Israel Studies

The Israel Studies program at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem offers students an in-depth exploration of the history, politics, culture, society, and heritage of Israel. Designed for scholars interested in understanding the complexities and multifaceted aspects of Israeli life and the broader Middle Eastern context, this program provides a comprehensive curriculum that combines historical analysis with contemporary issues. Students will engage with courses covering the foundational history of Israel, including its founding, major conflicts, and development as a modern state. They will examine key themes such as Israeli identity, nationalism, and multiculturalism, as well as political systems, security challenges, and international relations involving Israel.

The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating perspectives from history, political science, sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies. Students have the opportunity to participate in lectures, seminars, and field visits, gaining firsthand experience and insights into Israeli society. The curriculum also offers courses on Hebrew language, literature, and cultural heritage, enriching students' understanding of Israeli identity and societal narratives. Moreover, students can engage with contemporary debates surrounding peace processes, geopolitics, and diaspora communities.

Research projects and internships are encouraged, enabling students to connect academic knowledge with real-world applications and professional development. The program is ideal for students pursuing careers in international relations, diplomacy, journalism, academia, or cultural exchange focusing on Israel and the Middle East. With access to The Hebrew University’s extensive resources, libraries, and expert faculty, students are well-equipped to deepen their understanding of Israel’s social fabric and geopolitical significance. Graduates leave the program with a nuanced perspective and critical skills necessary for engaging thoughtfully with issues related to Israel and its region, preparing them for a variety of professional pathways or further academic pursuits.

The M.A. in Israel Studies program offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Israeli politics and society, incorporating history, politics, anthropology, culture, and religion. As a student in this program, you’ll read and analyze up-to-date texts and immerse yourself in the study of modern Hebrew.

Structure
As a student in the M.A. in Israel Studies, you will take a combination of required courses, electives, and Hebrew language courses over three consecutive semesters. You are required to complete two

levels of Modern Hebrew by the end of your studies. Participation in the Summer Ulpan (Hebrew language training) before the start of your program is not required, but is strongly encouraged because it allows you the opportunity to advance quickly in Modern Hebrew.

Credits
The M.A. in Israel Studies consists of 42 credits over three consecutive semesters.

Courses 
Provided as an example only and subject to change:

Required Courses
• Israel: Politics and Society 
• Introduction to the Anthropology and Sociology of Israeli Society: The Many Facets of Israel 
• Spatial Planning in Contested Spaces: The Case of Israel and Palestine 
• Touring Israeli Society: Jerusalem Majolica - Communities, Identities, and Intergroup Relations 
• Media, Culture, and Identity in Israel 
• Social Media and Blogging in Israel: Theory and PracticeElective Courses 

Recent elective courses:
• Social and Political History of the State of Israel from 1948 to Today 
• Israel from a Gendered Perspective 
• Israel's Defense Policy: The Limits of Military Power 
• The Holocaust and Beyond: Central Issues in History, and Their Impact on Western and Israeli Culture and Society 
• Israel, the West, and Radical Islam
• Theories and Approaches in the Study of Political Violence and Terrorism
• International Security Regimes in the Middle East
• Religion in Israeli Society
• Jewish Lifecycle through Israeli Film
• Palestinian Society in Palestine and the Diaspora: Trends of Social and Political Change

You may select electives from among the courses offered in Israel Studies and other related HebrewU graduate programs with the approval of the academic head of the program. If you have a sufficient level of Hebrew, you may also choose from graduate-level courses offered in the Departments of Political Science, Sociology and Anthropology, Journalism and Communications, International Relations, and History.

Seminar Papers
At least two of the papers you will submit are seminar papers. For these papers, you will earn a total of 8 credits towards the required 42 credits of the degree.

Modern Hebrew Requirement
You are required to pass two levels of Hebrew beyond the level at which you entered the program. (i.e., If you started the program at level Bet, you are required to complete levels Bet and Gimmel.) Modern Hebrew courses do not count towards the credits of the degree. If you complete additional levels of Hebrew beyond the requirement, you may request approval from your academic advisor to apply half of the credits earned from the extra Hebrew courses towards your degree's credit requirements. Such requests will be assessed on a case by case basis.

You are strongly encouraged to obtain at least level Gimel in Hebrew by the end of your studies so that you have the ability to read contemporary texts in Hebrew. Learn more about the Hebrew levels.

