Syriac Studies

The DPhil in Syriac Studies at the University of Oxford offers an intellectually rigorous and comprehensive programme designed to advance knowledge and understanding of Syriac language, literature, history, and culture within the broader context of Near Eastern studies. This doctoral degree provides students with an exceptional opportunity to engage deeply with primary sources, critical scholarly debates, and multidisciplinary methodologies. Candidates are expected to develop original research that makes a significant contribution to the field, supported by expert supervision from leading academics in Syriac and related disciplines. The programme includes extensive language training in Syriac, enabling students to access and interpret ancient manuscripts, inscriptions, and texts in their original form. In addition to language acquisition, students undertake coursework that covers the historical and theological developments of the Syriac-speaking world, from late antiquity through the medieval period and into early modern times. The programme emphasizes the importance of contextualizing Syriac texts within the broader socio-cultural, religious, and political landscape of the Near East, fostering a nuanced understanding of the traditions and communities that produced them. Students participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences, which facilitate scholarly exchange and professional development. The university's resources, including the Bodleian Libraries' extensive collections and digital archives, support research activities. The DPhil in Syriac Studies prepares graduates for careers in academia, museum curation, archives management, and related fields, equipping them with the skills necessary to contribute to the preservation and interpretation of Syriac heritage worldwide. This programme encourages intellectual independence alongside collaborative research, aiming to cultivate scholars who will lead future advances in Syriac and Near Eastern studies.

You must choose to study texts in three of the following subjects: Biblical versions; exegetical literature; early poetry; liturgy; historical literature; secular literature; monastic literature; hagiography; translations of Greek patristic texts; theological texts; (or any other subject approved by the Faculty Board). The choice of the precise texts to be read in each of the three subjects selected is decided by consultation between yourself and your supervisor in the first week of Michaelmas term.

No more than three of these subjects will be taught in any one year. Teaching takes the form of text-classes (usually 6 hours per week), for which you are expected to prepare; seminars (usually one and a half hours per week), for which you are expected to prepare oral or written presentations on specified topics; and lectures on the general background of Syriac literature (normally one hour per week). These classes and lectures are normally given by Professor David Taylor or Professor Alison Salvesen. You are also encouraged to attend seminars in relevant areas: there are regular series in Patristic studies, Late Antique and Byzantine studies, Armenian Studies, Jewish Studies in the Greco-Roman Period, Old Testament, and New Testament, Ancient Near Eastern studies.

The examination (towards the end of the third (Trinity) Term) takes the form of four three-hour papers. The first of these consists of essay questions on the history, literature, and culture of the Syriac Churches; you are required to answer three questions (out of seven or more that are set). The other three papers will each have an obligatory Question 1, containing four passages from the set texts for translation into English and for comment. Questions 2-6 will be essay questions, most of which concern some aspect of the specific set texts. Question 7 will be an unseen Syriac passage for translation. You are required to answer two out of questions 2-7. You will also be examined viva voce unless you  have been individually excused by the examiners. In taught graduate degrees the pass mark is 60. 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).

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, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Scholarship Programme 

The University of Oxford offers a specialized program in Syriac Studies that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the Syriac language, literature, and historical context. This programme is designed for students with a strong interest in Semitic languages, early Christian texts, and the cultural heritage of the Near East. Throughout the course, students engage with a variety of academic disciplines, including linguistics, theology, archaeology, and history, enabling them to develop a multidisciplinary perspective on the Syriac tradition. The curriculum includes rigorous language training in classical Syriac, exposure to key literary and religious texts, and the study of historical developments in the Syriac-speaking world from late antiquity through the medieval period. Students also have opportunities to participate in seminars, workshops, and field visits, which enhance their practical understanding of the material culture and historical artifacts associated with Syriac heritage.

The program aims to produce graduates who are proficient in reading and translating Syriac texts, capable of conducting independent research, and contributing scholarly insights into Syriac studies. Students benefit from close supervision by leading academics specialized in Middle Eastern archaeology, biblical studies, and linguistic analysis. The department encourages research-based projects and often collaborates with institutions involved in archaeological excavations and manuscript preservation.

The programme is suitable for students pursuing academic careers, researchers interested in ancient Near Eastern cultures, or individuals seeking to deepen their knowledge of early Christian history. Moreover, being part of Oxford’s rich academic environment provides access to extensive library resources, including rare manuscripts and digital archives. As a renowned centre for theological and linguistic research, Oxford's Syriac Studies programme is distinguished by its rigorous academic standards, collaborative research opportunities, and emphasis on original scholarship. Graduates of this programme are well-equipped to enter fields such as academia, museum curation, heritage conservation, or further doctoral research.