About

The Department of Politics and Government at Ben-Gurion University has developed a unique graduate program which examines the different ways in which global and local processes have formed numerous sites of conflict both within Israeli society and in its relations with its neighbors.  As researchers and teachers, these are some of the issues we focus on:

• The politics of space and territory as a site conflict both internally and between Israel, the Palestinians and several neighboring countries
• The nature of different social and political identities within Israeli society, and how these identities have become sites of contestation
• Welfare policies and the growing socio-economic inequality as a site of conflict
• Migrant workers, Palestinian laborers, and the construction of multiple borders within Israeli cities
• Israel's democratic institutions and the ongoing struggle to maintain human and civic rights
• Language and cultural rights as ongoing sites of struggle

Together, we aim to impart to our students a growing concern for the politics of conflict in Israel and the Middle East, and to help them develop the necessary intellectual, analytical and professional skills to understand social processes and what it would take to bring about political and economic change.

Length 

The program offers two study routes: with thesis and without thesis. Both MA routes can be completed within a year.

Opportunities

Internationally recognized qualification

o     Ben-Gurion University is one of the top academic institutions in Israel and its qualifications are recognized internationally.

o     Our program is part of European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).  The credits received by students for the courses within the framework of our program are recognized by leading European universities. 

Excellent Training

o     Our students are trained for both careers in research, governmental and non-governmental institutions.

Intellectual Environment

o     Our students benefit from participating in seminars, conferences and debate groups (in English) organized by the Politics and Government Department as well as by other departments in BGU.

Networking Opportunities

o     Meetings with Israeli and foreign politicians, scientists and social activists.

Social Environment

o     Our students come from different parts of the world: US, South Africa, Europe and Israel.

Study Tours

o     Study tours offer the students an opportunity to learn about various sites of conflict in Israeli society.