While it is not required, we strongly encourage you to attend the Summer Ulpan (intensive Hebrew language training) prior to the start of the program as it allows students to advance quickly through Modern Hebrew. This is particularly true for those who have little or no knowledge of Modern Hebrew.

Additional Language Studies
If you wish to study an additional language, you may do so with your academic advisor's approval. You may request approval from your academic advisor to use half of the credits you earn towardsyour degree requirements. Such requests will be assessed on a case by case basis.

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 Hebrew University as a special research student of the Faculty of Social Sciences.  All program requirements in the M.A. in Israel Studies must be completed before the Faculty of Social Sciences will admit special research students for studies.

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 current information from the department you select concerning the conditions for writing a thesis. You may be required to take additional courses in preparation for drafting your thesis during the extended year, as per the policy of the department where you will be hosted. During your extended year at Hebrew University, you will be required to complete all levels of Modern Hebrew (through level Vav). 

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

• a final grade point average of at least 3.2 (B) or the equivalent
• a relevant background in the areas of political science, sociology or anthropology

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

Exempted from this requirement are applicants who have completed a full degree (a minimum of four years) taught solely in English at a recognized institution of higher education. 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.  

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem offers a comprehensive financial aid program for students enrolled in Israel Studies. Funding sources include government scholarships, university-specific grants, private foundation grants, and student loans. Israeli citizens and residents benefit from various government-sponsored scholarships designed to promote higher education in the field of Israel Studies, including the Mila and Ori Yehudai scholarships, which support outstanding students demonstrating academic excellence and commitment to Israel-related topics. The university provides merit-based scholarships based on academic performance, which can significantly offset tuition fees and living expenses.

Additionally, the Hebrew University has partnerships with numerous private foundations and international organizations that offer fellowships, research grants, and stipends to students pursuing Israel Studies. These grants aim to support research projects, conference participation, and international academic collaboration. The university also encourages eligible students to apply for government student loan programs available in Israel, which offer favorable repayment terms and competitive interest rates to assist students in financing their education.

International students may have access to different scholarship schemes, often through bilateral agreements or specific grants targeting foreign students specializing in Middle Eastern studies and Israel Studies specifically. Moreover, many students fund their studies through part-time work opportunities available on-campus, such as research assistants, teaching assistants, or administrative roles, which provide valuable professional experience alongside financial support.

The university also offers tailored financial advice to help students identify suitable funding options and application procedures. In some cases, students are encouraged to seek external scholarships from organizations dedicated to Jewish studies, Middle Eastern studies, or Israel advocacy groups. Overall, the combination of university grants, external funding sources, and personal savings enables students to finance their studies effectively, ensuring access to high-quality education in Israel Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The Israel Studies program at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem offers students an in-depth exploration of the history, culture, politics, society, and contemporary issues related to Israel. This multidisciplinary program aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Israel's development from its historical origins to its current status as a modern nation-state. The curriculum includes courses in history, political science, sociology, literature, and Jewish studies, allowing students to gain a well-rounded perspective on Israeli society and its diverse populations.

Students have the opportunity to study both the internal dynamics of Israeli society and the country's relations with the broader Middle East and the world. The program emphasizes critical analysis and encourages students to engage with complex topics such as Israeli identity, conflict, peace processes, and cultural expressions. Field trips, guest lectures by prominent scholars and officials, and interactions with Israeli students are integral parts of the learning experience, offering practical insights and fostering a deeper connection to the subject matter.

The program is suitable for students interested in careers related to diplomacy, international relations, academia, journalism, or public policy. It attracts a diverse student body from around the world, creating an international and multicultural classroom environment. Students can pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees, with opportunities for research, internships, and study abroad programs in Israel, enhancing their practical experience and cultural understanding.

Particularly at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Israel Studies program benefits from close ties with leading research centers and institutes dedicated to Middle Eastern and Jewish studies. The university's location in Jerusalem provides unparalleled access to archaeological sites, museums, archives, and governmental institutions, enriching students’ academic experience. The program also strives to promote critical thinking about regional conflicts, peace-building efforts, and Israel's place in the global context.

Overall, the Israel Studies program at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem aims to cultivate knowledgeable, critically-minded, and culturally sensitive graduates who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to discussions and careers related to Israel and the Middle East.