Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem offers a comprehensive Bachelor's Degree in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the history, culture, religions, and political developments of the Middle Eastern region. This interdisciplinary program combines courses from history, religious studies, anthropology, political science, and literature to offer a well-rounded perspective on the complex societal dynamics of the Middle East, including the Islamic world. Students will explore the historical emergence and development of Islam, the diverse cultures and civilizations within the Middle East, and contemporary issues facing the region today. The program emphasizes critical analysis, language proficiency, and comparative studies to enable graduates to interpret the social and political realities of this geopolitically significant region. Students are encouraged to study regional languages such as Arabic and Hebrew to deepen their understanding and engagement with primary sources. Throughout their studies, students benefit from the university’s extensive academic resources, expert faculty, and vibrant intellectual community. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, diplomatic service, international organizations, journalism, and cultural diplomacy, or to continue their studies at the graduate level. The program aims to foster a nuanced understanding of the Middle East, promoting scholarly excellence, cultural awareness, and a commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding across cultures.

In the M.A. in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies program, you will gain a breadth of knowledge in the field through courses in history and other fields in the humanities such as Islamic archaeology. Literary Arabic is a strong focus of the program, and your goal will be to become proficient by the end of the academic year.
The M.A. Program in Islamic and Middle Eastern studies consists of required courses (including a historiography seminar), elective courses, and up to 12 hours per week of literary Arabic study (depending on your level) over three consecutive semesters. You also have the option to study additional languages.

Credits

The M.A. in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies consists of 36 credits over 3 consecutive semesters.

Courses

Provided as an example only and subject to change:

Required Courses 
• Seminar in Historiography
• Introduction to the Middle East: Adjustment and Change in Modern Times
• Islam and State
• Departmental Seminar (topic varies; in 2016/2017, the topic is Global Jihad: Ideology and Politics)

Elective Courses from the Following Areas
• History of the Modern Middle East
• Early Islamic History and Cultural Legacy of Islamic Societies

Recent course list:
o Islamic Archaeology of Palestine and Syria
o Selected Problems in Islamic History and Civilization
o Colonialism in the Middle East
o The Palestinian Arabs under the Mandate
o The Maghrib: Politics and Society in Contemporary North Africa
o Social and Cultural History of Modern Egypt
o Turkey’s Regional Foreign Policies: Changing Ties with the Middle East, the EU, and Israel
o The History of Modern Iraq: The Quest for the State and the Search for National Identity

Languages

Literary Arabic

• As a new student, you are required to take an Arabic placement exam, prior to the start of the program. The exam will be sent to you upon submission of your application to the program.  
• The beginners level will take place prior to the autumn semester as an intensive course called Foundations in Literary Arabic (120 academic hours over the course of 5 weeks).

• The intermediate level is offered for 12 weekly hours during the autumn semester. Successful completion of Foundations in Literary Arabic or results of the placement exam grant entry into the intermediate level. 

• The advanced level is offered for 12 weekly hours during the spring semester. Successful completion of the intermediate level or results of the placement exam grant entry into the advanced level.

• If you have an advanced level of Arabic, you can expect to join the spring semester Advanced Literary Arabic course. 

• If you place above the advanced course, you can expect to study 2-4 hours per week (autumn and spring semesters) in an advanced reading course of Arabic texts. (This information is subject to change)
• You must pass the advanced course in Literary Arabic to graduate.
• Completion of Advanced Literary Arabic is a requirement of the degree, but does not count towards the 36 credits.

Colloquial Arabic

Colloquial Arabic is not offered at the graduate level.

Students interested taking Colloquial Arabic through the Division of Undergraduate Students must obtain permission from said Division and follow their academic and administrative policies. Availability is limited and priority is given to undergraduate students. 

Colloquial Arabic courses do not count towards the degree.  

