MA in Creative Writing at Bar Ilan University

 

 

Students can choose between the following specialization tracks: fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction. Students take part in one-on-one mentoring for completing their creative thesis in their chosen track.

 

This program is unique in its focus on Jewish literary writing. During their studies, students participate in various writing workshops, graduate seminars, and conferences featuring international writers. These help students develop as emerging writers and provide a supportive and encouraging creative environment.

 

- Read about: Graduate Degrees Taught in English in Israel

 

 

The program spans two years. It is conducted in English and offered in a thesis track only.

 

Throughout their studies, students must participate in three graduate seminars, three to four creative writing workshops, the Jewish Arts seminar (this seminar is required during the first year), and one or two Jewish studies courses (or general electives). In addition, they must complete their graduate thesis.

 

 

Here are several examples of courses in this program:

 

- Crafting fiction.

- Poetic genres and forms.

- Multi-genre hybrid writing.

- Poetry of witness and documentary poetry.

 

 

Faculty members are internationally recognized researchers and writers, who have published their works in both the academic and creative arenas. Faculty members support and assist students throughout their studies and thesis-writing.

 

 

The application process for this program comprises several steps. First, applicants must apply to the program in creative writing and supply all necessary materials, including:

 

- A writing sample, containing 4000-5000 words for the fiction and creative non-fictions tracks, 10-15 poems for the poetry track, or a translation into English of 2500-3000 words of prose of 15-20 poems plus a 150–250-word explanation of the translation work (Regarding the author, significance, the translation process, and more).

- Letters of recommendation from professors of employers.

- A transcript of all undergraduate and graduate work.

 

Next, applicants must apply through the university’s online application.

 

 

Graduates receive an M.A. degree in creative writing from Bar Ilan University.

 

 

International and Israeli students seeking academic programs in English can find various other undergraduate and graduate tracks at Bar Ilan University. Among the subjects offered for master’s degree are master’s in linguistics, M.A. in translation and interpreting, M.A. in Jewish philosophy, bM.A. in political science (in a new online program in Middle Eastern and religion politics), and more.