Uncovering Human Prehistory

What allowed the earliest humans to leave Africa and colonize every corner of the world? Did Homo sapiens and Neanderthals meet and interact? Why is the Near East the cradle of agriculture and domestication?  

The Hebrew University’s MA in Archaeology & the Ancient Near East – Prehistory Section tackles these questions and more, exploring the evolutionary, genetic, and cultural forces that shaped early human history. From the earliest stone tools of the Paleolithic to the agricultural revolutions of the Neolithic, the program provides a deep dive into the prehistoric era—before the advent of writing—when humans first developed the technologies, behaviors, and adaptations that set the stage for civilization. Situated at a historical crossroads, Israel offers an unparalleled setting for investigating these milestones through cutting-edge research and hands-on archaeological experience.

World-class Faculty & Research Facilities

Taught by leading researchers in the field, the program combines cutting-edge theoretical studies with hands-on archaeological experience at key excavation sites. Students gain access to the Institute of Archaeology’s state-of-the-art facilities, 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.

Program Structure

The M.A. program comprises 36 credits completed over two consecutive semesters, plus a summer excavation.

• Specialization courses: 18 credits
• Core courses: 16 credits
• Digital humanities: 2 credits

Academic Requirements

Students must complete all courses for credit, with grades based on either exams or written papers. Additionally, they are required to submit two seminar papers.

Pathways for Advancement

This is a non-research track MA program completed in one year. Upon successful completion, students may apply for the research track in the following year, which includes writing an MA thesis.

Career & Networking 

Alumni of the program will be well-positioned for further academic studies, including pursuing a Ph.D. at institutions in Israel and abroad or transitioning to a research track with a thesis. They will also be prepared for professional careers in archaeology, museums, antiquities management (such as the Israel Antiquities Authority), 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. Yossi Zaidner, head of the International Master Program in Prehistory, head of the Laboratory for study of Human Cultural Evolution in the Institute of Archaeology, Director of the Tinshemet Cave and Nesher Ramla excavations in Israel and Soi Havzak excavations in Tajikistan, and a specialist in the Paleolithic archaeology and prehistoric stone-tool production technology. 

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 leading scientific journals such as Science and Nature, and 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

The program tuition is US$11,400 for exchange students and 31,229 ILS for Israeli students and New Olim.

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. Yossi Zaidner, Program Head: yzaidner@mail.huji.ac.il

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

Program Website >>

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Program Details

Career & Networking 

Graduates of this program will be well-equipped to pursue doctoral studies and academic careers, as well as non-academic positions in education, counseling, social service, community development, diplomatic service, inter-religious relations, and more.

Teaching faculty

Our faculty members are renowned experts in their fields with extensive teaching and research experience.  

Your Opportunity to Study in two world Renewed institutions

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

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.

The University of St Andrews

With 500 years of history, the School of Divinity (also known as St. Mary’s College) at St. Andrews has a rich tradition of academic excellence. 

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have an internationally accredited bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 83 or above.

· CV including personal details and history of education and employment to date 

· Personal statement (optional) 

· Sample of original, single-authored academic work (2,000 words) 

· Two original, signed academic references 

· Official academic transcripts

· BA degree certificate  

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

· a TOEFL exam score of 94 or above

· an IELTS exam score of 7 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, can request an exemption. 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.Tuition & Scholarships

Hebrew University’s tuition for the first year in Jerusalem is US$24,000.
St Andrews tuition for the second year in St Andrews is £21,000.

Students are eligible for a variety of scholarships at Hebrew University. More information can be found on the SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID page. 

Further Information

Academic Inquiries: Prof. David Satran

Administrative inquiries: Program Coordinator

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Program Details

Since its beginning as one of the world’s first civilizations to its contemporary status as the most populous country on earth, China has had a profound influence on global politics, culture and the economy. Through a strongly interdisciplinary curriculum, Hebrew University's MA in China Studies program offers students the opportunity to become experts in this country.

