Jewish Studies

Jewish Studies at University College London offers an engaging and comprehensive exploration of Jewish history, culture, religion, literature, and society from ancient times to the modern era. This programme is designed for students who are interested in understanding the diverse facets of Jewish life and identity across different historical and geographical contexts. Through a wide range of modules, students will examine key themes such as Jewish philosophy, scriptural studies, contemporary issues facing Jewish communities, and the relationship between Judaism and other cultures.

The programme provides a multidisciplinary approach, integrating history, religion, languages, and cultural studies to offer a holistic understanding of Jewish civilization. Students will have opportunities to engage with original texts, learn Hebrew and Yiddish, and analyze historical documents, enabling them to develop critical skills in textual analysis and historical research. The curriculum includes core modules that introduce fundamental concepts and themes in Jewish Studies, along with a variety of electives allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests, whether they are more focused on religious studies, history, literature, or cultural analysis.

With its location in London, a city with a vibrant Jewish community and access to world-class resources, UCL provides an ideal setting for cutting-edge research and cultural engagement. Students benefit from expert instruction by scholars renowned in the field, diverse seminar series, and opportunities for public engagement and community involvement. The programme aims not only to deepen understanding of Jewish historical and cultural developments but also to foster critical thinking about contemporary issues such as identity, migration, and intercultural dialogue.

Graduates of the Jewish Studies programme at UCL are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, education, cultural heritage, public policy, or community leadership. They gain transferable skills including analytical thinking, linguistic proficiency, research methodology, and cultural awareness, which are highly valued across various professional fields. The programme combines academic rigor with practical insights, preparing students for a wide range of career paths. Overall, the Jewish Studies programme at UCL provides a thorough and nuanced education for those interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Jewish history and culture from a scholarly perspective.

All students are introduced to the disciplines, theories, methods, and practice of learning and research in Jewish Studies, and those without prior knowledge of Hebrew learn the language at elementary level. An extensive range of optional modules are available in Jewish history, literature, languages, and Jewish thought, from antiquity to the modern world.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of one or two (see below) core modules (30/60 credits), between four and six optional modules (60/90 credits), and a research dissertation (60 credits).

Core modules

• Jewish Studies MA Core Course
• Biblical Hebrew or Modern Hebrew (for students without prior knowledge of Hebrew)

Optional modules

Options may include the following:

• Ancient Jewish Magic; Ancient Hebrew Inscriptions; Judaism and the Origins of Christianity
• European Jewry and the Holocaust; History of the Jews in Poland; Jews and the Metropolis
• Hebrew (biblicial, rabbinic, modern)
• Moses Maimonides in Jewish Thought and History; Hasidism and Modernity
• Old Testament Historical Texts; Introduction to Talmud
• Representation of Trauma; Family Politics in Israeli Literature; Rattling the Gender Agenda
• The Arab-Israeli Conflict; Israel and the Occupied Territories; Anglo-Israeli Relations
• Yiddish; Aramaic; Ugaritic; Syriac; Judeo-Spanish
• Yiddish Memoirs; Yiddish Literature; Special Topics

Please see department <a href="http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hebrew-jewish/prospective-students/postgraduate">website</a> for further details. 

Dissertation/research project

All students undertake an independent research project which should be based in part on primary sources. The project culminates in a dissertation of 12,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and other media such as occasional film viewings. Students will be expected to visit the major archives and libraries in the London area, depending on their specific areas of research and interest. Assessment is mainly through unseen examinations, coursework, long essays, and the dissertation.

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in an arts or social science subject from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Only basic knowledge of Hebrew (beginners level) is required. Hebrew language skills will be assessed in a short placement test during induction week. Students without prior knowledge will be obliged to take one module in Hebrew.

The Jewish Studies program at University College London offers a range of funding opportunities to support students throughout their studies. Financial support is available through several channels, including scholarships, bursaries, and external funding sources. UCL’s international and domestic scholarships are designed to assist students based on academic merit, financial need, or specific demographic criteria. For example, the UCL Graduate Support Scheme provides funding for eligible postgraduate students, which can be applied to tuition fees and living costs. Additionally, students can access the UCL Overseas Research Scholarships if they are international students pursuing research degrees in Jewish Studies. Some funding options are specific to European Union students, with eligibility criteria based on nationality and residency status.

The university also offers a variety of external funding options, including grants from charitable foundations, academic societies, and governmental agencies. Prospective students are encouraged to explore external scholarship opportunities such as the Fulbright Program, Chevening Scholarships, and research council grants, which may supplement university funding. Students are advised to contact the UCL Student Funding Office for detailed information on application procedures, eligibility requirements, and deadlines. The program's curriculum does not include specific financial aid packages, but the university’s overall commitment to accessible education ensures students are supported in identifying available funding sources. Students are also encouraged to seek part-time employment opportunities within or outside the university to help cover living expenses.

Attending Jewish Studies at UCL, students benefit from comprehensive support services, including financial advice, to help manage study costs. While the exact amount of funding varies depending on individual circumstances and the specific funding source, the university strives to provide adequate financial assistance to enable students to focus on their academic pursuits without undue financial stress. Overall, the financing of Jewish Studies at UCL is designed to be accessible and supportive, reflecting the institution’s commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive academic communities.

Jewish Studies at University College London offers an in-depth exploration of Jewish history, culture, religion, and contemporary issues. The program is designed to provide students with a multidisciplinary understanding of Jewish life from ancient times to the modern era. Students engage with diverse topics such as Jewish texts, history, philosophy, and literature, as well as contemporary social and political issues affecting Jewish communities worldwide. The curriculum combines theoretical modules with critical analysis, enabling students to develop a comprehensive perspective on Jewish affairs.

The program is suitable for students from various academic backgrounds interested in religious studies, history, cultural studies, or international relations. It aims to foster a nuanced understanding of Jewish identity and contribute to broader discussions on religion, ethnicity, and cultural diversity. The program encourages interdisciplinary research and critical thinking, with opportunities for study abroad and practical engagement through partnerships with Jewish cultural institutions.

Students enrolled in the program benefit from UCL's excellent academic resources, including access to extensive library collections, leading scholars in the field, and seminars and conferences. The program also emphasizes skills development, such as research, critical writing, and presentation skills, preparing graduates for careers in academia, education, public policy, community work, and cultural organizations.

Overall, UCL's Jewish Studies program offers a rigorous and comprehensive academic experience, aimed at fostering an understanding of Jewish life and thought in its historical and contemporary contexts while promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding. The program's flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies according to their interests, often combining Jewish Studies with other disciplines to enhance their expertise and employability.