Master of Studies in Bible Interpretation

Differences from 2015/16 to 2024/25

  •  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 thesis 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 Monday of Week 0 of Hilary Term. Two typewritten copies and an electronic copy of theThe thesis in PDF format in a memory stick or CD,  must be deliveredsubmitted tousing the ChairUniversity ofapproved Examiners,online M.St.assessment 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 includeprovide a signed declaration sealed in an envelope addressed to the Chair of Examiners 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 .

  • 5.  Candidates may be required to attend a viva.

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