Hebrew Studies: The University of Manchester

Course description

BA (Hons) Hebrew Studies allows you to achieve near-native proficiency in modern Hebrew and to study the language within its cultural and historical context. Students start as beginners and go through to an advanced level over four years. The course will also look more widely at Jewish culture and literature with its roots in biblical and rabbinic times, and introduce you to social and cultural trends in modern Israel in their Middle Eastern context.

BA (Hons) Hebrew Studies is carefully structured so that you can measure your progress step by step. Learning Hebrew also opens the door to other Semitic languages available in this course, such as Aramaic. The third year of study is spent at an academic institution in Israel, an ideal way to improve your fluency in the language while gaining first-hand experience of life in the country.

BA (Hons) Hebrew Studies includes the following:

Modern Hebrew language courses: Gain competence in reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension, while developing knowledge and understanding of Hebrew and Jewish and Israeli culture.

Hebrew-based thematic courses: Study biblical texts, which are the original expression of ideas that still, influence the modern world; be introduced to the classical sources of modern Judaism; read contemporary texts reflecting life and literature in modern Israel.

A choice from a wide variety of options to focus on your special interests, or extend your studies to other disciplines open within the University such as history, Religions & Theology, linguistics or the social sciences

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. 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, History. BA (Hons) Hebrew Studies is also an excellent foundation for postgraduate study in the areas of Hebrew or Jewish studies both in the UK and in Israel, as well as for living and working in Israel.

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: Grades BBB preferably to include a modern foreign language at A2, AS or GCSE level.
• 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.
• GCSE: Minimum grade C in English Language.
• Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification.
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points overall preferably to include a modern foreign language at higher or standard level