Combining fields of study and research methodologies in the humanities and social sciences, the program embarks on an academic expedition of China, beginning with Chinese history, archaeology, philosophy, intellectualism, political dogma, economy, anthropology, law, and China’s interactions with Asian and European cultures in the pre-modern era. The program continues with an in-depth discussion of the country’s traditional, modern and contemporary culture, society and politics.

The comprehensive curriculum is taught by prominent faculty members of the Department of Asian Studies, the oldest in Israel, and is complemented by opportunities for scholarly exchange in the form of international workshops, conferences and guest lectures by world-renowned scholars.

For additional information about the Graduate Program in China Studies, please visit the program’s website.

Career & Networking 

As China’s economic and political influence has grown, governments, organizations and academic institutions around the globe are increasingly seeking to hire candidates who speak Chinese and possess a broad knowledge of contemporary China. Thanks to the interdisciplinary scope of the MA in Chinese Studies program, graduates have been able to pursue careers in all of the aforementioned sectors.

Hebrew University’s Department of Asian Studies offers numerous networking opportunities by cultivating relationships with other departments around the world and sponsoring student participation in a wide array of extracurricular activities, such as conferences, workshops and film screenings. 

Teaching Faculty

Faculty members of the Department of Asian Studies are renowned experts with extensive teaching and research experience, including:

• Prof. Michal Biran, an expert in the history of Inner Asia and a member of the Israeli Academy of Science and Humanities. Prof. Biran led the ERC-funded project “Mobility, Empire and Cross-Cultural Contacts in Mongol Eurasia,” and is the editor of The Cambridge History of the Mongol Empire (2 vols, forthcoming 2022).
• Dr. Tamar Groswald Ozery, a lawyer and an expert in contemporary China’s law and economy and the relationship between law, politics and economic development in contemporary China.
• Prof. Orna Naftali, an anthropologist specializing in modern and contemporary China. Dr. Naftali’s areas of expertise include children, youth and education; women, gender and the family; science and subjectivity; national identity, militarism and the nation-state; and rights and legal consciousness of children and youth in China.
• Prof. Yuri Pines, an expert in early Chinese political thought, traditional Chinese political culture, early Chinese historiography and the history of pre-imperial (pre-221 BCE) China.
• Prof. Gideon Shelach, an archaeologist who specializes in Northeast China. Prof. Shelach is currently heading the Fuxin Regional Archaeological Project in Liaoning province, as well as the ERC project “The Wall,” which focuses on walls in 10th-12th Mongolia and North China.

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. 

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must hold an upper-advanced level of English (a minimum TOEFL score of 80 or a minimum IELTS score of 6).

Applicants who did not major in Chinese studies at the BA level will be subject to additional requirements, namely the completion of the Chinese level of HSK4 or higher, an introductory-level course in Classical Chinese, and complementary courses in Chinese history.

Candidates who are interested in the research track should contact a potential supervisor for their MA thesis prior to their application. For a full list of faculty members, please click here.

For additional information regarding admissions, please visit the program’s website.

Tuition & Scholarships

Tuition is approximately US $10,500.

Applicants who are Chinese citizens may be eligible for scholarship support through the China Scholarship Council. The department itself may also offer scholarships. For more information, please contact the MA advisor, Prof. Michal Biran, at biranm@mail.huji.ac.il.

Further Information

Academic Inquiries: Prof. Yuri Pines, Department Head: Yuri.Pines@mail.huji.ac.il

Administrative Inquiries: Mrs. Kinneret Levy: kinneretl@savion.huji.ac.il

Program Website

Registration for the degree will open on February 2

Apply now

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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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A young state in the Land of the Bible, where ancient meets modern, secular meets religious, diverse cultures convene from across the globe, and conflict and coexistence converge – Israel is a country brimming with juxtapositions, making it a fascinating topic of study. In the MA in Israel Studies program, students learn to examine the historical processes that led to the creation of contemporary Israeli society and politics, the complicated relationships between the various populations that reside here, and the ways in which Israel copes with these challenges on a domestic and international scale.

