MPhil in Judaism and Christianity in the Graeco-Roman World at University of Oxford

Programme overview

The MPhil in Judaism and Christianity in the Graeco-Roman World is a taught two-year course examining the origins of Christianity through the state of Judaism in the Graeco-Roman world. It gives equal weight to the history and primary texts of both traditions and is offered jointly by the Faculty of Theology and Religion and the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies.

Faculty: Faculty of Theology and Religion / Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Humanities Division) | Department: Faculty of Theology and Religion | Duration: 21 months, full time | Intake: 4 October 2027 (2027-28 entry) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Students take two core modules (Judaism from 200 BCE to 200 CE and Christianity to 200 CE) and one specialist theme in each tradition, taught chiefly through tutorials and examined in Trinity term, then write a dissertation of up to 20,000 words in the second year. Judaism themes include Jewish Historiography, Bible Interpretation, Eschatology and Wisdom Literature; Christianity themes include the Gospels and the Historical Jesus, Acts and the Pauline Corpus, the Apostolic Fathers and the Apologists.

Career pathways

The great majority of graduates go on to doctoral research at Oxford or another leading university in Jewish studies, New Testament or early Christianity; a few have pursued academic administration and teaching.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first-class or strong upper second-class (67% or above) undergraduate degree with honours in theology, religious studies or a closely related field; entrance is very competitive. Minimum GPA 3.6/4.0 for US degrees (most successful applicants 3.8 or higher). If GRE scores are submitted, normally sought minimums are 160 verbal, 5.0 analytical writing and 150 quantitative. Applicants need a good existing knowledge of both Hebrew and Greek. Progression to the DPhil in Theology normally requires a final grade of 67% or above. Three academic referees, transcripts, statement of purpose (around 500 words) and two essays of up to 2,000 words each. Interviews not normally held. English language (University higher level): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 (minimum Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24); C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191 overall and 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall and 155 per component. Tests must be taken within two years of the start date. Application deadline: 12:00 UK time, 7 January 2027 (2027-28 entry).

Domestic applicants: GBP 18,980 a year (2027/28). Home fee, annual course fee Source

International applicants: GBP 46,350 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee, annual course fee Source

Intake: 4 October 2027

Duration: 21 months full-time

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