On-campus program Jewish Civilizations (M.A.) – HUJS

👉 The Master's programme Jewish Civilizations is aimed at graduates with a relevant bachelor's degree who wish to conduct interdisciplinary research on Jewish civilizations. The four-semester programme is offered in cooperation with the European Institute for Jewish Studies Paideia in Stockholm. The focus is on intensive language and source studies in Hebrew as well as on theoretical and methodological knowledge of the historical and contemporary manifestations of Jewish cultures in an intercultural context. The programme combines stays in Stockholm and Heidelberg. The Master of Arts degree qualifies graduates for further doctoral studies and for careers in research, media, museums, or memorial sites.

Jewish Civilizations (M.A.) at a Glance

📜 Degree Master of Arts (M.A.)
⏳ Duration 4 Semesters
🏫 University Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies, University based in Heidelberg (Germany)
📋 Study Format On-campus program
🎓 Field of Study Humanities
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Jewish history, Bible, Talmud, philosophy, literature, linguistics, Jewish art, language and source studies, intercultural competences, Hebrew competence
📍 Location Heidelberg
📅 Enrollment Winter or summer semester
🔗 More Info View Vendor Profile

Who is the Master’s Programme Jewish Civilizations Suitable For?

The Master’s programme Jewish Civilizations is aimed at graduates of humanities or social sciences degree programmes with an interest in the scholarly study of Jewish cultures in a global context. It is particularly intended for students who wish to gain international experience and deepen their skills in language and source studies, especially in Hebrew. The degree is also suitable for individuals aspiring to a career in research, teaching, museums, memorial sites, or the cultural sector.

What Admission Requirements Apply?

For admission, you need:

  • proof of a completed bachelor’s degree or a comparable university degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Jewish Studies, History, Languages, Religious Studies, Cultural or Social Sciences)
  • general university entrance qualification or an equivalent qualification
  • sufficient English language skills, as the language of instruction is English
  • for the first year of study, successful application to the partner institute Paideia – The European Institute for Jewish Studies in Stockholm (application deadline: 31 January)

Further information on the formal requirements can be found in the admission regulations of the programme.

Personal requirements are also expected, such as a strong interest in Jewish cultures and history, openness to interdisciplinary work, and international study experience. You should enjoy languages and close engagement with sources, show initiative, and be willing to work academically in multicultural teams. Analytical thinking, good communication skills, and a high level of self-organisation facilitate your studies.

How are the contents structured in the Master’s programme Jewish Civilizations?

In the Master’s programme Jewish Civilizations at the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien Heidelberg, you engage intensively with the diversity of Jewish civilisations from historical, religious, cultural, and societal perspectives. A focus lies on a thorough study of the Hebrew language and original sources. The central study contents include:

  • Intensive language and source studies, especially in Hebrew
  • Jewish history, biblical and Talmudic studies
  • Jewish philosophy, literature and linguistics
  • Art, cultures and societal developments of Jewish communities in various regions and epochs
  • Comparative civilisation research and intercultural perspectives
  • Theoretical and methodological foundations for analysing complex forms of Jewish civilisations

The programme also imparts skills in dealing with cultural diversity, historical sources and their embedding in different social contexts. In addition to subject-specific knowledge, you develop methodological skills relevant for research and communication of Jewish history and contemporary issues.

How is the course of study in the Master’s Jewish Civilizations organised?

The programme is designed for four semesters and takes place in cooperation between the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien Heidelberg and Paideia – The European Institute for Jewish Studies in Sweden. The structure is as follows:

  • The first study phase takes place in Stockholm as part of Paideia’s One-Year-Program, which focuses on intensive linguistic and interdisciplinary foundations.
  • Subsequently, you transfer to the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien Heidelberg for the remaining semesters, where you deepen your knowledge and develop an individual profile.
  • The curriculum combines compulsory modules in language, source and cultural studies with electives to allow you to set your own focuses.
  • Method seminars, research projects and the final master’s thesis prepare you both for an academic career and for entering the job market.
  • The language of instruction in the programme is English. Some courses and materials may also be available in German.

Which career paths and professional fields are open to you after the Master’s Jewish Civilizations?

With the degree Master of Arts Jewish Civilizations, you qualify for versatile activities in academic, cultural and societal institutions. Possible professional fields include:

  • Research and teaching at universities, colleges and non-university research institutions
  • Work in museums, memorial sites and cultural institutions related to Judaism
  • Editorial work in print, online and broadcast media
  • Cultural and scientific project work, for example at foundations, organisations or educational institutions
  • Intercultural communication and consulting in an international context
  • Preparation and access to advanced doctoral studies in Jewish history, cultural studies, religious studies or related disciplines

Where does the programme take place and how is the spatial organisation arranged?

The Master’s programme Jewish Civilizations is organised at two locations:

  • The first study phase takes place at Paideia – The European Institute for Jewish Studies in Stockholm (Sweden), where you study together with international students.
  • The following semesters are spent at the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien Heidelberg in Baden-Württemberg, a European centre for Jewish studies in Germany.

The international orientation through the change of locations enables you to gain valuable experience in intercultural academic exchange and access to different networks and resources.

What are the costs and what financing options are available for the Master’s Jewish Civilizations?

There are no tuition fees for the Master’s programme Jewish Civilizations at the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien Heidelberg. However, you must expect the usual semester contributions, the exact amount of which is determined by the university’s regulations. Additional costs arise for living expenses, accommodation as well as, if applicable, for the first study phase in Stockholm.

  • In Heidelberg, the semester contribution must be paid regularly, which covers study-related services such as the use of infrastructure.
  • For the stay in Stockholm, additional costs for accommodation and living expenses may apply. It is advisable to look out for scholarships or support through funding programmes such as Erasmus+.
  • Nationwide and internationally, various scholarship options are available to you – for example from study foundations, gifted student support organisations or exchange programmes.

The student advisory service at the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien Heidelberg assists you with questions regarding financing and informs you about current funding opportunities.

Advisory Service

Have questions about Academic Programs Jewish Civilizations? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies or the editorial team will answer you.

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