This program incorporates courses from a wide range of academic disciplines, including history, sociology, anthropology, political science, international relations, economics, and religious studies. Students examine Israeli politics, media and geography through a hands-on approach, and benefit from the option to study Modern Hebrew intensively. For a full course list, please click here.

Program participants acquire critical thinking and writing skills and develop a multicultural perspective. By studying in Jerusalem, the historical center of the State of Israel, they benefit from close proximity to Israeli government offices and nonprofit organizations, sites of historical and religious significance, and a wealth of museums and archives.

Career & Networking 

The MA in Israel Studies program prepares students for a great variety of career fields, including education and academia, research and policy, diplomacy and advocacy, and journalism and consulting. Graduates of this program hold senior positions in foreign affairs, government administration, NGOs, journalism and academia.

Teaching Faculty

Students in the MA in Israel Studies program learn from renowned faculty, whose research covers a wide range of disciplines, including political science, sociology, international relations, communications, and Middle Eastern studies. The program’s lecturers are leading experts in their fields, such as:

Prof. Menahem Blondheim, program head and senior faculty member of the Department of Communication and Journalism, who specializes in the role of communication in American and Jewish history, as well as the history of media.

Prof. Gideon Rahat, senior fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute, whose expertise lies in electoral reform in Israel.

Prof. Noam Shoval, Professor at the Department of Geography and the Institute for Urban and Regional Studies, an expert in the spatial geography of ancient cities such as Jerusalem, Nazareth and Acre.

Faculty of Humanities

The Faculty of Social Sciences is Hebrew University’s largest faculty, with a total of 3,600 students studying toward undergraduate and graduate degrees. It is devoted to training future leaders by providing its students with a first-class education which includes practical, hands-on elements.

The Faculty of Social Sciences encompasses a broad spectrum of fields and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Undergraduate degrees are granted in nine different academic departments: Communication and Journalism, Economics, Geography, International Relations, Political Science, PPE (Philosophy, Political Science and Economics), Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology, and Statistics (with a focus on Data Science).  

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.

For more information on the Faculty, click here.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an internationally accredited university with a minimum GPA of 3.2 (B) or equivalent. Furthermore, they must have a high level of proficiency in English. If the applicant's native language is not English, or if they have not previously studied at an institute of higher education where the language of instruction is English, they must submit one of the following documents:

• a minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL test
• a minimum score of 6 on IELTS

Within 3 weeks of submission of all required documents, applicants will be informed of their admissions status via e-mail.

• CV
• Statement of purpose
• Two academic recommendations
• Photocopy of their passport
• Completed medical form
• Signed disclaimer form (U.S. citizens only)

Furthermore, they are required to submit the following supplementary documents:

• Transcripts and diplomas from all prior university studies

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

Tuition and Scholarships

Tuition is US$10,400. This includes the cost of the program, health insurance, and the option to study Modern Hebrew intensively during the autumn and spring semesters.

Students are eligible for a variety of scholarships as well as an early admissions discount. More information can be found on our Scholarships & Financial Aid page.

Further Information

Academic Inquiries: Prof. Menahem Blondheim, Program Head: mblond@huji.ac.il

Administrative Inquiries: RIS Division of Graduate Studies: gradmiss@savion.huji.ac.il

Program Website

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Program Details

Sacred to Jews and Christians alike, the Bible is one of the most influential books in human history.   Hebrew University’s MA in the Bible and the Ancient Near East equips students with the knowledge and skills to analyze the various layers of these scriptures and understand the region from which they originated, while living in the heart of the Land of the Bible.

Offered by Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School (RIS) in conjunction with the Bible Department at the Faculty of Humanities, the program focuses on contemporary Biblical studies (Hebrew scriptures) and provides grounding in Biblical Hebrew, with the option to study Modern Hebrew from beginner through advanced levels. Participants also acquire a sound knowledge of Akkadian, the lingua franca of the Ancient Near East, and the history and culture of the region. Moreover, students can choose to take courses in biblical archaeology and philology. For a full list of courses, click here.

