Bible Interpretation

The MSt in Bible Interpretation at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous postgraduate program designed for students seeking to deepen their understanding and analytical skills in biblical studies. This program combines historical, literary, and theological approaches to interpret the Bible within its original contexts and through contemporary lenses. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of biblical texts, learning to analyze genres, themes, and literary features, while also exploring theological implications and historical backgrounds. The curriculum is structured to foster critical thinking, close textual analysis, and scholarly research skills, preparing graduates for careers in academia, theological research, or related fields. Delivered by renowned experts in biblical studies, the program emphasizes both traditional methods and innovative interpretative approaches, encouraging students to develop their own insights into biblical texts. Students participate in seminars, workshops, and independent research projects, culminating in a substantial dissertation that demonstrates their ability to carry out original biblical interpretation. The program also provides opportunities for engagement with contemporary issues related to the Bible, including its role in religious communities, its impact on culture, and its relevance in modern society. With its location at Oxford, students benefit from access to extensive library resources, expert faculty, and a vibrant academic community dedicated to the study of religion and theology. The MSt in Bible Interpretation is ideal for those committed to advancing their scholarly expertise and understanding of the biblical texts, whether for academic, religious, or personal growth purposes.

Teaching for the compulsory core course is covered by a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials covering the principal sources for exegesis of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, and select topics will be covered in Michaelmas and Hilary terms. These may include ancient Bible translations, Qumran texts, the New Testament, Rabbinic hermeneutics, Greek and Latin patristics, or early Syriac commentaries. They will be explored in the essays set which you will present in meetings with your tutor, either in one-to-one sessions or with one or two other students in related subjects (such sessions are known as ‘tutorials’). 

For your other two papers, you will select two options from the following five:

• Hebrew biblical and exegetical texts
• Aramaic (Targum) texts
• Syriac biblical and exegetical texts
• Greek biblical and exegetical texts
• Latin biblical and exegetical texts. 

Set texts in the first Semitic language (or in Latin and/or Greek if chosen) will be studied in classes in all three terms.

If required, intensive elementary language teaching in a second Semitic language followed by textual study is available in the first term, comprising two to three hours per week. Since elementary language teaching will start with the basics of the grammar, classes may be shared with beginners in other appropriate courses (Classical Hebrew, Syriac and Aramaic, at undergraduate or graduate level). 

Most teaching for this Masters course will take place in small classes or tutorials, normally given mainly by the course convenor, Professor Alison Salvesen, but also supplemented by recommended lectures and seminars. You will be expected to prepare the language exercises or texts in advance of each class, in order to derive the maximum benefit from the intense form of study. Numbers of students on the course are very small (one or two per year) and so teaching is tailored according to the needs and interests of individual students. Classes are sometimes shared with those on other similar courses.

You will also be strongly encouraged to attend seminars in relevant areas: there are regular seminar series in Jewish Studies in the Greco-Roman Period, Patristic studies, Late Antique and Byzantine studies, Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, and New Testament, as well as special lectures given by visiting scholars.

Assessment takes place at the end of the academic year, and takes the form of three 3-hour examination papers (one on the compulsory core paper, and the other two on prescribed texts), plus a 15,000-word dissertation on some aspect of Bible interpretation in antiquity. The topic and title of the dissertation are chosen in consultation with your supervisor, and the dissertation itself will be submitted in the sixth week of Trinity term, before the examinations for the other papers. 

The first examination paper consists of essay questions for the compulsory core paper on early translations and interpretations of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament; you are required to answer three essay questions (out of at least seven that are set). On both of the two papers chosen as options you will be asked to translate into English three passages out of four from the set texts and comment on points of exegetical and other interest in them, and also to write one essay (out of a choice of four) on the background or aspects of the set texts. You will normally also be examined orally (viva voce), unless individually excused by the examiners.

In taught graduate degrees the pass mark is 50. In the MSt, a distinction may be awarded for a final overall mark of 70 or above. The final mark is arrived at as a numerical mean of the marks on individual papers, with the qualification that you must also pass on each paper individually.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any subject. 

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

You should have an adequate knowledge of Classical Hebrew or Aramaic or Syriac.

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement: Up to three pages
• Written work: Two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation: Three overall, all of which must be academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

The University of Oxford offers a range of funding options for students enrolled in its Bible Interpretation program. Prospective students are encouraged to explore various sources of financial support to facilitate their studies. The university provides several scholarships and bursaries specifically aimed at students pursuing graduate degrees in theology and related fields. These awards are often merit-based, considering academic excellence, research potential, and contributions to the academic community. Additionally, the university's central funding system includes studentships, which may cover tuition fees in full or in part, and sometimes include living expenses. Applicants can also apply for external funding opportunities, such as government grants, private foundations, and religious organizations that support theological research and education. The university's Financial Aid Office offers guidance and assistance in navigating these options. For EU and international students, specific scholarships are available, although the eligibility criteria and application procedures may vary. Students are advised to check the official Oxford website regularly for updated information on available financial support, deadlines, and application procedures. Furthermore, the university encourages students to seek part-time work opportunities available on campus to supplement their income, with the understanding that such work should not interfere with the academic commitments of the program. Loan options are also available through external providers, but students are advised to carefully consider the terms and repayment conditions before committing. Many students also benefit from teaching or research assistantships, which provide stipends and reduced or waived tuition fees in exchange for research or teaching duties. Overall, funding for the Bible Interpretation program at the University of Oxford is comprehensive, aiming to support talented scholars worldwide and reduce financial barriers to advanced theological education.

The Bible Interpretation program at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and in-depth study of biblical texts, focusing on their historical context, literary features, and theological significance. This program is designed for students with a keen interest in biblical studies, theology, and related disciplines, providing them with the analytical tools necessary to interpret biblical scriptures effectively. Students will engage with a wide range of academic disciplines, including Near Eastern history, linguistics, archaeology, and classical studies, to deepen their understanding of the biblical texts and their impact on Western culture and religious traditions.

The course curriculum typically includes modules on the history of biblical interpretation, Hebrew and Greek language studies, textual criticism, and theories of reading and interpretation. Students will explore major biblical themes, examine different interpretative approaches, and evaluate the development of biblical exegesis over centuries. The program encourages critical thinking, literary analysis, and historical contextualization, preparing graduates for careers in academia, religious leadership, or related fields.

In addition to coursework, students are often engaged in seminars, workshops, and independent research projects that enhance their interpretative skills. Faculty members usually comprise expert scholars in biblical studies, archaeology, and related disciplines, providing mentorship and guidance. The program emphasizes original research and aims to contribute to scholarly debates about the biblical texts, their meanings, and their relevance today.

The program often involves an assessment through essays, examinations, and a dissertation. Graduates of the program might pursue further academic research, including a Master’s or PhD, or apply their knowledge in theological institutions, cultural organizations, or media. The University of Oxford's rich academic environment, access to extensive library resources, and collaboration with research centers support students throughout their studies.

Overall, the Bible Interpretation program at Oxford is designed to foster a deep understanding of biblical texts, their historical contexts, and their contemporary significance. It combines rigorous academic training with opportunities for independent research, offering a unique environment for scholars and students passionate about biblical studies and interpretation.