Modern Languages

#1 in NSW
2021 QS World University Rankings

Department of Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies

The only Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish study of its kind in Australia

Specialising in the Bible, Jewish and Christian exegesis, Jewish history and thought, Holocaust studies and the modern Middle East.

From the complexities of the Old and the New Testament to the challenges of the breadth of Jewish History, our academic expertise explores the foundational texts and histories of Western civilisation.

Founded in 1945, the Department of Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies teaches programs in Classical and Modern Hebrew, Biblical Studies and Jewish Civilisation.

Our graduates have established careers in Australia and abroad in fields as varied as education, government, international relations, media, museums, science and the law.

Our programs are generously supported by our benefactors including the Stefan and Felicia Einhorn Bequest, the Henroth Foundation, and numerous sponsors of prizes and scholarships.

Our study offerings

Biblical Studies and Classical Hebrew

Biblical Studies and Classical Hebrew will allow you to explore some of the foundational texts and histories of Western civilisation. Encountering the Bible in translation or learning to read these texts in Hebrew, you will consider the themes and message of the biblical books, experiment with new approaches to texts and ideas and challenge common assumptions.

Undergraduate

*Available as a major and minor within the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Visual Arts, as well as all combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies  degrees.  

Research

Hebrew (Modern)

Hebrew (Modern) covers listening, speaking, reading, writing and cultural awareness. You will develop and expand your proficiency in these five language and cultural skills with the opportunity to complete some of your studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

Undergraduate

*Available as a major and minor within the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Visual Arts, as well as all combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies  degrees.  

Research

Jewish Civilisation, Thought and Culture

Explore two millennia of Jewish civilisation focusing on the historical evolution of Judaism, and how Jewish identity has been moulded by key Jewish thinkers and the Jewish historical experience. Gain insights into the rich cultural heritage of a small minority and their significant contributions to broader world culture in both the Christian and later Muslim worlds.

Undergraduate

*Available as a major and minor within the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Visual Arts, as well as all combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies  degrees.  

Research

Our research

Our department has a strong research focus across these areas:

Australian Jewish history
Holocaust studies
Jewish culture and education in the Diaspora
Language and text of the Hebrew Bible
Northwest Semitic languages
Daniel and Jewish apocalyptic writings
Narrative and law in Torah
Modern Hebrew language and literature

Exchange

Our advanced exchange program provides life-changing experiences in Israel with our partner university, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where students exercise their language skills and develop an understanding of cultural intricacies first hand.

Learn more: Study abroad and student exchange