Additional Language Courses

Courses in other Middle Eastern and Islamic languages are available through the Faculty of Humanities, such as:
• Modern Turkish
• Ottoman Turkish
• Persian
• Relevant European languages (i.e., French or German)
(The language of instruction of these courses is Hebrew)

Modern Hebrew 

Although not a requirement of the degree, basic knowledge of Modern Hebrew will enrich your experience in Israel. You have the option to enroll in Modern Hebrew courses offered in the autumn and spring semesters. You may also enroll in the Modern Hebrew Summer Ulpan (intensive Hebrew language training) prior to the start of the academic year for an additional fee. Modern Hebrew courses do not count towards your degree credit requirements.

Seminar Papers 

At least two of the papers you will submit are seminar papers. Seminar papers are required for the degree, but do not count towards the credit requirements. 

Thesis

As a student in the M.A. in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, you are not required to write a thesis. 

If you wish to write a thesis, you have the option to do so by extending your studies at the Hebrew University for at least an additional year to pursue one of two research-oriented tracks in the Department of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies in the Faculty of Humanities.

Qualified students with a Bachelor's degree from accredited institutions of higher education are eligible for admission to the program. Admission is competitive and is based on transcripts and letters of recommendation. Students must have:

• at least a 3.2 ("B") grade-point average or the equivalent

• a relevant background in Middle Eastern and Islamic studies

Knowledge of English: Applicants are required to submit official TOEFL, IELTS, or Amir scores. The minimum TOEFL score is 89 on the internet-based test. The minimum IELTS score is 7. The minimum Amir score is 220. 

Applicants who have completed a full degree (a minimum of four years) taught solely in English at a recognized institution of higher education may request to be exempted from the English proficiency exams. Applicants who have completed a B.A. in English Language and Literature may request an exemption provided that they submit documentation from their university stating that the language of instruction is English.  Exemption is not automatic and is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Financing studies for the Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies program at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem are designed to support students through a variety of funding sources and financial aid options. The university offers scholarships, fellowships, and grants specifically aimed at students pursuing studies in Middle Eastern and Islamic disciplines. These financial aids are often merit-based and may also consider need, as well as academic achievements and research potential. Additionally, students are encouraged to apply for external funding sources, which may include government grants, international organizations, and private foundations focused on Middle Eastern studies or Islamic scholarship. The Hebrew University provides guidance and support through its scholarships office and financial aid center to assist students in identifying suitable funding opportunities and navigating the application process. Some scholarships are renewable annually, contingent upon the student’s academic performance, while others are a single award. Students are also advised to explore teaching assistant positions and research assistant roles, which may include stipends or tuition waivers. The university's dedicated financial aid programs aim to make education accessible and to reduce the financial burden on students, enabling them to focus fully on their academic and research pursuits. Overall, the financing options are comprehensive, reflecting the university’s commitment to fostering advanced scholarship in Middle Eastern and Islamic studies, and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder capable students from pursuing their academic goals at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The Program in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the multifaceted history, culture, languages, and politics of the Middle East and Islamic world. The program is designed to provide students with a deep knowledge of regional histories, societies, and religions, emphasizing critical analysis and multidisciplinary methodologies. Students engage with a wide array of academic disciplines, including history, political science, anthropology, geography, religious studies, and languages such as Arabic, Persian, and Turkish. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in academia, government, international organizations, journalism, and cultural diplomacy. The program features courses taught by renowned scholars specialized in Middle Eastern studies, offering insights into contemporary issues such as conflicts, diplomacy, social movements, and economic development, alongside traditional topics like classical Islamic civilization, medieval and modern history, and linguistics. The university's strategic location in Jerusalem facilitates unique access to historical sites, archives, and cultural institutions, enriching students' experiential learning. Moreover, the program encourages research and fieldwork, including archaeological expeditions and community engagement projects, fostering a nuanced understanding of the region's complexities. Graduates of this program are equipped with language proficiency, analytical skills, and regional expertise, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to policy analysis, academic research, and intercultural dialogue. The program also offers various seminars, workshops, and conferences that promote scholarly exchange and collaboration with international researchers. Overall, the Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies program at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem aims to prepare students to understand and critically evaluate the development of Middle Eastern societies within a global context, balancing traditional studies with contemporary issues to produce well-rounded, knowledgeable experts in the field.