The International School’s MA in English Literature at Bar-Ilan University is a comprehensive two-to-three-year program designed to deepen students’ knowledge of internationally recognized literary works and authors. The degree, taught fully in English, provides an expansive exploration of British and American literature while developing the high-level academic writing and research skills required for advanced professional and academic environments.
You will engage with a wide range of historical and theoretical contexts, focusing on literature ranging from classical texts to contemporary works. Beyond rigorous training in literary theory and advanced academic writing, this degree is the only program of its kind to actively integrate the study of Jewish literature and thought.
The Department of English Literature and Linguistics offers the unique opportunity to combine traditional academic literary studies with specialized courses in literary translation and creative writing. If you are seeking to improve your craft, the Shaindy Rudoff Graduate Program in Creative Writing offers a dedicated Master’s degree pathway with specialized focus on poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, and literary translation.
Graduates of this program are well-prepared to pursue diverse career opportunities in publishing, professional writing, literary translation, education, and continued academic research at the doctoral level.
* Applicants whose BA is not in English literature must complete assigned prerequisite courses (hashlamot) in English and American literature and achieve a minimum grade average of 80 to be officially accepted as full students in the program.
Submit your initial application to the Department of English Literature and Linguistics via the Slideroom platform by October 10, 2026. You will need to prepare and upload the following materials:
Step 2: University Registration
Once you receive an official email from the Department of English Literature and Linguistics recommending your acceptance, you must complete your registration through the university’s general online system by October 15, 2026.
Important Notice: Applicants who register and pay the fee through the university’s general online system before securing departmental approval will not receive a refund if they are subsequently rejected by the department.
Non-Thesis Track
This option allows you to combine literary studies with courses in translation or creative writing. Students complete the degree through a selection of coursework and academic papers. It includes:
Thesis Track
Intended for students with exceptional critical writing skills who wish to conduct independent research. Working under the supervision of a faculty advisor, students complete fewer courses to focus on writing a comprehensive MA thesis, which can serve as a strong foundation for a future PhD application.
How to Apply: Students wishing to switch to this track must apply at the end of their first year by writing to the graduate coordinators, Dr. Carra Glatt and Prof. William Kolbrener. The department’s Graduate Committee will review your progress and approve the transition based on your demonstrated level of academic writing. It includes:
Application for graduate degrees taught in English 2026-2027
International School
Bar-Ilan University
Ramat-Gan, Israel 5290002
Tel: +972- 3-738-4245
Email for further information
[email protected]
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