MA in Archaeology & the Ancient Near East: Prehistoric Section

This program is dedicated to exploring human evolution and cultural development during prehistoric periods, with a particular emphasis on Israel and the wider Middle East. As one of the leading global centres for research on human prehistory and evolution, Israel offers an ideal setting for this program. The focus will be on the region’s prehistoric past, with particular attention to archaeological, biological, and archeozoological findings from Israel. Students will have the opportunity to specialize in various areas of prehistory, including stone tools technology and use, application of microscopic and 3D analyses in study of stone tools, human skeletal morphology, geoarchaeology, and study of animal bones.

The program is offered in conjunction with the Hebrew University’s Institute of Archaeology, which houses the Levant’s most significant prehistoric collections, forming the core of the curriculum. Additionally, the university’s Institute is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and technology that support advanced research in prehistoric studies.

Courses will be taught by internationally renowned experts in human biological and cultural evolution, prehistory, and ancient DNA. The Hebrew University is a leader in these fields in Israel, with many ongoing excavations both within Israel and internationally.

In the classroom, students will learn from esteemed faculty members, while in the field, they will gain practical experience by participating in major excavations and surveys. Students will also benefit from the cutting-edge facilities at the Institute of Archaeology, including the Laboratory for the Study of Human Cultural Evolution (featuring microscopic facilities), the Human-Environment Dynamics Laboratory (featuring facilities for geoarchaeological research), Computerized Archaeological Laboratory (featuring 3D scanning), the Laboratory for Archaeological Materials and Ancient Technologies, and the renowned Collection Room hosting major stone-tool collections from the Levant.

Structure
The program comprises 36 credits completed over two academic semesters, and excavations at major prehistoric site during the Summer semester.

Courses
TBA

Seminar Papers
You will submit at least two seminar papers. Seminar papers are required in order to graduate but do not count towards the program’s credit requirements.

The academic faculty of the Institute of Archaeology is composed of leading authorities in the field of Prehistoric Archaeology. They offer courses on a wide variety of topics, such as stone tools, human evolution, archaeozoology, among others.

Prof. Yosef Zaidner is the academic head of the Prehistoric Section. Prof. Zaidner specializes in Human cultural and behaviour evolution during the Lower and the Middle Palaeolithic; Modern humans & Neanderthals interactions; origins of modern humans; early hominins dispersals and colonization of the Levant; origin of the Levallois technology.

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.

Regular admissions

Application period: January 1 – June 1, 2025
Application fee: $ 120
Tuition payment by: within 3 weeks from acceptance.

Late admissions

Application period: June 2 – August 1, 2025
Application fee: $250

The deadlines to apply for our various other scholarships may differ. Please check our Scholarships and Financial Aid page.

Cancellation Policy

Applicants who complete their tuition payment and then decide to cancel their enrolment in the program will receive a full refund, but will be charged a withdrawal fee, as follows:

Cancellation by June 1, 2025: $250 withdrawal fee

Cancellation by August 1, 2025: $500 withdrawal fee

Cancellation by October 14, 2025: $750 withdrawal fee

For information about withdrawal fees after October 19, 2025, please refer to our Tuition Fees & Refunds page.

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

Program length: October, 2025 – August, 2026. Check our academic calendar for exact dates.

Fees & Refunds

For information about tuition, health insurance, and housing fees and refunds, see our Tuition Fees & Refund page.

Scholarships

A number of merit and need-based scholarships are available. See our Scholarships and Financial Aid page for more information.

For tips and ideas regarding scholarships and financial planning from our current and former students, see our How Did You Finance Your Studies pamphlet.

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

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education recognized by the Hebrew University
• 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:

• Academic Records: Applicants must submit transcripts and diplomas from all prior academic degrees.
• Proof of English Proficiency: A TOEFL exam score of 80 or above, IELTS exam score of 6 or above, or Amiram exam score of 120 or above. *
• A CV and Statement of Purpose
• Two Academic Recommendations
• Photocopy of your Passport ID page
• A Medical Form and Disclaimer Form (the latter for US citizens only) – both forms may be downloaded from the application website.

All documents may be uploaded to your application directly or sent to gradiv2@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 Applicants to M.A. Programs page or Frequently Asked Questions for Accepted Students.