Course overview
In Year 1, you will take courses in Biblical Hebrew, either Latin or Greek, an introductory linguistics module and an introductory Jewish Studies module. You will additionally be able to start studying a third and, if desired, fourth ancient language, drawn from an extensive selection. Ancient language courses include intensive study of texts spanning diverse literary genres including historical narrative, prose fiction, poetry, mythology, and religion. Alternatively, you can choose up to 45 credits from a wide range of disciplines including archaeology, history and linguistics.
In Year 2, you will continue your study of Biblical Hebrew and Greek or Latin. You will also begin or continue study of a third (and possibly fourth or fifth) ancient language. Again, you have the opportunity to choose a course from another discipline.
You will spend the third year studying ancient languages abroad. You can choose to spend half the year at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the other half year at a European or North American university chosen from a selection of institutions available to UCL students. Alternatively, you can choose to spend the entire year at one institution.
In Year 4, you will take advanced courses in Biblical Hebrew and Greek or Latin. You may also continue study of a third (and possibly fourth or fifth) ancient language, an option from another discipline, or a dissertation.
What this course will give you
Our programme is unique in the UK. It combines concentrated study of Greco-Roman and Semitic philology, in addition to other ancient Indo-European and Afroasiatic languages, and provides students with an unparalleled insight into the key linguistic and textual traditions of the ancient world.
Based within UCL Hebrew & Jewish Studies and UCL Greek & Latin, students will also have access to the teaching facilities and expertise available university-wide, including in archaeology, ancient history, and linguistics.
You will gain access to a remarkable collection of ancient language resources in the UCL and SOAS Libraries, as well as to the special collections in the British Library and British Museum.
UCL Hebrew & Jewish Studies and UCL Greek & Latin both have excellent global reputations.