Career & Networking 

Graduates of this program are well equipped to pursue doctoral studies and academic careers. Our alumni teach at leading institutions of higher education, including Harvard, Yale, Cambridge, and Brandeis. Additional career paths include education, community and religious leadership, museum and archive work, archaeology and preservation, and tourism, among others.

Teaching Faculty

Our faculty members are renowned experts in their fields with extensive teaching and research experience, including:

• Prof. Nili Wazana, Program Head, History of the Biblical period and classical prophetic literature.
• Prof. Michael Segal, Early Second Temple period literature, Qumran literature, and the Greek and Aramaic translations of the Bible.
• Prof. Baruch Schwartz, Priestly literature and classical prophetic literature.

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. 

A wide range of world-class research institutes are affiliated with the Faculty of Humanities, including the Institute of Archaeology, the Institute of Asian and African Studies, the Mandel Institute of Jewish Studies and the Department of Comparative Religion, among others. Each of these institutes houses centers that focus on specific topics, such as the Levtzion Center for Islamic Studies, the Ben-Zvi Institute for the Study of Jewish Communities in the East, the Minerva Center for Human Rights, and others.

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.

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, can request an exemption. 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.

Visit the program’s website for more information about the admissions process or apply here.

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

Tuition & Scholarships

Tuition is US$12,000 for full two-year program (students pay $6,000 each year).

Students are eligible for a variety of scholarships. More information can be found on the  Scholarships & Financial Aid page. For additional information regarding tuition and other costs, please visit the program’s website.

Further Information

Academic Inquiries: Prof. Nili Wazana, Academic Head: nili.wazana@mail.huji.ac.il

Administrative inquiries: RIS Division of Graduate Studies: gradmiss@savion.huji.ac.il

Program Webpage

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Program Details

The English Department at Hebrew University offers a prestigious graduate program for the study of literature in English, including British, American, Irish, Canadian and South African works. Students in the MA in English program can choose from a number of subspecialties, among them Elizabethan drama, Renaissance and Restoration poetry, the Victorian novel, twentieth-century literature and literary theory. The faculty members approach literary texts from a wide variety of perspectives (formal, thematic and historical) and foster originality and curiosity bolstered by the most rigorous research methodology and writing skills.

The courses offered in the MA program showcase the faculty’s latest research interests. While offerings change from year to year, recent programs have included seminars on the pastoral genre, Irish modernism, posthumanism, eco-criticism, childhood in Victorian culture, 9/11 fiction, the Vietnam War in literature and film, and feminist theory, as well as single-author courses on Milton, Shakespeare, Dickens, Joyce, Nabokov and J. M. Coetzee. For a list of 2021-2022 courses, click here.

The MA program meets the highest international standards and prepares students to compete with postgraduates from top universities worldwide. Students benefit from numerous international exchange opportunities as well as exclusive partnerships with international summer schools (Dickens Universe, California; Beckett Summer School, Dublin; Shakespeare Summer School, Verona).

Career & Networking 

Graduates have found employment in various fields such as education, journalism, publishing, translation and editing. Others have been accepted to the best doctoral programs in North America, the UK and Israel.

The faculty members are active participants in international societies and have regularly sent students to prestigious international summer schools and global workshops, where they have many networking opportunities.

Teaching Faculty

The English Department has a long-standing reputation of research excellence and is home to leading scholars in the study of Shakespeare, Milton, Dickens, Hardy, Conrad, Joyce, Woolf, Beckett, Flann O’Brien, Nabokov and Coetzee, as well as contemporary American literature and literary theory.

