Biblical Hebrew

Learn how to understand the Bible in the original Hebrew, and explore how translation shapes our understanding with this flexible six-month language course.

Key info

  • Duration: Autumn and Winter term (September to March)
  • Location: West Malling campus
  • Entry requirements: None
  • Qualification level: Worth 10 credits
  • Cost: £300 (£150 per term) or free to current students

This course may suit you if...

…you’re interested in exploring a popular branch of theological study (or just learning something new for fun!) over a six-month flexible period of study.

About the course

For those unfamiliar with Biblical Hebrew, this beginners’ language course serves as an exciting and foundational introduction to the language, alongside a comprehensive exploration of the basic tools of translation.

This course is suitable for both existing St Augustine’s students and learners who wish to engage in this field of study for their own enrichment. You’ll be learning alongside a diverse group of students and attending classes at our West Malling campus.

Once you’ve completed the beginners’ course or demonstrated a level of existing familiarity, you can engage with our intermediate classes. This module enables you to gain further fluency through reading selected passages of the Biblical text and to develop your skills in translation and exegesis.

“During your studies, you will engage with up-to-date scholarship on the relevant texts. You’ll explore a range of subjects, including matters of history and literary analysis, background, and theology.”

Rev Dr Simon Stocks
Senior Tutor

Where and when will I be studying?

The modules run during the Autumn and Spring terms, with optional reading sessions in the Summer term. Classes run over the following months:

  • Autumn term: September to December (with a reading week in October)
  • Winter term: January to March (with a reading week in February)

Classes are held at our West Malling campus on Wednesdays, from 1pm to 2pm. The tutor for this class is Simon Stocks.

For students undertaking the Intermediate Hebrew course, class times are still being confirmed but are likely to take place online via Zoom. Please get in touch with our team to express interest in a specific day/time.

Take a tour of our West Malling campus

Discover what it’s like to study at St Augustine’s

Come along to one of our open-day style taster events. Meet the staff, chat with fellow students, sit in on classes, and join us in worshipping together.

Frequently asked questions

Alongside your weekly classes, you will be expected to complete a modest number of weekly research assignments in preparation for each class. You will have use of the scholarly commentaries to complete this aspect of study.

This online course is open to anyone, and you do not need to have any academic qualifications to enrol. Once you’ve completed the beginners’ course, you may wish to progress to the intermediate modules to further develop your fluency and understanding.

Fees: £150 per term and, therefore, £300 if you choose to complete the full course. This course is free to current St Augustine’s students.

As part of our commitment to making theological studies accessible to all, we have established the Tattersall Fund. This fund provides bursaries in support of students whose personal circumstances may mean that finance is a barrier to their studying.

Applying for a bursary to help towards the cost of fees, books or travel is simple and non-intrusive. Find out more about bursaries and how to apply.

Theology books on the shelves St Augustine's Trinity House library

Next steps

Take the next step on your journey into studying theology.

Need help or have a question? Contact our admissions team for further assistance.