Hebrew and Jewish Studies
!שָׁלוֹם (Shalom!)
Hebrew is one of the oldest languages in the world, having been spoken from about 1200 BCE to the present day in Israel and has had an enormous impact on Western culture most particularly through what is commonly called the Old Testament.
Explore Jewish civilisation, Israeli history and culture, and the Hebrew and Jewish studies language
You can investigate the history, literature, philosophy and social theory of Jewish society and culture, and engage in debates about ethnicity and identity, assimilation, exile and diaspora cultures – and, of course, learn how to understand, speak, read and write the Hebrew language. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with contemporary Hebrew writers, newspaper and academic articles, and by the end of your studies, be able to express your own experiences, views and aspirations with greater complexity in Hebrew.
You’ll also have the opportunity to join in communal events like the Israeli and Jewish Film Festivals and exhibitions at the Jewish Museum of Australia and the Holocaust Museum. There are even overseas exchange opportunities to complete subjects in Jerusalem.
Where can Hebrew and Jewish studies take you?
The critical, analytical, communications and inter-cultural competence skills you’ll develop in Hebrew and Jewish Studies will set you up well for employment in a range of areas.
Graduates of Hebrew and Jewish Studies have gone on to develop careers in international relations, trade, multinational business, teaching, diplomacy and translation, as well as religious and community work.
Where do I start?
Before you begin studying a language, there are a couple of steps you will need to take:
1. Pick how you’ll study your chosen language
There is a wide range of options available to students interested in studying Hebrew and Jewish Studies
Bachelor of Arts students
Bachelor of Arts students can study Hebrew and Jewish Studies as a major, minor or electives. You can master the Hebrew and Jewish Studies language alongside your degree with a concurrent Diploma in Languages or develop advanced knowledge in Hebrew and Jewish Studies in Honours.
Undergraduate students
Master the Hebrew language alongside your current graduate degree with a Diploma in Languages, or build on your knowledge with one of our graduate courses.
Graduate coursework
Master the Hebrew language alongside your current graduate degree with a Diploma in Languages, or build on your knowledge with one of our graduate courses.
Master of International Relations
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced)
Graduate research
Develop advanced skills and knowledge in carrying out independent and sustained research in Hebrew and Jewish Studies with one of our research higher degrees.
2. Apply/Enrol
You’ll need to create an account and apply for your chosen course before taking the language questionnaire and placement test.
Visit your chosen course page and begin the application process.
3. Placement testing
If you have previously studied Hebrew, please get in contact with the course coordinator for the language you wish to study and they will provide you with more information on what level may be appropriate for your level of proficiency. You will be required to sit a placement test to assess what level will be most appropriate for you.
Hebrew and Jewish Studies Course Coordinator: Dr Dvir Abramovich
Once you have completed your placement test, you will be placed in one of the below entry points:
Hebrew and Jewish Studies 1 entry point
For students who have very little or no background in the Hebrew language.
Hebrew and Jewish Studies 3 entry point
Usually for students who have undertaken four or five years of secondary school Hebrew or who have obtained a low VCE Hebrew score.
Hebrew and Jewish Studies 5 entry point
Usually for VCE Hebrew students.
Enhance your study of Hebrew and Jewish Studies
Hebrew language exchange experience
Gain an international perspective and experience the Hebrew language first-hand by studying overseas in a Hebrew speaking country for one or two semesters.
Work Integrated Learning
Integrate your Hebrew and Jewish Studies with authentic work experience.