Master of Studies in Bible Interpretation

 1. Before admission to the course, candidates must satisfy the Board of the Faculty of OrientalAsian and Middle Eastern Studies that they possess the necessary qualification in Classical Hebrew, Aramaic or Syriac, to profit by the course. Teaching for a second language from these three will be provided during the course if required. Evidence of proficiency in Greek or Latin will be expected if options in either of these languages are chosen.

2.  Every candidate must follow for at least three terms a course of study in Bible Interpretation.

3.  Syllabus

There will be four Units. : Units (i), (ii), and (iii) are each assessed by a written examination paper.

• Unit (i) Essay questions on general background and methodology.

• Unit (ii) Prescribed texts I. Passages for translation and comment, and essay questions on prescribed texts (a passage, or passages, for unprepared translation may also be set).

• Unit (iii) Prescribed texts II. Passages for translation and comment, and essay questions on prescribed texts (a passage, or passages, for unprepared translation may also be set).

• Units (ii) and (iii) must be chosen from two of the following:

  • (a  )  Hebrew biblical and exegetical texts

  • (b  )  Aramaic (Targum) texts

  • (c  )  Syriac biblical and exegetical texts

  • (d  )  Greek biblical and exegetical texts

  • (e  )  Latin biblical and exegetical texts

• Unit (iv)  A dissertationthesis of not more than 15,000 words (excluding bibliography), on a topic selected in consultation with the candidate's supervisor and approved by the Faculty Board. Applications for such approval should be submitted to the Faculty office by FridayMonday of seventhWeek week0 of Michaelmas Term and will be reported to the Faculty Board's second meeting of MichaelmasHilary Term. TwoThe typewrittenthesis copiesin ofPDF theformat dissertation  must be deliveredsubmitted tousing the ChairUniversity ofapproved Examiners,online M.Stassessment in Bible Interpretation, Examination Schools, High Street, Oxfordplatform, not later than 12 noon on Friday of fourth week of Trinity Term.    The work must bear the candidates’ examination number (but not the candidates’ name.) Candidates must provide a declaration that the work is the candidates own. 

4.  Lists of set texts must be submitted to the Faculty office by Friday of seventh week of Michaelmas Term and will be reported to the Faculty Board's second meeting of Michaelmas Term.

5. Candidates Allmay workbe submittedrequired to the Chair of Examiners must be in typewritten form. Two copies must be submitted, securely sealed and addressed. The work must bear the candidate’s examination number (but not the candidate’s name, which must be concealed). Candidates must includeattend a signed declaration sealed in an envelope addressed to the Chair of Examiners that the work is the candidate’s own.

6. Every candidate will be examined by oral examination unless he or she shall have been individually excused by the examinersviva.

Teaching for some options may not be available in every year. Applicants for admission will be advised of this.