Master Program in International Studies

The Ibrahim Abu-Lughod Institute of International Studies offers an interdisciplinary MA, which is earned through the study of its four major fields: International Relations, History, Politics, International Economics, and International Law. This MA program is composed of 36 credit hours and gives students the opportunity to choose one of two tracks: either to write an MA Thesis or to register for two seminars. In the latter track, students have to have an internship in one of the related institutions and to have a comprehensive oral exam.

Admission Requirements
It is preferred that applicants be specialized in Social Sciences, History, Economics, Development, or Law.

Program Requirements:

Students must finish 36 credit hours and they are set as the following:

a. Core courses (15 credit hours):
All students enrolled in the program must complete 15 obligatory credit hours, which are:

INST630 Methodology and Thesis Preparation

INST631 Theory of International Relations

INST634 International Relations since 1914

INST637 Principles of International Economics

INST731 Principles and Application of International Law

b. Electives (15 credit hours):
Students must Choose 15 credit hours from the following courses:

INST632 Comparative Politics

INST633 Public Administration

INST635 The Diplomatic History of Palestine in the 19th and 20th Century

INST636 The Arab World and the West in the Twentieth

INST638 The Political Economy of Development

INST730 Comparative Foreign Policy

INST732 International Organizations

INST733 Jurisdiction and Implementation in International Law

INST735 Special Topic

* Students may take a maximum of six credit hours (two courses) from other MA programs at Birzeit University ; however, prior approval of the International Studies Program is required. In addition, students can take one of the BA fourth-year courses but with the condition that they have not studied such course during their BA degree.

c . Research Component: To successfully complete the research component by following either track A or B:

After finishing, at least 12 credit hours from the program requirements Students may apply for choosing between the two tracks. Then the Institute’s Council takes a decision regarding that.

Track A: Thesis ( INST 860): (6 credit hours).

Track B: Two Seminars (Non Thesis )

- Topics in the International System ( INST 830)

- The Arab World in International Politics ( INST 831)

- Complete a practical internship.

- Pass the general comprehensive oral exam.