UCL Department of Hebrew and Jewish Studies

Our MA in Modern Israeli Studies has two basic objectives. The first of these is to provide a comprehensive introduction to the history, politics culture and literature of the State of Israel. The second is to look at the development of Israel within the wider context of the Middle East and in particular the Arab-Israeli Conflict. The Graduate Seminar in Modern Israeli Studies is the core component of the MA and is taught by four scholars who are internationally recognised experts in the fields of Israeli politics, Zionism, Israeli literature and Soviet Jewish history. In addition to the compulsory seminar many students choose to study the optional Arab-Israeli course, or the course in comparative peacemaking in Israel and Northern Ireland, both of which compliment the Graduate Seminar in MIS.

The MA has a language requirement (Hebrew or Arabic), reflecting the department's belief that serious work in Israeli Studies is difficult without the appropriate language skills. Recognising that many applicants will not have had the opportunity to study an appropriate language, the department permits them to take the degree on a part-time basis over two years, which will include supplemental language study, ordinarily Modern Hebrew. Arrangements, however, can also be made for students to study Arabic

Students may enrol in the degree on a full-time (one year) or part-time basis (two years). The programme consists of one core module (30 credits), three optional year-long modules (or their equivalent in half-year classes)(90 credits) and a research dissertation of up to 15,000 words (60 credits). The classes are ordinarily assessed by essays and a final examination, although some half-year classes are assessed only by written work. The taught component of the degree is offered during the three academic terms, from October to June. Students ordinarily write their dissertation in the summer to meet a due date of mid-September.

Students who are taking the degree on a part-time basis, over two years, take two taught classes in the first year, and one taught class in the second year, in addition to writing their dissertation.

Students who are taking the degree on a part-time basis in order to meet the language requirement take two taught classes in their first year, as well as a language class. This class must be completed satisfactorily in order to receive the degree. In the second year candidates take one taught class and write their dissertation. They may continue language study if they so wish.

The department believes that it is difficult to pursue Israeli Studies at an advanced level without appropriate language skills. At the same time we recognise that not all applicants, otherwise qualified for admission, have had the opportunity to acquire language skills. The department will admit such students and provide them with the opportunity to study an appropriate language from among the wide range of the department's offerings. The department offers elementary language instruction in modern Hebrew. Part-time students have the opportunity to continue their language study into the second year. 

The department is a major centre for teaching and research devoted to the politics of the state of Israel, with special emphasis on the Arab-Israeli Conflict and the Peace Process, which is studied from a comparative approach. Modern Hebrew and modern Yiddish language and literature are well-represented in the departmental offerings, with Gender Studies constituting a special teaching and research focus The department is strong in Jewish history, especially the modern history of the Jews in Central and Eastern Europe, the history of Zionism, and the history of the Holocaust. In any given year, students will find a variety of courses on offer that reflect the department's special strengths.

HJS staff and their research specializations.

Each candidate for the MA is required to write a thesis with a maximum length of 15,000 words. It should, at least in part, be based upon original research and primary source material. The objective is to train students in research techniques that can be applied in future employment, or as preparation for working towards the research degrees of MPhil or PhD. Research councils increasingly demand that candidates for admission to research degree programmes have adequate training. It is one of the objectives of the HJS MA to provide this, so the degree is excellent preparation for further academic work.

Students are expected to select their thesis topic early in the second term, in consultation with a member of staff who will supervise their work. Most students use the summer period to research and write their thesis, which is submitted at the end of the academic year.

Financial assistance for MA candidates is available through The Ian Karten Charitable Trust Scholarships which provide four scholarships per annum to a maxium value of £1,000 each for students enrolling in the MA programme of the department. Candidates who wish to be considered for these scholarships should contact the Graduate Tutor. They should also consult the booklet, Sources of Funding for Graduate Students.

Applicants for the MA in Modern Israeli Studies are normally expected to have an upper second class of BA degree in an appropriate arts or social science subject, although students who have qualified in other subjects will be considered. North American students should normally have at least a B+ average for their undergraduate work.

Applicants should have strong letters of recommendation from two referees who know their academic achievements and potential well. They must also write a short description of their background and skills, as well as their reasons for pursuing the degree.

Students for the MA in Modern Israeli Studies are expected to demonstrate knowledge of a relevant language, usually Modern Hebrew or Arabic. They may also present another language if it is applicable for their field of research. Students without the requisite language skills can be admitted on a part-time basis, with the proviso that they undertake language study during the first year of their programme.

MIS students who have earned an MA have embarked upon a variety of careers. Some have pursued an academic career at the university or secondary school level. Others are active in community service organizations, both Jewish and non-Jewish. Graduates of the MA programme have found it an excellent foundation for a professional degree in Law. Whatever career path graduates might choose, they will be helped by a degree from a university recognised as one of the best in the world.