Hebrew and Middle East Studies

Hebrew is one of the world's oldest written languages and a living modern tongue, the official language of Israel and the medium through which millennia of Jewish religious, literary, and philosophical thought have been expressed. Combined with Middle East Studies, it gives you access not only to a language of profound cultural significance but also to a serious academic understanding of one of the world's most complex and consequential regions. You will engage with history, politics, religion, society, and international relations across the modern Middle East, with Hebrew as a central linguistic and cultural thread.

This four-year, full-time programme at the University of St Andrews leads to a Master of Arts with Honours. You will develop language proficiency in Hebrew, read texts ranging from biblical and rabbinic literature to modern Israeli fiction and journalism, and study the political history, social dynamics, and cultural production of the Middle East more broadly. The year abroad is an integral part of the programme, typically giving you the opportunity to spend time in Israel or another relevant country in the region, which is often decisive in cementing your language skills and cultural understanding.

Graduates of Hebrew and Middle East Studies programmes are well prepared for careers in diplomacy, international relations, journalism, and policy work focused on the Middle East and the wider Arab and Jewish worlds. Roles in government departments, international organisations, NGOs, security services, and the media are common destinations for those with this combination of language competence and regional expertise. The academic skills developed also support careers in law, business, education, and the heritage sector.

Postgraduate study in Middle Eastern studies, Jewish studies, international relations, or Arabic and Islamic studies is a natural progression for those who wish to pursue specialist research or academic careers.