MPhil in Jewish Studies

University of Oxford

About the course

The MPhil in Jewish Studies provides a broad approach to the study of Jewish history and culture from antiquity to modern times, combined with study of Modern or Biblical Hebrew or Yiddish.

The MPhil is a taught master’s course, designed to teach the methods, sources and languages required for more specialised research within Jewish Studies.

You will be required to complete six terms of language study in the same language. You may choose to study either Modern Hebrew or Biblical Hebrew or Yiddish at elementary, intermediate or advanced level.

In addition, you will be required to select four courses from a range of options and a dissertation of up to 30,000 words. The options of this course, which vary from year to year, must be selected from those on offer.

The degree course is intensive and is based on small classes, seminars, tutorials and close faculty-student contact.

Further information on the examination procedure for the MPhil in Jewish Studies can be found in the Course Handbook, which can be accessed via the faculty's course webpage.

Assessment

You will be required to pass a qualifying examination in the language chosen at the end of Hilary term (spring term) of the first year of the course.

Most option courses are assessed by two pre-submitted essays to be handed in at the end of the vacation following the term in which they were taught, though for certain courses there is a three-hour examination at the end of the third term of the second year. The language studied will also be assessed in a three-hour examination at the end of Trinity term (summer term) of the final year of the course.

Finally, the dissertation of up to 30,000 words will be assessed.

Conferral of the degree requires that students pass all components of the course.

Graduate destinations

Oriental Studies graduates have found employment in many diverse fields including business, finance law, civil service, journalism, government and industry.

Many graduates have also undertaken further research into subjects linked with Oriental Studies and have pursued successful careers in the academic world, education and in museums.

Oriental Studies alumni are spread throughout the world, and enjoying success in a variety of professional, academic and business fields.