Discover a world of opportunities at the School of Regional and Historical Studies. From pioneering research in our schools to specialized degree tracks, our diverse programs are designed to empower the next generation of global leaders and innovators. Explore our departments and find your path to excellence.
The University of Haifa in general and the Israel Studies Department in particular, is the appropriate place to be exploring the history of the State of Israel, Israeli society and the Jewish Diaspora. The department of Israel Studies at the University of Haifa, known for its academic excellence, had developed a challenging, interdisciplinary course of study. The campus is a living laboratory where Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, Bedouin and Bahá’í study side-by-side. Students will experience a dynamic, cultural mosaic where students of all ethnic backgrounds encounter and engage, becoming acquainted with each other and, even when disagreeing, learn to understand and respect each other. In this setting, students will experience the relevant issues of a multicultural, multiethnic society.
We invite you to be part of our academic life, to learn about Israel and to gain new friends from the entire spectrum of Israeli society.
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The International Master’s Degree (M.A.) Program in Jewish Studies at the University of Haifa Located at the top of Mt. Carmel with the north of Israel spread at its feet – Haifa University excels in the study of the Humanities with a strong social commitment. In recent years the University has reaffirmed its obligation for excellence in Jewish studies by reorganizing the department and expanding its faculty. Its unique location at the North of Israel facilitated the University's special expertise in regional studies: Archeology, Sociology and History of the Galilee; Maritime Archeology; (Mt. Carmel's) Pre-historical studies; and Mediterranean Studies.
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Join us for a fascinating and inspiring journey in the Master’s Program in Modern German and European Studies.
Our comprehensive curriculum dives deep into the complex interplay between historical, cultural, and geopolitical forces shaping contemporary Europe. You will expand your horizons while gaining the knowledge and analytical tools needed to open exciting career paths on the international stage. Become an expert in understanding the dynamic realities of modern Europe - with a special focus on Germany - and explore how Europe interacts with and influences global affairs.
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Studies in the Department examine the political, social, economic, and cultural development of European and American societies rooted in Greco-Roman traditions and Christian culture, as well as their interactions and connections with other regions of the world.
The Department offers undergraduate degrees (B.A.) in single-major or double-major tracks, Master’s degrees (M.A.) with thesis and non-thesis options, and Doctoral studies (Ph.D.).
The Department of Jewish History offers a integrated track combined with Jewish Thought. This unique synergy provides flexible, diverse, and innovative programs focusing on Jewish history and philosophy from the Biblical era to the modern day. Through exploring Jewish history, students gain insight into broader human culture and neighboring civilizations, examining how Jews contributed culturally, socially, and religiously to the world around them.
Our department studies and researches the history, politics, society, and culture of this dynamic and fascinating region. We dedicate a special focus to the study of Islam, both within the region and across the global Muslim world.
Because the Middle East is the immediate geographic and operational context of the State of Israel, we believe that an in-depth understanding of this region is essential to Israel's security, economic development, and social and cultural prosperity.
The Department of Israel Studies holds a uniquely advantageous position. The department’s strong research orientation, interdisciplinary approach, and location in Israel’s most multicultural city make it particularly compelling.
Through dynamic learning methods - including classroom instruction, educational field trips, and archive and museum visits - the department provides an in-depth understanding of the country's geography, human landscape, and the core processes that have shaped - and continue to shape - Israeli politics, society, and economy.
The department combines tracks in Jewish History and Jewish Thought to offer flexible, diverse, and modern programs focusing on Jewish philosophy and history from the Biblical period to contemporary times.
The Department of Biblical Studies invites students to deepen their knowledge of biblical history, the rich cultural background underlying the narratives, and the profound impact of the Bible on Jewish cultural expression.
The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including modern biblical criticism, the history of the biblical period (ancient Israel and the Near East), biblical Hebrew and cognate languages, biblical theology and thought, textual criticism, ancient translations, traditional Jewish exegesis, and the central role of the Bible in Jewish history and culture.
The Be'eri Program is a unique undergraduate track offered by the University of Haifa within a double-major framework (completed alongside a second major of choice). Delivered over three years, the program features a consolidated study schedule of one full day per week (Tuesdays) in a fixed cohort of approximately 20 students. Admitted students receive a scholarship valued at 15,000 ILS.
Designed for students seeking academic rigor paired with personalized mentorship, the program explores the fundamental forces shaping Israeli society, economy, and politics. Its interdisciplinary curriculum combines coursework in sociology, philosophy, history, and economics to provide a comprehensive, holistic understanding of three intersecting spheres: modern Israeli reality, historical Jewish legacy, and global perspectives.
The Ruderman Program for American Jewish Studies is an M.A. program exploring a wide range of topics related to American Jewry, American society, and its long-standing, vital relationship with the State of Israel and Israeli society - both past and present.
The curriculum includes a ten-day academic study tour to the United States, providing direct engagement with the American Jewish community, interactions with Jewish-American students and prominent public figures, museum visits, and guest lectures. The program is tailored for outstanding students who possess fluent English skills and wish to deepen their understanding of American Jewry through an exceptional academic and intellectual experience.
The Interdisciplinary Unit for Polish Studies serves as an academic hub promoting knowledge of Poland—its history, culture, economy, politics, and society. The Unit offers a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary courses alongside a dynamic research framework for graduate students across departments focusing on pre-modern and contemporary Polish history, literature, culture, art, political thought, and economics.
HIUPS implements joint Polish-Israeli scientific projects, facilitates student and faculty exchanges, hosts academic conferences and guest lectures, and organizes public cultural events. The Unit also offers Polish language instruction across multiple proficiency levels, as well as competitive scholarships and research grants for outstanding graduate and postdoctoral researchers conducting high-level research related to Poland and its cultural sphere.
Designed to expand and deepen knowledge of religious traditions and phenomena, this Master’s program equips students with systematic, comparative, and specialized research approaches in the study of religion. The curriculum explores diverse religious systems - past and present—focusing on their social, spiritual, ritual, and experiential dimensions to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of religion as a global phenomenon.
Students specialize in a chosen discipline to prepare for advanced research, enrolling through one of the participating departments within the School of Historical Studies (General History, Jewish History, Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies, Israel Studies, or Art History).
A joint initiative of the "Acharai!" NGO and the University of Haifa, this dual-major B.A. program combines Political Science and Jewish History for "Acharai!" alumni and young adults passionate about social and public engagement.
The program aims to cultivate principled, high-caliber leadership equipped to shape Israel’s public sphere.
Offered jointly by the Department of Jewish History and Biblical Studies and the Weller Fund, this prestige scholarship track supports outstanding undergraduate applicants with full tuition coverage plus a monthly living stipend.
Designed for students taking Jewish History and Biblical Studies alongside another major, the program features specialized coursework, small cohort learning, and dedicated academic mentorship. Admission is highly selective with limited spots available.
