Program Overview

MPhil in Jewish Studies in the Graeco-Roman Period

The MPhil in Jewish Studies in the Graeco-Roman Period is a full-time course that aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Jewish history, religion, and culture from 300 BCE to 638 CE.

About the Course

The course introduces students to primary sources for Jewish history in this period and equips them with historiographical and critical methods for analyzing these sources. Students are expected to have a working knowledge of Hebrew and ancient Greek before starting the course.

Course Structure

Teaching for the compulsory core course covers the principal sources of the period of the Second Temple and rabbinic Judaism through lectures, seminars, and tutorials. Students attend small classes or tutorials, usually given by the course convenor, supplemented by recommended lectures, classes, and seminars taught by other colleagues.

Attendance and Resources

The course is full-time and requires attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements. As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of resources, including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources, and IT services.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. Students normally have the opportunity to meet with their supervisor every fortnight, and more frequently if required and agreed upon with the supervisor.

Assessment

At the end of the first year, students are required to sit a qualifying examination in Jewish Studies to confirm their suitability to continue to the second year. Each of the four papers is assessed through two written essays of 3,000 words. In the second year, students also complete a thesis of 30,000 words.

Graduate Destinations

Asian and Middle Eastern studies graduates have found employment in diverse fields, including business, finance, law, civil service, journalism, government, and industry. Many graduates have also undertaken further research into subjects linked with Asian and Middle Eastern studies and have pursued successful careers in the academic world, education, and museums.

Changes to the Course

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration.

Course Components

• Compulsory study: The core course on Jewish Literature, history, and institutions from 300 BCE to 638 CE.
• Options: Students choose three option papers involving the study of prescribed texts in areas such as Ancient Jewish History and Historiography, The Dead Sea Scrolls, Jewish-Hellenistic Literature, Early Rabbinic Literature, and Jewish Papyrology.

Entry Requirements

• Proven and potential academic excellence: A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honors in any subject.
• Degree-level qualifications: For applicants with a degree from the USA, a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 is normally required.
• GRE General Test scores: Not required.
• Other qualifications, evidence of excellence, and relevant experience: Applicants must have a working knowledge of Hebrew. Some options require prior knowledge of Greek.
• English language proficiency: The course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level.

Funding

The collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential.

Costs

• Annual course fees: Ł18,290 for Home students and Ł43,730 for Overseas students for the academic year.
• What do course fees cover: Course fees cover teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support studies.
• Additional costs: There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees and living costs. However, students may need to choose a dissertation, a project, or a thesis topic that could incur additional expenses.

College Preference

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. The following colleges accept students on the MPhil in Jewish Studies in the Graeco-Roman Period:

• Balliol College
• Blackfriars
• Campion Hall
• Corpus Christi College
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Oriel College
• Pembroke College
• Regent's Park College
• St Cross College
• Wadham College
• Wolfson College
• Wycliffe Hall

How to Apply

• Before you apply: Check the deadlines and ensure you have all the necessary documents.
• Application fee waivers: Available for applicants from low-income countries, refugees, and displaced persons, and UK applicants from low-income backgrounds.
• Referees: Three overall, academic preferred.
• Official transcript(s): Detailed information of individual grades received in university-level qualifications to date.
• Statement of purpose: A maximum of 1,500 words explaining motivation for applying, relevant experience and education, and specific areas of interest.
• Written work: Two essays of a maximum of 2,000 words each, preferably academic essays or other writing samples from the most recent qualification.