The teaching staff in the MA program includes:

• Galia Benziman, Associate Professor of English, whose research focuses on the Victorian novel, nineteenth-century childhood, and the elegy.
• Louise Bethlehem, Associate Professor of English, whose research interests include South African literature, post-apartheid texts, and cultural studies.
• Ruben Borg, Associate Professor of English, whose research explores Irish Modernism, twentieth-century philosophy, posthumanism, and Dante’s influence on modernist writers.
• Sanford Budick, Emeritus Professor of English, who has written books on Shakespeare, Dryden, eighteenth-century poetry, Milton and Kant, and more. 
• Micha Lazarus, Senior Lecturer in English, whose research explores Renaissance literature, Elizabethan drama, the reception of classic texts, and English literary history.
• Yael Levin, Associate Professor of English, whose research interests include modernism, postmodernism, narratology, and disability studies.
• Naomi Mandel, Associate Professor of English, whose research focuses on contemporary American literature, the aesthetics of violence, and culture of the digital age. 
• Leona Toker, Professor Emerita of English, whose research focuses on narratology, Vladimir Nabokov, ethics and literature, and the eighteenth and nineteenth-century English novel.

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. 

Admissions Requirements

Proficiency in the English language is a compulsory requirement for admission. Additionally, candidates who do not possess an exemption from the mandatory examination, or those who have been accepted on the basis of completing pending requirements, are required to participate in an accompanying workshop.

Applicants are welcome to contact the MA Advisor, Prof. Borg, at ruben.borg@mail.huji.ac.il for more information about the admissions process.

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

Tuition & Scholarships

Tuition for a full two-year MA Program is approximately US$10,000.

The English Department offers its students a variety of bursaries and prizes, in addition to scholarships for fully funded study trips to England, Ireland, California and Italy. For more information, please visit the Department website.

Further Information

Academic and Admissions Inquiries: Prof. Ruben Borg, Graduate Studies Advisor: ruben.borg@mail.huji.ac.il

Program Website

Registration for the degree will open on February 2

Apply now

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Program Details
Germany is the largest economy in Europe, ranks as the world’s most innovative country and has the third largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites of all states. Still, as a leader in global and European affairs, the country is facing considerable challenges related to immigration, climate change, security and energy. This MA program analyzes how political, economic and cultural factors have shaped contemporary Germany, placing these factors within the European and global contexts and examining them from a historical perspective. Students will also consider these developments from the perspectives of Israel and the Middle East.

The program is part of Hebrew University’s European Forum and is affiliated with three faculties: Social Sciences, Law and Humanities. In addition to mandatory basic and methodological courses, five specialization tracks are offered: Politics and Economy, Law and International Relations, Geography and Urban Studies, History and Sociology, and Literature, Philosophy, Culture, and the Arts. 

Students can choose one of two study options: a non-research track or a research track with a thesis. In the non-research track, students choose three out of the five specializations, while in the research track, they choose two specializations. The program places great emphasis on providing students with opportunities for acquiring practical experience, for example, through travel courses, student exchanges, simulations and internships.   

Knowledge of the German language is not a prerequisite for admission to the program; in order to graduate, however, students must complete level B 1.2 according to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference).

Click here for more information.

Career & Networking 

The breadth and depth of the MA program gives students the tools for a promising career in the public, business or academic sectors. Alumni have gone on to fill a variety of positions, including with Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Defense, have become parliamentary assistants to members of the European Parliament, lobbyists and employees with EU consulting firms, as well as members of the Israeli Delegation to the European Union. In preparation for entering the job market, students are offered an internship with an organization or agency whose work is related to their field of study, while also receiving academic advising for their internship project.

Students take part in the many conferences and workshops organized by HUJI’s European Forum and host researchers from German universities. Research students also enjoy opportunities to travel to international conferences and workshops.

In addition, the program has an active alumni network, through which employment opportunities and other news is shared.

Teaching Faculty

The program’s top-notch academic faculty comes from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds and together they provide a rigorous multi- and interdisciplinary curriculum.

The program’s academic head is Prof. Gili S. Drori of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. Prof. Drori is also the Director of the European Forum of Hebrew University.

Dr. Tobias Ebbrecht-Hartmann of the Department of Communications and Journalism is the program’s advisor and an expert in German culture and art.

Faculty include academics and practitioners with vast knowledge and experience in such fields as Israeli-German relations, German civil law, European nationalism, German foreign policy, and European Jewry. Students also benefit from a variety of courses taught by guest faculty from top universities in Europe and North America.

