Entry requirementsSelected entry requirements English language: Candidates must be proficient in the English language, which is the language of instruction and examination at the university. Acceptable English Language qualifications include IELTS 6.5, CPE grade C, CAE Grade B or another equivalent A level: BBB preferably to include one or more of English, RE, Law, History and a Modern Foreign Language AS level: Two AS-Levels may be accepted in place of the third A-Level. Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications. Unit grades will not normally form part of offer conditions, except for Mathematics programmes. GCSE: Minimum grade C in English Language. Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification. However, as the opportunities to take these modules are not open to all applicants, currently this is not an essential requirement of the University. International baccalaureate: 32 points overall preferably to include English, RE, History, Law or a Modern Foreign Language at higher level Additional entry requirements Additional entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Academic titleBA Jewish Studies and Hebrew
Course descriptionCourse description
BA (Hons) Jewish Studies & Hebrew gives you an in-depth understanding of a fascinating modern culture with ancient roots in the Middle East that has had a major impact on Western Europe. It also allows you to achieve fluency in modern Hebrew, and to study the language within its cultural and historical context, including a year in Israel.
Students start the language as beginners and go through to an advanced level over four years.
BA (Hons) Jewish Studies & Hebrew is a carefully structured combination of the study of modern and traditional forms of Jewishness and Judaism and the learning of the modern Hebrew language.
BA (Hons) Jewish Studies & Hebrew includes the following:
Modern Hebrew language courses: Gain competence in reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension, while developing knowledge and understanding of Judaism and Israeli and Jewish culture.
Hebrew-based thematic courses: Learn about contemporary Israeli culture and politics through cinema and literature; study biblical texts which are the original expression of ideas still influencing the modern world; be introduced to the classical sources of modern Judaism and modern Jewish thought.
A choice from a wide variety of options to focus on your special interests, including units on Qumranic and Talmudic Judaism, Jewish Mysticism, Jewish Law, Israeli Studies, the Israel-Palestine question or modern Jewish philosophy. You can also extend your studies to other subjects open within the University.
Special features
The University of Manchester has its own Centre for Jewish Studies which allows student to choose from an exceptionally wide range of subjects.
You can specialise in topics such as Israeli studies, Jewish Law, Jewish Bible Interpretation, Biblical Studies, Qumran or Rabbinic Judaism.
The study of Hebrew, Israeli and Jewish culture is placed within the context of related Middle Eastern languages, countries and cultures. You can learn Aramaic, and extend your studies to include related Middle Eastern religious traditions such as Islam, and gain a glimpse of further Semitic languages such as Arabic.
Native speakers will be involved in your language teaching at all levels on BA (Hons) Jewish Studies & Hebrew, and an understanding of the culture forms an inherent part of the learning of language. Your study is supported by the multi-media facilities of the Language Centre. Staff there can also put you in touch with students who are Hebrew native speakers.
Multi-cultural Manchester provides excellent general opportunities for contact with speakers of Hebrew and the pursuit of Israeli and Jewish interests outside the University of Manchester (e.g. public lectures, societies, cultural events etc.).
The final-year dissertation gives you the opportunity to apply and demonstrate the transferable skills you have acquired in research, analysis and high-level writing, which is attractive to future employers.
Personal tutors based in the Department of Middle Eastern Studies will help you in planning your progress and reflecting on it, to ensure that you are constantly building up transferable and academic skills. Your tutor will also be able to help in case of problems.
You will have access to the excellent student support arrangements and the award-winning careers service of the University of Manchester.
Course content for year 1
First-year study will concentrate on intensive language learning and features a core course on the Middle East today and an introduction to Judaism. It also fosters the development of study and IT skills.
Course content for year 2
In the second year you will continue your language learning, increase your reading of authentic texts, take courses on modern Middle Eastern and Hebrew literature, Israeli society and politics, as well as classical Talmudic sources and choose from a wide range of Jewish Studies subjects according to preference.
Course content for year 3
Your third year of study is spent abroad under approved conditions.
Course content for year 4
The fourth year features a variety of specialised Hebrew Studies course choices, an advanced language course, and a dissertation on an approved topic of your choice, as agreed with your dissertation supervisor.
Career opportunities
There are numerous possibilities for graduates of the Department of Middle Eastern Studies. The general and academic skills acquired in the courses are welcomed by a broad spectrum of employers including the Civil Service, the British Council, non-governmental organisations, international organisations (for example the UN and the EU), business and commerce, banking, law, print and broadcast journalism, tourism management and teaching in secondary schools, e.g. in Religious Studies. Some recent graduates are academics and researchers in various fields, after going on to do postgraduate studies in areas such as Development Studies, International Relations, Linguistics, European Studies and History. BA (Hons) Jewish Studies & Hebrew is also an excellent foundation for postgraduate study in the areas of Hebrew studies, Judaism or Jewish studies both in the UK and in Israel, as well as for living and working in Israel.