Oxford’s European and Middle Eastern Languages (EMEL) degree is a high-wire act of linguistic and cultural scholarship. If you are looking at the German and Hebrew combination at St Hugh’s, you’ve likely asked yourself, “is Oxford good for EMEL?” or “how do I handle two vastly different scripts and cultures?” While the university prospectus details the modules, it can’t tell you what it’s like to balance a German philosophy tutorial with a Hebrew verb-root seminar in the same afternoon.
At Already Doing It (alreadydoingit.co.uk), we connect you with vetted peer mentors who are currently studying this exact course. These are students who can provide an honest review of the EMEL course at Oxford because they are the ones actually navigating the libraries and the year abroad right now.
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The German and Hebrew degree is for the ultimate linguistic “polymath.” But beyond the prestige, what is it really like to study EMEL at the University of Oxford? This is a core topic to explore with a mentor who can describe the specific intellectual atmosphere of the faculty.
You might want to ask a mentor about:
The Intersectional Focus: How does the course actually help you explore the links between German philosophy and modern Jewish thought? Does it feel like two separate degrees, or is there a genuine “bridge” in the teaching?
The Tutorial System: What is the reality of preparing for a German literature tutorial at the Taylor Institution and then heading to the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies for Hebrew? A mentor can tell you how they manage the intense preparation required for both.
St Hugh’s as a Base: Why is St Hugh’s considered a “tranquil” place to decompress? You might ask about the college community and whether it feels supportive given the high-pressure nature of the course.
By chatting with someone already doing it, you can figure out if you have the “polymath” appetite required to thrive in this interdisciplinary environment.
The structure of EMEL is a unique “insider” reality that catches many applicants by surprise. Unlike most language degrees at Oxford, EMEL students often go abroad in their second year (particularly for the Middle Eastern language).
Topics to discuss with an Already Doing It mentor include:
Early Immersion: What is it like to head to Israel for an intensive Hebrew programme in only your second year? A mentor can tell you how they felt about “growing up” and becoming independent so early in their degree.
Fluency Boost: Does the second-year pivot actually provide a “massive boost” in fluency for the final two years? You might ask how it feels to return to Oxford for “Finals” with that immersion experience behind you.
The Library Edge: St Hugh’s has one of the largest college libraries in Oxford. How much of an advantage is this when you are hunting for niche German or Hebrew texts for your final year push?
The Workload Shift: How significant is the jump in work when you return for years three and four? A mentor can share the real story on the hours required for the “Finals” marathon.
Oxford is looking for candidates who can see the “invisible strings” connecting two different cultures. If you are drafting your personal statement, you might be wondering how to show you can think “comparatively.”
Questions to explore with a vetted mentor at alreadydoingit.co.uk regarding your application:
Finding the “Bridge”: How did they find a topic that linked German and Hebrew? You might ask for advice on how to research the Haskalah (Jewish Enlightenment) or other cultural crossovers.
The MLAT and Interviews: What is the Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT) actually like for an EMEL candidate? A mentor can share how they prepared for the German components and the potential linguistic aptitude tests for Hebrew.
Balancing Interests: In the interview, how do you show passion for both languages without sounding like you’re spread too thin? A current student can give you an “insider” view of the types of questions tutors ask to test your comparative thinking.
Preparation Tips: What is the one book or article they wish they had read before their Oxford interview?
Connecting with a mentor allows you to refine your application based on the real-world success of students who have already secured their place at St Hugh’s.
Making the leap into an EMEL degree at Oxford is a life-shaping decision. You deserve to have more than just a brochure to go on. If you want to know what is it really like to study German and Hebrew at Oxford, the most reliable source is a student who is already doing it.
The only way to get the real answer is to talk to someone already doing it. Find your mentor at alreadydoingit.co.uk
Reading a guide is a great start, but nothing beats a 1-on-1 conversation with a student who is already doing it. Don’t leave a life-changing decision to guesswork.
© 2026 Already Doing It Ltd. All rights reserved. The information on this site is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional career or admissions advice. Student Mentor Sessions and Our Insider Guides reflect student perspectives; always verify specific course details, entry requirements, and module lists with the official University Prospectus before applying.