For additional information on the program’s faculty, please visit the program’s website.

The European Forum at the Hebrew University

The European Forum comprises research centers, graduate study programs and research funds. It is a multi- and interdisciplinary intellectual community bridging among the social sciences, humanities and law, and its administrative management is anchored in the Faculty of Social Sciences. The following centers are part of the Forum: the Helmut Kohl Institute for European Studies, the DAAD Center for German Studies, the Center for Austrian Studies, the Center for the Study of Italian Culture, the Paul Desmarais Center for the Study of French Culture, and the Marjorie Mayrock Center for Russian, Euro-Asian and East-European Research. The common interest of all the centers is European integration in its broader sense, involving historical perspectives and comparative methods.

The European Forum’s teaching and research activities focus on important long-term processes in Europe, and on European integration and its nexus with Israel and the Middle East. Besides the program in Contemporary Germany Studies, it also offers a graduate program in European Studies.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the master’s program in Contemporary Germany: Politics, Society and Culture must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum 80 (3.0 GPA) average, and must demonstrate English proficiency.

For additional information regarding admissions, please visit 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

The program’s tuition fee is US$ 10,000.

Various scholarships are available, including full tuition scholarships, distinction scholarships, scholarships for German-language summer courses in Austria, funded student exchange programs, subsidized study excursions to Europe, internships in Israel and Europe, and student integration in research groups and international conferences.

For additional information regarding tuition fees and other costs, please visit the program’s website.

Further Information

Academic Inquiries: Prof. Gili S. Drori, Academic Head:
gili.drori@mail.huji.ac.il

Administrative Inquiries: Ms. Elisheva Moatti, Program Coordinator:
elishevam@savion.huji.ac.il

Program Website

Registration for the degree will open on February 2

Apply now

Request more info

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Program Details

The realities of Jewish life in the Diaspora are continuously shifting, and the Melton Centre for Jewish Education is moving in new directions to adapt and to strengthen Jewish education in communities worldwide. Educators are confronted with tough questions like: Who is an educated Jew? What are the goals of Jewish Education today and how can we meet them? What is the role of Jewish educators?  The International MA in Education program at Hebrew University prepares Jewish and non-Jewish educators who reside outside of Israel for tackling topics like these with the aim of strengthening Jewish communities abroad. Students can choose between a study track in English or one in Spanish\ Portuguese. 

Offered at the Melton Centre for Jewish Education, the program is adapted to the needs of specialists who are unable to commit to an extensive period of study in Jerusalem, and is therefore taught as a blended on-site and distance learning course extending over one or two years. Most of the course load is taught remotely and students typically spend several weeks of intense learning in Jerusalem. The MA is designed for educators in both formal and informal frameworks who are interested in Jewish education and its dialogue with the social sciences, educational philosophy and Jewish and Israel studies. 

The program focuses on three main areas: the philosophy, sociology and psychology of Jewish and Israel education, the teaching of Jewish texts, and entrepreneurship and innovation in Jewish Education. For a full list of courses, click here for English and here for Spanish / Portuguese.

Career & Networking 

Most program alumni work in the field of Jewish education frameworks, including Jewish day schools, religious schools, community organizations, Israel advocacy groups, and congregations.

Teaching Faculty

Courses at the Melton Centre of Education are taught by some of the world’s leading experts in Jewish education.

Dr. Marcelo I. Dorfsman, Program Head, specializes in technology-mediated education and distance learning. Aside from his teaching activities at Hebrew University, he advises educational institutions in Israel and Latin America on educational technologies for teaching.

Dr. Michael Gillis is the Director of the Melton Centre for Jewish Education. His areas of expertise include the teaching of rabbinic literature and the philosophy of Jewish Education. He previously served as Director of Teacher Education at the Shlomo Fox School of Education and as Head of the Education Program at Revivim, an honors program that trains outstanding future teachers in Jewish education.

