Program Details
Hybrid study options available for 1 semester

The Hebrew University’s M.A. in Archaeology & the Ancient Near East provides a unique, concentrated opportunity to examine the history and culture of the Land of Israel during the Bronze and Iron Ages.  Students become acquainted with the main topics and methodologies in the fields of archaeology, regional history, and ancient texts and languages.

The program combines intensive courses taught by leading experts with hands-on field experience at major excavations and surveys throughout the country. Students also have access to the cutting-edge facilities of the Institute of Archaeology, including the Computational Archaeology Laboratory (with 3D scanning), the Laboratory for Archaeological Materials and Ancient Technologies, and the Institute’s renowned Collection Room.

Students enroll in the non-research track, which comprises one year of study, and upon successful completion of the program may proceed to a research track in the following year, which includes writing an M.A. thesis.

Career & Networking 

Alumni of the program are well-positioned for further degree studies and academic careers in archaeology, as well as for professional careers in museums, education and tourism.

Teaching Faculty

Courses in the M.A. program are taught by internationally acclaimed experts in a range of disciplines, led by Prof. Naama Yahalom-Mack, head of the Department of Archaeology of the Biblical Period, co-director of the Tel Abel Beth Maacah excavations, and a specialist in archaeometallurgy.  

Faculty of Humanities

The Faculty of Humanities at Hebrew University is committed to shedding light on civilizations past and present as revealed through history, language, literature, religion, philosophy, music, art and material culture. The numerous prizes and grants received by the academic staff – including Israel Prizes and ERC grants – attest to the high quality of research and teaching for which the faculty is known. 

Founded in 1934, the Institute of Archaeology is an independent research and teaching unit within the Faculty of Humanities. Since its inception, it has been involved in major archaeological endeavors and interdisciplinary research programs. Many of the excavations conducted by faculty members are reported and published in the institute's Qedem Series.

This program is run collaboratively with Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School (RIS). Over 2,000 students from 90 countries worldwide convene in Jerusalem each year to participate in RIS programs, ranging from intensive language courses to short-term courses, internships, study abroad, and full-fledged MA degree programs offered in English. RIS’ innovative programming, diverse community, and rich student life offer an unforgettable, transformative experience for students of all backgrounds and academic pursuits.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have an internationally accredited bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 80 or above on the Israeli scale (or the equivalent).  Continuation to the research track is conditional upon completing the non-research M.A. program with an average grade of 90 or above. 

Candidates must also demonstrate a high level of English proficiency by providing one of the following documents:

• a TOEFL exam score of 80 or above
• an IELTS exam score of 6 or above
• an Amir or Amiram exam score of 120 or above

Applicants who completed degrees at universities at which English is the sole language of instruction, as well as applicants who completed degrees in English Language and Literature, may request exemption from this requirement. Such applicants must submit documentation from their university verifying English as the language of instruction. Exemption is not automatic and is determined on a case-by-case basis.

For more information , please refer to the program’s website.

For detailed information on admission requirements, based on the country where you completed your undergraduate studies, please click here.

Tuition & Scholarships

Program tuition is US$11,400. Additionally, the participation fee for the mandatory summer excavation is US$1,570.

For further information, please visit our Tuition Costs & Fees page.

Scholarships, based on both merit and demonstrated need, are available. Please see our Scholarships & Financial Aid page for more information.

Further Information

Academic Inquiries:  Prof. Naama Yahalom-Mack, Program Head: naama.yahalom@mail.huji.ac.il

Administrative Inquiries: Division of Graduate Studies, Rothberg International School: gradmiss@savion.huji.ac.il

Program Website

 

 

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