MA in Biblical Studies

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This two-year MA program will grant you the basic tools for the scientific study of the Hebrew Bible. The program will be taught entirely in English by leading experts.

We invite you to join students from all over the world who are studying this timeless text with globally-renowned lecturers and researchers, in the land where it all happened. Here, you will enjoy the unique experience of highest-level academic rigor in an atmosphere of respect and appreciation for the Bible and what it has contributed to humanity.

The Bar-Ilan University Bible Studies Department is dedicated to the teaching and critical study of the Hebrew Bible according to its original meaning. The department also specializes in the study of traditional biblical interpretation, including the ancient translations, Second Temple literature, rabbinic sources, and medieval and early modern Jewish commentators. Study in the department imparts tools for linguistic, historical, archaeological, literary, and theological approaches to the text.

Students can choose to start their studies in March or October each year.

Department Website

Application for Undergrad\Grad Studies for 2025-2026 will open on February 2nd

  • BA degree or equivalent from an accredited institution
  • GPA of at least 3.0
  • CV
  • Letter of Intent (for an example click here)
  • Fluency in English**

**All applicants applying to the MA in Biblical Studies’ English program who are from non-English-speaking countries or are non-native speakers of English must provide proof of English proficiency. Applicants can do so by submitting official and original test scores for IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge exams.

The applicant’s English proficiency tests scores must show one of the following:

  • CEFR at the B2 level.
  • IELTS Academic: 6.5. All test components need to be in the B2 range. We do not accept IELTS General Training.
  • TOEFL (paper): 550 or TOEFL iBT (internet): 79, all test components need to be in the B2 range.

Take Note

Students must upload their proof of English proficiency documents with the other required documentation during the registration process.

Students whose university BA is in another discipline or who have come from outside the university are often required to enroll in supplementary courses in Bible, prior to commencing study on the Master’s level.

  • Second Temple Literature – Prof. James Kugel
  • Inscriptions from the Biblical Period – Prof. Esther Eshel
  • The Dead Sea Scrolls – Prof. Eyal Regev
  • The Biblical Story – Prof. Isaac Gottlieb
  • The Bible in Light of the Ancient Near East – Dr. Nili Samet
  • Biblical Hebrew – Dr. Jeremy Bajema
  • Computer Applications in Biblical Research – Dr. Leeor Gottlieb
  • The Ark of the Covenant – Dr. Raanan Eichler
  • Ethics in the Bible and the Ancient Near East – Dr. Jeremiah Unterman
  • War and Peace in the Hebrew Bible – Dr. Shira Golani
  • The Book of Genesis – Dr. Zvi Shimon
  • The Book of Samuel – Dr. Shira Golani
  • The Book of Kings – Dr. Raanan Eichler
  • The Book of Jeremiah – Dr. Jeremiah Unterman
  • Wisdom Literature – Dr. Nili Samet
  • Ruth and Esther – Prof. Isaac Gottlieb
  • Studies in the Septuagint – Dr. Leeor Gottlieb
  • Jewish Biblical Commentaries – Prof. Eric Lawee
    Click here for a list of courses offered in English.

Interested students can participate in field trips organized by our sister department, Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology. These are not mandatory, but participation in them will be recognized by the Bible Department as fulfilling academic requirements. These trips are a wonderful opportunity to learn about the Land of the Bible by walking through its amazing landscape.

International School
Bar-Ilan University
Ramat-Gan, Israel 5290002
Tel: +972- 3-738-4245
Email for further information
[email protected]

  • Archaeology: Engaging in archaeological research or fieldwork related to biblical sites, contributing to the understanding of ancient cultures and texts.
  • Cultural Institutions: Positions in museums, historical societies, or cultural centers that focus on biblical history and artifacts.
  • Teaching: Opportunities to teach biblical studies in high schools, religious schools, or universities, often within programs related to religious studies or humanities.
  • Religious Leadership: Positions within synagogues, churches, or other religious institutions, potentially leading to roles such as rabbi, pastor, or spiritual educator.

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