| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-10-06 | - |
| 2026-10-06 | - |
| 2027-10-06 | - |
Program Overview
Introduction to the MSt in Yiddish Studies
The Master of Studies in Yiddish Studies is a taught course that explores Yiddish language, literature, and culture. The program includes modern literature, language history, and special topics, with a dissertation component.
Course Structure
The MSt in Yiddish Studies offers a variety of subjects central to the linguistic, literary, and socio-cultural history of pre-modern and modern Ashkenazic (Yiddish-speaking) society. The degree comprises:
- A paper in modern Yiddish literature
- A paper in the history of the Yiddish language
- An option paper
- A dissertation on a subject proposed in consultation with the supervisor
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
- IT services
Supervision
The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages. You will have the opportunity to meet with your course supervisor at the beginning and end of each term to receive advice and review progress.
Assessment
The course is assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Examinations (for the compulsory papers)
- An extended essay or portfolio of essays (for the special option paper)
- A dissertation on a subject you have proposed in consultation with your supervisor
Graduate Destinations
Many MSt students proceed to doctoral degrees at Oxford or at other universities. Other graduate destinations include:
- Teaching
- Journalism
- Law
- Publishing
- The civil service
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.
Course Components
Compulsory Study
You will study:
- A paper in Modern Yiddish literature
- A paper in the history of the Yiddish language
- A dissertation on a subject you have proposed in consultation with your supervisor
Options
You will study an option paper commonly drawn from the course offerings for the MSt in Modern Languages. The options include:
- Palaeography
- History of the Book and Digital Humanities
- Key Questions in Critical Thought
Entry Requirements
Proven and Potential Academic Excellence
The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown.
- A first-class or strong upper-second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a relevant field of study
- Degree-level competence in Yiddish (spoken or written) is a requirement for admission
Degree-Level Qualifications
As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
- A first-class or strong upper-second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a relevant field of study
English Language Proficiency
This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement.
References
You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course.
Supporting Documents
You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application, including:
- Official transcript(s)
- Statement of purpose
- Written work
Funding
For entry in the academic year, the collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses.
Costs
Annual Course Fees
The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis.
- Home: 」19,900
- Overseas: 」43,730
Additional Costs
There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees and living costs.
Living Costs
In addition to your course fees and any additional course-specific costs, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.
College Preference
Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. The following colleges accept students on the MSt in Yiddish Studies:
- Blackfriars
- Brasenose College
- Campion Hall
- Linacre College
- Regent's Park College
- St Catherine's College
- St Cross College
- St Hilda's College
- Somerville College
- Wadham College
- Wolfson College
- Wycliffe Hall
How to Apply
Our guide to getting started provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application.
Application Fee Waivers
An application fee of 」75 is payable for each application to this course. Application fee waivers are available for eligible applicants.
Completing Your Application
You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents.
After You've Submitted Your Application
Your application will be assessed against the entry requirements detailed on this course page. Whether or not you have secured funding will be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.