The Melton Centre for Jewish Education at the Shlomo Fox School of Education

The Melton Centre for Jewish Education at the Shlomo Fox School of Education is an academic center for the study of Jewish education committed to supporting Jewish culture and heritage. Its mission is to foster cutting-edge research and educate future leaders, scholars and practitioners in all fields and forms of Jewish education.

The Centre is an inclusive, diverse and egalitarian academic body, where empirical and theoretical knowledge are developed and applied for the benefit of Jewish communities around the world. Through its educational activities, the Melton Centre is committed to the fostering of vital contacts between diverse Jewish ideologies and religious streams, while at the same time cultivating relations with other world religions and cultures.

Admissions Requirements

The Melton Centre for Jewish Education at the Shlomo Fox School of Education is an academic center for the study of Jewish education committed to supporting Jewish culture and heritage. Its mission is to foster cutting-edge research and educate future leaders, scholars and practitioners in all fields and forms of Jewish education.

The Centre is an inclusive, diverse and egalitarian academic body, where empirical and theoretical knowledge are developed and applied for the benefit of Jewish communities around the world. Through its educational activities, the Melton Centre is committed to the fostering of vital contacts between diverse Jewish ideologies and religious streams, while at the same time cultivating relations with other world religions and cultures.

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

In addition, a letter of recommendation from an educator or an educational institution and a statement of purpose must be submitted.

For more application information, please visit 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

Tuition is approximately 11,000$ for those who intend to complete the program in one year.

For additional information, please visit the Tuition Costs & Fees page.

Information on scholarships can be found on the Scholarships & Financial Aid page.

Information on Melton scholarships can be found here in English and here in Spanish / Portuguese.

Further Information

Academic Inquiries: Dr. Marcelo Dorfsman, Program Head: marcelo.dorfsman@mail.huji.ac.il

Administrative Inquiries: info@universityinisrael.com

Program Website in English

Program Website in Spanish

Program Website in Portuguese

Registration for the degree will open on February 2

Apply now

Request more info

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Program Details

Under the aegis of the Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School (RIS) and the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Institute for Jewish Studies, this two-year Master’s in Jewish Studies program provides in-depth knowledge of Jewish history, language, literature, culture and philosophy. Students enjoy an intimate learning environment, with small classes taught in English by leading experts in the field.

The flexible nature of the program, which includes a large number of elective credits, allows students to design a program of study best suited to their specific interests within the field of Jewish studies. In addition, the program provides students with a solid foundation in Modern Hebrew. Students with a high enough level of Modern Hebrew proficiency may enroll in courses taught in Hebrew and immerse themselves in a Hebrew-speaking environment, alongside their Israeli peers.

The curriculum is divided into two main periods: ancient to early medieval, and late medieval to modern. Courses cover such topics as Second Temple Judaism, the Bible in the eyes of Jews, Christians and Muslims, the works of Maimonides, Jewish mysticism, Zionism, and the Holocaust.

Students benefit from Hebrew University’s extensive academic resources, such as the National Library of Israel, located on the Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram.

Career & Networking 

Graduates of the program are well positioned for careers in academia, secondary education, religious and community leadership, tourism, archiving and museum-related work. Many of our alumni continue on to advanced academic degrees (mostly PhDs), in Israel and abroad.

For additional information, please visit the program’s Career & Alumni page.

Teaching Faculty

Courses in the MA program are taught by world-class experts in a range of disciplines, including history, languages, philosophy and religious studies. The head of the program, Dr. Yakir Paz, specializes in Hellenistic Judaism, Roman and Rabbinic law, Rabbinic biblical commentaries, theological polemics in Antiquity, Jews and Christians in the Sasanian Empire and Syriac literature.

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. 

The MA in Jewish Studies is offered in conjunction with the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Institute for Jewish Studies, a research hub since 1924. The Mandel Institute is responsible for overseeing all teaching departments and research centers devoted to the pursuit of Jewish studies at Hebrew University. It is affiliated with over 20 smaller research institutes, including the Orion Center for the Study of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Steven Spielberg Jewish Film Archive, the Vidal Sassoon International Center for the Study of Antisemitism, the Franz Rosenzweig Minerva Research Center for the Study of German-Jewish Cultural History, Thought and Literature, and the Jewish Music Research Center.

