M.A. in Israel Studies

The State of Israel is a complex mix of ancient and modern, sacred and secular, east and west, conflict and coexistence. Through the M.A. in Israel Studies – offered by the Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School (RIS) in conjunction with the Departments of Political Science, Sociology and Anthropology – you’ll examine the historical processes that led to the creation of contemporary Israeli society and politics, the complicated relationships between the various groups that live side by side in Israel, and the ways in which Israel copes with these challenges domestically and abroad.

The program incorporates courses from a wide range of academic disciplines, including history, sociology, anthropology, political science, international relations, economics and religious studies. You will engage with Israeli politics, media and geography in a hands-on way and have the option to study Modern Hebrew intensively.

Structure

The program runs from October – June. During that time, you will take a combination of required and elective courses. Modern Hebrew study is optional but strongly encouraged.

Credits

The M.A. in Israel Studies consists of 36 credits over two consecutive semesters.

Courses

2020/2021 Course Catalog

Information about the M.A. in Israel Studies starts on page 40 of the above catalog. Please note that the program is subject to change. The information provided in the catalog will help you get a sense of the structure of the program and kinds of courses we offer, but changes are made from year to year.

If you have a high enough level of Modern Hebrew proficiency, you may also choose graduate-level courses taught in Hebrew at the Departments of Political Science, Sociology and Anthropology, Journalism and Communications, International Relations, and History. Such courses must be approved by your academic advisor.

Seminar Papers

You will submit at least two seminar papers, for which you will earn a total of 8 credits toward the 36 credits of the degree.

Modern Hebrew

Knowledge of Modern Hebrew will grant you access to Israeli society and primary source material. You’ll have the opportunity to study Modern Hebrew for 10 hours per week during the autumn and spring semesters, for an extra fee. Modern Hebrew courses are optional and do not count as credit toward the degree.

If possible, we encourage you to obtain at least Level Gimmel in Hebrew by the end of your M.A. studies, so that you can read Hebrew texts. Learn more about the Hebrew levels.

We also encourage you to attend the Summer Ulpan (intensive Hebrew language training) prior to the start of the autumn semester, as it will help you advance quickly through Modern Hebrew. This is particularly true for students who have little or no prior knowledge of Modern Hebrew.

Enrollment in Modern Hebrew courses (both the Summer Ulpan and autumn/spring semester courses) is not included in the M.A. tuition and involves payment of an extra fee.

Additional Language Studies

If you wish to study an additional language, you may do so with approval from your academic advisor. You may also request your advisor’s approval to use half of the credits you earn by studying an additional language toward the degree requirements; such requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Please note that some language courses are not included in the M.A. tuition and may involve payment of an extra fee.

Thesis

As a student in the M.A. in Israel Studies, you are not required to write a thesis.

Optional Thesis Year

If you wish to write a thesis, you may do so by enrolling for an additional year (or more) at the Hebrew University as a special research student of the Faculty of Social Sciences. You must complete all M.A. program requirements before the Faculty of Social Sciences will admit you as a special research student. Admissions to the optional thesis year is determined by the Faculty of Social Sciences and is not guaranteed. Admissions is contingent upon academic performance, finding a thesis advisor, and meeting other eligibility criteria for a research track in the selected department.

Departments

You must select an academic department in which to continue your studies and find a thesis advisor. You may inquire about writing a thesis in the following departments:

• Department of Sociology and Anthropology
• Department of Political Science

Additional Courses

You should obtain up-to-date information from the department you select regarding their requirements for writing a thesis. Should you be admitted, you may be required to take additional courses in preparation for drafting your thesis, as per host department’s policy.

More Information

For more information, please contact us.

As a student in the M.A. in Israel Studies program, you will study with an experienced group of faculty who lead research in a wide range of disciplines, including political science, sociology, international relations, communications, and Middle East studies.

Prof. Menahem Blondheim, the academic head of the M.A. program, is a senior faculty member of the Department of Communications and Journalism. Prof. Blondheim specializes in the role of communication in American and in Jewish history, as well as the history of media.

Prof. Gideon Rahat, who researches electoral reform in Israel and is a senior fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute, and Prof. Noam Shoval, the provost of the Rothberg International School and an expert in the spatial geography of ancient cities such as Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Acre, also teach courses in this program.

Our graduates go on to pursue careers in a wide range of fields in the public and private sectors, as well as in academia, both in Israel and abroad.

Click here to see what our alumni from recent years have been doing.

“Every course that I’ve taken here at RIS has intrigued me and deepened my quest for learning.”
Jae-Ryoung Julie Lee of Korea
M.A. in Israel Studies (June 2017)

Read more about our students’ experiences.

Extracurricular Activities & Student Support

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.

Apply by: 

• Early admissions: November 22, 2020 – January 5, 2021
• Regular admissions: January 6 – April 29, 2021
• Late applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, until September 12, 2021.

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.

Early Admissions Tuition Payment and Scholarship

• A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to students who apply to the program by January 5, 2021, are accepted, pay $1,500 towards their tuition by February 5, 2021, and pay the remainder of their tuition by April 7, 2021.
• An additional $250 scholarship will be awarded to students who apply to the program by January 5, 2021, are accepted, and pay their tuition in full by February 5, 2021 (total scholarship amount of $1,250).

All students must pay $1,500 towards their tuition by May 13, 2021, and must pay the remainder of their tuition by June 10, 2021.

Regular Admissions Tuition Payment and Scholarship

• A $200 scholarship will be awarded to students who apply to the program by April 29, 2021, are accepted, and pay tuition in full by May 13, 2021.

All students must pay $1,500 towards their tuition by May 13, 2021, and must pay the remainder of their tuition by June 10, 2021.

Cancellation Policy

Applicants who complete their tuition payment and then decide to cancel their enrollment in the program before October 10, 2021 will receive a full refund, but will be charged a $500 withdrawal fee. Applicants who are forced to cancel their enrollment in the program due to COVID will receive a full refund and will not be charged a 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, 2021; check the academic calendar for exact dates.

Program length: Three consecutive semesters (autumn, spring, and summer); October, 2021 – June, 2022; check the academic calendar for exact dates. Students who wish to prolong their studies may enroll as M.A. Extended Year Students for an additional fee.

For financial information, see Tuition & Fees for Graduate Students.

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. Tuition for international students is US$ 2,425. Tuition for Israeli citizens is NIS 7,770. Housing is available for the Summer Ulpan for an additional fee of US$ 1,640. See Summer Ulpan Programs for more information.

Housing

A limited number of on-campus student apartments are available. See University Housing for more information. See Tuition & Fees for Graduate Students for cost.

Fees & Refunds

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

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships, based on merit or demonstrated need, are available. See Scholarships and Financial Aid for more information.

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

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education recognized by HebrewU
• 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: 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. Two Academic Recommendations
5. Photocopy of your Passport ID page
6. 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.

** 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.

Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions for Accepted Students or Frequently Asked Questions for Applicants to M.A. Programs page.