealth Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, and other charitable funding sources. The university’s financial support services offer advice on managing funds, applying for supplementary financial aid, and accessing work opportunities during studies, such as part-time positions available on or near campus. Furthermore, the program benefits from collaborations with various foundations and cultural institutions, which sometimes offer specialized grants to support research, fieldwork, or study visits related to Central and East European history and Jewish studies. The university commits to transparency in its fee structure and aims to ensure that financial considerations do not hinder access to high-quality education. Prospective students are advised to consult the UCL admissions website for the latest updates on financial aid options, application deadlines, and eligibility criteria, and to prepare a comprehensive financial plan before commencing their studies.

The University College London offers a comprehensive programme in Central and East European History and Jewish Studies, designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the historical, cultural, and social developments in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the Jewish communities within these regions. This interdisciplinary programme integrates centuries of history, political changes, cultural shifts, and religious developments to give students a nuanced perspective on the complexities of this diverse area. The curriculum covers key themes such as the formation of nation-states, the impact of empires, migration patterns, the Holocaust, and post-war transformations, including the fall of communism and contemporary issues facing Jewish communities in Europe.

Students have the opportunity to engage with primary sources, scholarly debates, and contemporary research through lectures, seminars, and independent study. The programme also emphasizes language skills, encouraging the study of relevant languages such as Polish, Russian, or Yiddish, which are essential for primary research and gaining insights into local cultures and archives. The academic staff comprises experts in history, Jewish studies, and cultural studies, who guide students in developing analytical, research, and critical thinking skills.

The programme aims to prepare students for careers in academia, cultural heritage, education, public policy, or international relations, equipping them with a thorough knowledge of historical contexts along with an understanding of current issues affecting Central and East European and Jewish communities. With access to UCL’s extensive library resources and connections with cultural institutions, students can engage with a rich array of academic and practical experiences. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme ensures that students are equipped with the skills to analyze the past and apply these insights to contemporary situations, fostering a comprehensive understanding of these complex regions.