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 hold a bachelor’s degree from an internationally accredited university with a minimum 3.2 average (B). They must also demonstrate English proficiency through a TOEFL exam score of 80 or above, or a minimum IELTS score of 6.

Late admissions: April 1 - August 31, 2022

The upcoming program is scheduled to begin in October, 2022.

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

Tuition & Scholarships

Tuition is US$6,000 for each of the two years of study ($12,000 total).

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

We offer a variety of scholarships, including an early admission scholarship. More information can be found on our Scholarships & Financial Aid page.

Further Information

Academic Inquiries: Dr. Yakir Paz, Program Head: yakir.paz@mail.huji.ac.il

 Administrative Inquiries: RIS Division of Graduate Studies: gradmiss@savion.huji.ac.il

Program Website

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This one-year multidisciplinary degree, taught entirely in English, is offered by Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School (RIS) in conjunction with the Department of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies at the Faculty of Humanities. 

Courses cover a variety of topics such as state and religion in the lands of Islam, interrelations between Jews and Muslims, the history and archaeology of Jerusalem during the Islamic periods, and the relations between Israel and Middle Eastern countries.

The program includes a rigorous Modern Standard Arabic curriculum. Since nearly 40% of Jerusalem’s inhabitants are native Arabic speakers, students also enjoy the opportunity to put their language skills to practice on a daily basis. Additionally, the faculty of Humanities offers courses in Modern Turkish, Ottoman Turkish, and Persian.

Career & Networking 

Graduates of the program continue on to positions in government service, NGOs, journalism, academia and other areas. Alumni have worked for news outlets and academic journals such as Haaretz, i24News, Der Spiegel and the Mexican Journal of Political and Social Sciences. Others have pursued advanced academic degrees, both in Israel and internationally.

For additional information, please visit the program’s Career & Alumni page.

Teaching Faculty

Dr. Tawfiq Da’adli, academic head of the program, is an archaeologist and art historian whose research interests include important sites in Jerusalem such as the Mamilla Cemetery, the al-Qaymuriyya Mausoleum, the quarters around the Cotton Merchants’ Market and the Beit HaBad Market.

Additional key lecturers include Prof. Meir Hatina and Prof. Ron Shaham. Prof. Hatina is the head of both Hebrew University’s Department of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies and the Levtzion Center for Islamic Studies. His work focuses on martyrdom in Islam and Arab liberal thought. Prof. Shaham’s fields of expertise include Islamic law and society, Islamic family law and the legal status of non-Muslims in the modern Middle East.

Faculty of Humanities

The Faculty of Humanities at the 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.  

A wide range of world-class research institutes are affiliated with the Faculty of Humanities, including the Institute of Archaeology, the Institute of Asian and African Studies, the Mandel Institute of Jewish Studies and the Department of Comparative Religion, among others. Each of these institutes houses centers that focus on specific topics, such as the Levtzion Center for Islamic Studies, the Ben-Zvi Institute for the Study of Jewish Communities in the East, the Minerva Center for Human Rights, and others. 

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 hold a bachelor’s degree from an internationally accredited university with a minimum 3.2 (letter grade B) average. They must also demonstrate English proficiency through a TOEFL exam score of 80 or above, or an IELTS score of 6 or above.

Application Deadlines

Early admissions: November 1 - December 31, 2021

Regular admissions: January 1 - March 31, 2022

Late admissions: April 1 - August 31, 2022

The upcoming program is scheduled to begin in October, 2022.

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

Tuition and Scholarships

Tuition is US$11,400.

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

A variety of scholarships are available, including an early admission scholarship. More information can be found on our Scholarships & Financial Aid page.

Further Information

Academic Inquiries: Prof. Michael Shenkar, Program Head: michael.shenkar@mail.huji.ac.il

Administrative Inquiries: RIS Division of Graduate Studies: gradmiss@savion.huji.ac.il

Program Website

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