Classical Hebrew Studies

The MSt in Classical Hebrew Studies at the University of Oxford is a distinguished postgraduate program designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the Hebrew language, literature, history, and culture of the ancient Near East. This program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines rigorous language training with advanced studies in classical Hebrew texts, enabling students to develop proficient reading skills and critical analysis abilities. Students will engage with a wide range of original biblical and post-biblical texts, exploring their historical context, linguistic features, and theological significance. The program emphasizes both philological techniques and cultural insights, fostering a nuanced appreciation of ancient Hebrew literature and its enduring influence. Participants have the opportunity to work closely with leading scholars in the field, participate in seminars, and undertake independent research projects. The course is suitable for those aiming to pursue academic careers, deepen their historical and linguistic knowledge, or broaden their understanding of the religious and cultural heritage of the Hebrew-speaking world. The program typically lasts for one academic year, during which students acquire transferable skills in textual analysis, research methodologies, and academic writing. Graduates of the MSt in Classical Hebrew Studies will be well-equipped to continue doctoral studies or undertake careers in academia, publishing, or cultural heritage organizations. The University of Oxford’s renowned resources, including extensive library collections and access to specialized research facilities, support students in their scholarly pursuits. Overall, this program provides a stimulating intellectual environment dedicated to the study of one of the most historically rich and linguistically significant languages of the ancient world.

You will sit two compulsory three-hour examinations (one on prepared and unprepared Biblical texts and the other on history and literature) and also choose two others on such subjects as Hebrew language, textual criticism, epigraphy, Aramaic, and Dead Sea Scrolls.

Within these constraints, the course offers considerable flexibility to suit your individual interests and needs. For instance, the texts selected for study can be varied from year to year, while the optional papers may, with permission, be on any relevant subject. A substantial part of the course may therefore be directed towards a possible future research topic.

The teaching takes two main forms. Firstly, there are classes on the specified texts and on advanced Hebrew language throughout the year, which you are strongly recommended to attend as a matter of priority. There may also be classes on your optional subjects, depending on what they are (Aramaic, for instance, is taught in this way). Secondly, you will receive individual supervision, usually for an hour each week, for which you are expected to prepare written work on the basis of recommended reading. Teaching for such subjects as history and literature is wholly conducted in this way, while you will also be given practice in the proper way in which to answer questions on specified texts.

During the course there are two vacations of six weeks each, during which you will be expected to keep working full time, with modest breaks for Christmas and Easter. You will be given guidance about specific projects to be tackled, but will be advised to go back over the texts and other topics studied in the previous term in order to consolidate with wider reading, filling in gaps, and so on. It is also helpful, if you are in a position to do so, to undertake preparatory work during the summer before you begin. If you have the opportunity to discuss with your potential teachers at least some of the texts that you hope to study, you will find that you derive far more benefit from the classes if you have been able to prepare them as far as you are able in advance.

Numbers of students on the course are very small (1–2 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, and there are also seminars covering wider subject areas that students on this course are encouraged to attend.

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 a field relevant to the proposed area of study. You should also have an adequate knowledge of Biblical Hebrew.

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).

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

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Scholarship Programme

The Bachelor of Arts in Classical Hebrew Studies at the University of Oxford offers students an in-depth exploration of the Hebrew language as well as its historical, cultural, and religious contexts. This programme is designed for students who are passionate about understanding the ancient texts and traditions of the Hebrew Bible, as well as the broader history of the Jewish people and their influence on the development of Western civilization. Throughout the course, students engage in learning the Hebrew language from the foundational level, progressing to more advanced proficiency, enabling them to read and interpret classical texts in their original language.

The curriculum combines linguistic training with historical and literary analysis, providing a comprehensive understanding of the biblical texts in their original language and cultural setting. Students will study the development of Hebrew poetry, narrative, and law, along with exploring the archaeological and historical background of ancient Israel. The programme encourages critical thinking, close reading of ancient texts, and mastery of philological methods. In addition to language studies, each student may have opportunities to engage with related disciplines such as Near Eastern studies, religious studies, and archaeology, offering interdisciplinary perspectives.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, language workshops, and individual tutorials, fostering active participation and personalized feedback. Assessment methods typically include coursework, translations, essays, and examinations. The programme aims to prepare graduates for further academic research, careers in biblical scholarship, archaeology, religious education, or other fields that require deep knowledge of ancient Semitic languages and cultures.

Students enrolled in the programme benefit from Oxford’s world-class library resources, including access to manuscripts, digital archives, and specialist collections focusing on biblical and Near Eastern studies. The university’s vibrant academic community provides opportunities for participation in conferences, seminars, and collaborative research projects. Graduates of the programme often go on to postgraduate study, publish research, or pursue careers in education, religious institutions, or cultural heritage organizations. The programme emphasizes analytical skills, cultural literacy, and a nuanced understanding of ancient Hebrew texts, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills highly valued across multiple disciplines.