French and Hebrew

French and Hebrew is an unusual but intellectually rich combination, bringing together two languages that have each played a defining role in European and world culture from very different directions. French is one of the major languages of diplomacy, literature, philosophy and international commerce, spoken on every continent and central to the political and cultural life of Europe. Hebrew, in its modern form, is the language of Israel and, in its ancient and medieval forms, is the foundation of a literary and religious tradition of immense historical and cultural importance.

Studying both means developing dual linguistic competence alongside a broad cultural and historical education.

At the University of St Andrews, this four-year MA programme develops your French and Hebrew language skills to a high level of proficiency alongside study of the literatures, cultures and societies associated with each. In French you will engage with language and communications, Francophone literature and the rich intellectual traditions of France and the wider French-speaking world. In Hebrew you will develop both the linguistic foundations and the cultural and historical knowledge to read texts and understand contexts across the ancient, medieval and modern periods.

A year abroad is built into the programme, giving you extended immersion in a linguistic and cultural environment relevant to one or both of your languages.

Graduates who combine French and Hebrew possess a rare and distinctive set of competencies. Careers in diplomacy, international organisations, translation and interpretation, journalism, academia, cultural heritage, broadcasting and NGOs working in the Middle East and Francophone regions are all natural destinations. The analytical and linguistic skills developed through the degree are also highly transferable to law, finance, education and any professional field where precision with language and knowledge of diverse cultures matter.

Postgraduate study in French, Hebrew, Middle Eastern studies, linguistics or comparative literature is a natural next step.