M.A. in Law with Specialization in Human Rights and Transitional Justice

The program includes two main components: theoretical coursework, which provides substantial interdisciplinary understanding, as well as comparative and historical coursework, in which you’ll apply your theoretical knowledge to compelling cases from different time periods.

Structure

The program spans two consecutive semesters from October through July.

Credits

The M.A. in Law with specialization in Human Rights and transitional Justice consists of 32 credits.

Courses

Provided as an example only and subject to change:

Required Background Courses (4 of 4)

• Introduction to the Law of Israel
• Israel and International Law
• International Human Rights Law
• Introduction to Transitional Justice

Core Courses (4 of 4)

• Transitional Justice in Israel
• International Regulation of Trade and Investment
• Laws of War
• International Criminal Law

Workshops (at least two required)

• International Law Workshop
• Transitional Justice Colloquium: Comparative and Jurisprudential Perspectives Workshop
• Workshop in public law and human rights

Seminars (at least two required)

• Non-state Actors in International Law
• The Role of International Law in Resolving the Middle-East Conflict
• Religion, State, and Multiculturalism

Elective Courses

You can choose from more than 10 additional courses on human rights and transitional justice, and have the option to complete an M.A. thesis. See the full list of courses on the program’s website.

M.A. Thesis

We are offering the students the possibility of pursuing a research track, followed by the submission of a Thesis. Successful completion of the entire track, including the Thesis, would be reflected in the Graduation Certificate. The thesis grade will amount to 40% of the final M.A./LL.M grade. Acceptance to the research track will be based on your grades from the first semester. Students with an average of 85 and above will be eligible to apply in the beginning of the second semester.

Our faculty is comprised of top academics and practitioners, including legal experts from Israel, Europe, and North America, current and former members of the UN Human Rights Committee, and legal advisors for governments and international organizations. Core faculty include Prof. Yuval Shany, chair of International Law and senior research fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute; Prof. David Kretzmer, Israeli expert in international and constitutional law; and Prof. Michael Karayanni, who is the first Arab-Israeli dean of the Faculty of Law, and former academic director of the Minerva Center for Human Rights.

This program is ideal for students interested in pursuing a career in government or non-governmental organizations, particularly in the field of international relations.

HebrewU’s RIS offers a rich extracurricular activities program, including tours, cultural and social events, lectures, and more. We support you throughout your stay with us so that Jerusalem becomes your home away from home. Learn more about student life.

The Hebrew University’s RIS offers a rich extracurricular activities program, including tours, social and cultural events, lectures, and more. We support you throughout your stay with us so that Jerusalem becomes your home away from home. Learn more about the Office of Student Life here.

Click here to view one of the OSL’s weekly emails to students with information about events taking place on campus and around Jerusalem.

Apply by: 

• January 6 – August 31, 2023

Applicants will receive an email from the Graduate Office with a student number, personal code, and link to upload the required supplementary documents within about 3 days of applying to a program.

Applicants will receive an admission decision within about 3 weeks of applying to a program and submitting all of the required supplementary documents. Admissions decisions are sent via email.

Tuition Payment

All students must pay $1,500 towards their tuition by May 31, 2023, and must pay the remainder of their tuition by September 19, 2023.

Cancellation Policy

Applicants who complete their tuition payment and then decide to cancel their enrollment in the program before October 15, 2023 will receive a full refund, but will be charged a $500 withdrawal fee.

Arrive on campus by: Approximately one week before your program starts; specific dates will be sent to accepted students via email.

Summer Ulpan (optional intensive Hebrew language course): August-September, 2023; check the academic calendar for exact dates.

Program length: One year (two consecutive semesters, autumn and spring); October, 2023 – June, 2024; check the academic calendar for exact dates.

Students who wish to prolong their studies may enroll as LL.M/ M.A. Extended Year Students for an additional fee.

For financial information, see Tuition & Fees.

Health Insurance

Students enrolled in M.A. programs are eligible to receive health insurance for the duration of their program at no extra cost. Students who will be arriving early or departing late may purchase extended health insurance. See Health and Safety for more information.

 Summer Ulpan

The Summer Ulpan (an intensive Modern Hebrew course) is optional. See Summer Ulpan Program for more information. For information about Summer Ulpan tuition and housing fees see “Tuition & Fees”.

Housing

A limited number of on-campus student apartments are available. See University Housing for more information.

Fees & Refunds

For a complete explanation of fees and refunds, see Tuition & Fees for Graduate Students.

Scholarships

Faculty of Law: The Faculty of Law offers scholarships of up to US$ 4,000. Email a letter of motivation to the coordinator, Ms. Shanie Rabinowitz, detailing why you are requesting a scholarship and the amount requested. The request will be reviewed by the scholarship committee. Only applicants accepted to the program will be considered for a scholarship.

To be eligible for acceptance, you must have the following:

• LL.B. or J.D. degree from an accredited foreign institution of higher education recognized by HebrewU; note that applicants with degrees from France must have the M1 in addition to an LL.B.
  Minimum B average (85/100 or equivalent)
  Demonstrated knowledge of English

In addition to your online application, you will be required to submit the following documents:

1. Academic Records: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited foreign institution of higher education with a B average (85/100 or equivalent) or above. Applicants must submit transcripts and diplomas from all prior academic degrees.*
2. Proof of English Proficiency: A TOEFL exam score of 80 or above, IELTS exam score of 6 or above, Amir exam score of 220 or above, or Amiram exam score of 120 or above. **
3. A CV and Statement of Purpose
4. One Academic Recommendations
5. An Academic Paper in English (may be a final paper submitted for a university course or sample of your legal writing).
6. Photocopy of your Passport ID page
7. A Medical Form and Disclaimer Form (US citizens only)- both forms may be downloaded from the application website.

All documents may be uploaded to your application directly or sent to gradmiss@savion.huji.ac.il as email attachments.

* Students who submit scanned copies of their academic records may be accepted to the program conditionally, pending submission of original academic records.

** If you have completed a degree at a university at which English is the sole language of instruction, or if you have completed a degree in English Language and Literature, you can request an exemption. You must submit documentation from your university verifying English as the language of instruction. Exemption is not automatic and is determined on a case-by-case basis.