Graduate
MA in Creative Writing
Program Overview
Small class size workshops with internationally-recognized faculty
Bar-Ilan University is a magnet for emerging writers from all backgrounds and from all over the world.
The two-year Shaindy Rudoff Graduate Program in Creative Writing offers specializations in Literary Fiction, Poetry or Creative Nonfiction. It is the only creative writing program in the world that also introduces Jewish literary writing and is the only English-language Jewish writing and creative writing program in Israel.
The program includes a full year of one-on-one mentoring for the purpose of completing a creative thesis in one of these tracks. Internationally-recognized faculty members are well published both in creative and scholarly arenas. Student workshops are small and focused, which supports and encourages a true mentoring bond between students and faculty. In addition to the dynamic courses and workshops, the program organizes conferences and seminars for the general public, featuring international writers.
How to Apply
Step One- Apply to the Shaindy Rudoff Graduate Program in Creative Writing (Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry, Literary Translation)
In order to apply, please be prepared with all of the following materials. All materials will be uploaded on Slideroom. To apply for the 2022-23 academic year, please click the following link: https://englishbiu.slideroom.com
- Writing sample:
- For application to the fiction and creative non-fiction tracks: a writing sample of 4000-5000 words (from separate works or one long work).
- For application to the poetry track: 10-15 poems.
- For application to Literary Translation:
- A translation into English of 2500-3000 words of prose or 15-20 poems from any language + the original work in another language
- A 150-250 word explanation of the translation, in which you can tell us about the author, the significance of the piece, any translation challenges you had and how you overcame them, why you chose this work, or whatever else you’d like to share with us.
- Recommendation letters: Two letters of recommendation from professors or if unavailable, from employers. They must be on letterhead and signed.
- Transcript: When you apply to the program, you must send us a transcript. It need not be official. HOWEVER, if your application is approved by the program, you must then submit an OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT to the MA committee for all your undergraduate and graduate work. This transcript should be submitted directly to the MA office.
B. Step Two- Apply through the University’s General Online Application
Should you receive a notice from the Department of English Literature and Linguistics recommending your acceptance, you must then apply though the university’s general online system. You can do so by filling out the following form in English- https://inbar.biu.ac.il/Register/EditUser.aspx?formid=370 and can pay the application fee here- https://biuinternational.com/admissions/tuition-fees/.
NOTE : Under the section called “Maslul Limudim”, you should fill in the following: MA with Thesis- Creative Writing Program
Academic Program
- Three graduate literature seminars.
- Three to four graduate creative writing workshops.
- Participation in the Jewish Arts Seminar during the first year.
- Graduate thesis.
During the course of their degree, students are also required to take 1-2 Jewish Studies courses or 1-2 general elective courses.
Sample Course List
- Make It News: The Documentary Poem & Poetry of Witness.
- Crafting Fiction: A Workshop.
- Autobiography as a Literary Genre.
- Poetic Forms and Genres.
- Multi-Genre Hybrid Writing.
CONTACT INFORMATION
International School
Bar-Ilan University
Ramat-Gan, Israel 5290002
Tel: +972- 3-738-4245
Email for further information
Intl.info@biu.ac.il
Student Testimonial
“This is my fifth year studying at Bar Ilan. I loved my experience during my BA, where I met friends for life and professors who became role models and mentors for me. After graduating in Educational Counselling, I felt I had much more to learn here and got accepted to the Shaindy Rudoff Graduate Program in Creative Writing. One reason I enjoy studying here is that the university is culturally diverse. In class, we have students from Germany, South Africa, and India. As an American, I wanted a place where I could meet more Americans and Bar-Ilan has many students and programs for Americans.” Noah. Cincinnati Ohio
