Hebrew and Jewish Studies with Year Abroad

The Bachelor of Arts in Hebrew and Jewish Studies with Year Abroad at University College London offers students an in-depth exploration of Jewish history, culture, language, and religion, combined with an immersive international experience. This interdisciplinary programme is designed for students who wish to develop a comprehensive understanding of Jewish heritage while enhancing their language skills through a year abroad in a country where Hebrew or related languages are spoken. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of topics, including biblical studies, Jewish philosophy, literature, and contemporary issues facing Jewish communities worldwide. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, linguistic proficiency, and cultural awareness, equipping graduates with valuable skills for careers in academia, education, diplomacy, international relations, or cultural heritage sectors. During the year abroad, students have the opportunity to study at a partner university, participate in language immersion programs, and gain firsthand experience of Jewish communities and Israeli society. The curriculum combines lectures, seminars, research projects, and language labs, ensuring a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Students also benefit from expert faculty with extensive research backgrounds in Jewish studies, facilitating a vibrant academic community that fosters intellectual growth and intercultural dialogue. By the end of the programme, graduates will have developed advanced language skills, a nuanced understanding of Jewish history and culture, and valuable international experience. This rigorous and rewarding degree paves the way for further academic pursuits or careers that require intercultural competence and a deep appreciation of Jewish life and thought around the world.

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).

In your first year you will take compulsory modules in Modern Hebrew and Biblical Hebrew or Yiddish, an introductory module in academic Jewish Studies, and a range of optional history, literature, and culture modules, providing an overview of the subject which allows you to identify your own areas of specialist interest for later study.

In your second year you will take a compulsory module in Modern Hebrew and choose from a wide range of options encompassing a vast chronological and geographical span and also an array of disciplinary approaches, such as history, literature, philology, gender studies and politics.

Your third year will be spent at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where you will be able to take modules drawn from an extremely diverse and extensive range of subjects.

In your final year you will take three optional courses and will write a dissertation on a subject of our choice.

A levels

Grades

ABB

Subjects

No specific subjects

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, with no score lower than 5.

The Hebrew and Jewish Studies with Year Abroad program at University College London offers a comprehensive financing structure to support its students throughout their academic journey. Students enrolled in this program are encouraged to explore various funding options to alleviate financial burdens and make their educational aspirations achievable. Firstly, University College London provides a range of scholarship opportunities specifically targeted at students pursuing modern language and area studies, including those with a focus on Hebrew and Jewish Studies. These scholarships often recognize academic excellence, potential contributions to the university community, or financial need, and can significantly reduce tuition fees or provide external funding support. Moreover, students are advised to seek external grants, charitable foundations, and government-sponsored scholarships aimed at supporting students studying Middle Eastern languages or Jewish studies.

In addition, the program benefits from possible financial support through student loans available to UK and EU students, which can be utilized to cover tuition and living expenses. For international students, funding options may include international scholarships, sponsorships from cultural or educational organizations, and multilingual grants. The university also encourages students to explore part-time work opportunities on or near campus, which can help mitigate living costs and provide practical experience related to their field of study. The Year Abroad component, which typically involves studying or working in locations such as Israel or other countries relevant to the Hebrew and Jewish Studies curriculum, may come with additional costs. However, the university often provides guidance on securing funding for international mobility, including Erasmus+ grants, government exchange programs, or travel bursaries.

Furthermore, UCL is committed to equitable access and offers financial advice and support services to help students navigate available funding streams and manage their finances effectively. Students are encouraged to start their funding search early, making use of the university’s dedicated financial aid offices and online resources. Overall, while the exact amount and scope of financial aid for the Hebrew and Jewish Studies with Year Abroad program at UCL vary depending on individual circumstances and the availability of external funding sources, students can access a robust framework of scholarships, loans, bursaries, and part-time work options enabling them to participate fully in this unique academic pathway, fostering future careers in academia, community work, cultural preservation, or related fields.

The Bachelor of Arts in Hebrew and Jewish Studies with Year Abroad at University College London offers students an in-depth exploration of Jewish culture, history, languages, and religious traditions. This programme is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of Jewish civilization from ancient times to the present, integrating linguistic skills with historical and cultural analysis. The curriculum includes advanced study of Hebrew language, biblical texts, Jewish history, philosophy, and contemporary issues facing Jewish communities worldwide. Students also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a year abroad, typically in Israel, to enhance their language proficiency and cultural understanding through academic coursework and immersive experiences. The program is suitable for students interested in religious studies, history, linguistics, and international relations, providing a multidisciplinary approach to exploring Jewish life and history. UCL’s faculty comprises experts in Hebrew language, Jewish studies, and Middle Eastern history, offering students access to leading research and resources. The Year Abroad component enriches the academic experience by fostering linguistic competence and intercultural awareness, vital for careers in academia, diplomacy, education, and community work. Entrance requirements usually include a strong academic record and proficiency in relevant languages or willingness to develop these skills. Graduates of this programme gain valuable analytical, research, and linguistic skills, preparing them for further academic research or careers in sectors where understanding of Jewish culture and history is essential. Overall, the programme provides a rigorous and interdisciplinary education, bridging classical scholarship with contemporary issues, and emphasizing critical thinking and cultural literacy.