MA Degree

Taught in English, the International Program in Conflict Resolution and Mediation is a one-year (three semesters), full-time program open to students interested in developing their knowledge and skills in the field of dispute resolution.

Designed for passionate students with strong educational backgrounds, significant professional drive and preferably considerable professional experience, our MA aims at offering a solid background to face conflicts and deal with their resolution.We offer students the opportunity to engage critically with international relations issues and social and political thought concerned with the study of conflict and peace and their applications to empirical case-study material.

Goals and Philosophy

In recent years the importance of conflict resolution as a subject both for academic research and for profession training and employment has been increasingly recognized. This trend is evident in the widespread research being published, in the amount of periodicals devoted to the field, and in the unprecedented flourishing of centers and programs for the study and instruction of conflicts and their resolutions, in Israel and abroad. Needless to say in Israel the subject is endowed with exceptional weight due to its ongoing conflict with its neighbors and its multitude of internal disagreements and disputes.

Due to the large number and variety of existing programs in this field, a major dilemma in the process of constructing the program was whether to establish a specialized program within a certain discipline or rather an interdisciplinary program. We have decided upon an approach in which the students are first exposed to the main theoretical perspectives and professionally-oriented principles of conflict resolution, while in the later stages they will be able to specialize in certain areas of conflict resolution according to their own preferences.

As a graduate degree program with an interdisciplinary approach, incoming students are expected to take an active role in their own education. From using the University's libraries to find required readings, to actively participating in classroom discussions, to providing feedback on the curriculum and program, we expect students to create their own connections between the topics presented and their interest in conflict resolution. The program's lecturers and administrators are at students' disposal for any advice or help they may need.

Duration

The MA runs over the course of three semesters - October 2012 to August 2013. Most classes will be given between Monday and Thursday although some specific seminars might require additional hours.
For more information on the academic calendar at Tel Aviv University, please click here.

Starting in 2012, students who complete the program will receive an MA graduate degree and a Certificate of Completion for their participation in our Workshop in International Mediation, both of which are issued by Tel Aviv University.

Please note that our Program does not offer the option of prolonging one's studies and completing the MA with a thesis.

For those interested in taking Hebrew classes (Ulpan), we recommend to come to Israel in July. Please click here for more information on Ulpan.

Curriculum

The uniqueness of this program lies first and foremost in its interdisciplinary nature; in exposing students to a variety of disciplinary approaches to the subject at hand such as legal, psychological, cultural, economic and political attitudes. Some topics related specifically to the Middle East, its history and conflict resolution dynamics will complete the program.

For more information on the Curriculum and Courses, please click here.

Fees and Expenses

Tuition for 2012/2013 is $16,500 for the entire studies (3 semesters). Tuition includes academic fees, access to campus libraries, academic trips throughout the year, health insurance, and membership in the Student Union.

We have a broad list of external scholarship options. MASA grants are also available for qualified applicants.

Summer Ulpan (6 weeks of intensive studies) costs $1450.