MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Hebrew and Pre-Modern Jewish History and Culture)

The Hebrew and Pre-Modern History and Culture pathway is designed for highly motivated students who would like to develop their knowledge and understanding of the pre-modern Jewish history and culture of North Africa and the Middle East, with a particular focus on the Cairo Genizah manuscripts, together with the research skills necessary to carry out independent primary research work to a high academic standard through engagement with primary sources in Hebrew or another relevant pre-modern Middle Eastern language. Graduates will be well placed to pursue further research in a PhD programme, to use their skills and knowledge in the heritage sector, in education, or in any other field where cultural understanding, linguistic skills and high level critical thinking, analysis and communication skills are needed.Learning OutcomesThe Hebrew and Pre-Modern History and Culture pathway will equip its graduates with the skills and knowledge to research independently and effectively the history and literatures of the Jews of pre-modern North Africa and the Middle East, including further development of their skills in reading Hebrew or other Middle Eastern source materials. Graduates will also be able to show a sophisticated understanding of the wider field of Middle Eastern Studies and the ability to communicate their knowledge and their research findings effectively.AssessmentThesisStudents will submit a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words, including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography on a subject approved by the Degree Committee. All MPhil dissertations must include a brief abstract at the start of the dissertation of no more than 400 words.EssaysStudents may submit essays as part of their degree:With the approval of the Degree Committee, a student may offer, in place of one or more of the examination papers, the same number of essays, each of not more than 5,000 words, including footnotes, but excluding bibliography, or equivalent Alternative Exercises approved by the Degree Committee.

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK High II.i Honours Degree. Applicants are expected to have the level of competence in Hebrew necessary for the taught papers and dissertation research they plan to undertake (usually equivalent to at least two years full-time study of the language).