About the course

The MSt 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 MSt in Jewish Studies 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 three 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 courses from a range of options each year and, depending on the track you choose, a dissertation of up to 15,000 words. Teaching for the options takes place during the first two terms of the academic year. These options, 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 MSt Jewish Studies can be found in the Course Handbook, which can be accessed via the faculty's course webpage.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Faculty of Oriental Studies and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Faculty of Oriental Studies.

Assessment

Most options 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 instead. The language studied will also be assessed in a three hour examination at the end of Trinity term (summer term). 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.

Alumni of the MSt in Jewish Studies are spread throughout the world, and enjoying success in a variety of professional, academic and business fields.