B.A. Jewish Studies 50%

The most important Facts in brief

Degree Bachelor of Arts
Start of the Studies Winter Semester
Standard Period of Study 6 Semester
Language Acquisition Hebräisch
Course Language Deutsch/Englisch

Jewish studies is a humanities discipline and as such is committed to the goal of reflecting on the cultural foundations of society on both a large and small scale. The task of the humanities scholar is primarily to understand, explain and ultimately also to mediate: between groups, to people, into society.
In its B.A. Jewish Studies program, the Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies aims to impart skills that will enable students to take on future tasks with a sound knowledge of Jewish life, culture and history. As a European competence center, the University of Jewish Studies offers ideal conditions for this with its ten chairs.

Application, Admission, Enrolment

IMPORTANT for First-Year Students

Vorbereitender Intensivblock Modernes Hebräisch vor Vorlesungsbeginn

Before the start of the winter semester, a one-week intensive block is held to prepare students for the regular beginner Hebrew courses offered during the semester. The intensive block is mandatory for first-year students with no prior knowledge of Hebrew who wish to enroll in one of these beginner courses.

First-year students with sufficient knowledge of Hebrew may be exempted from participating in the intensive block. Depending on prior knowledge, it may also be possible to enter directly into a higher language level. Please contact kevin.trompelt(at)hfjs.eu well in advance of the start of classes.

This year’s Modern Hebrew intensive block will take place from October 5 to 9, 2026. You can find the exact dates in the course catalog.

The course is supplemented by a 50% subject at the University of Heidelberg.
Popular subject combinations are

Philosophy
Political Science
Religious Studies
Islamic Studies

Pedagogy
History of Art
European Art History
Slavic Studies
Semitic Studies
Christianity and Culture
German Studies

The Hochschule für Jüdische Studien offers a wide variety of opportunities to study the Jewish people, with many approaches for every interest.

The close-knit community and the uncomplicated cooperation and connection with the lecturers enriches the experience significantly.

Shushan P., B.A. Near Eastern Archaeology, Jewish Studies & HiWi at the Chair of Talmud

Admission requirements:

Admission requirement for the course is the general higher education entrance qualification or a comparable qualification.

Qualification and content:

Jewish life is not limited to religious rites, but encompasses all areas of life. Accordingly, the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien offers several sub-subjects, ranging from the history of the Jewish people to the Bible and Talmud, philosophy, literature and linguistics through to Jewish art.
This unique diversity of subjects enables the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien to provide a comprehensive picture of Judaism in Germany, Europe and the world.

The Bachelor of Arts degree obtained on completion of the course qualifies students for further studies leading to a Master of Arts in Jewish Studies, but also enables them to enter the profession directly at museums, memorials, academic institutions, print, online and broadcast media or other institutions that require the relevant skills.

Detailed information can be found in the curricula and module handbooks. The Examinations Office provides information on examinations and examination regulations (as well as examination regulations from previous semesters). The Student Advisory is also available to answer any further questions you may have.