International Programme in Conflict Resolution and Mediation, Tel Aviv University’s one-year English-language MA starting in October 2009

We are pleased to present the new International Program in Conflict Resolution and Mediation, Tel Aviv University’s one-year English-language MA starting in October 2009. It has been created following the success of the Hebrew-taught Evens Program's MA in Conflict Resolution and Mediation that started six years ago and already has an outstanding reputation in Israeli academia.

This three semester program aims to offer students from around the world the opportunity to study the fundamentals of international conflict resolution. In response to the ever-increasing recognition in the academic world of the importance of conflict resolution, both as a credible research field and a field of practise, we intend to equip our students with the necessary academic and practical tools to address the assessment, management, and resolution of conflicts.

We are striving to attract a varied student body from all around the world, to create a dynamic and diverse environment comprised of a spectrum of experiences and perspectives.

Our interdisciplinary curriculum will expose the students to a comprehensive study of conflicts and their resolution from diverse perspectives; ranging from international law to psychological, political, cultural and economic perspectives, every relevant field will be incorporated during the first semester. During the second and third semesters, students will be able to choose from a variety of classes according to their interests. During the studies special focus will be placed on combining practical experience to the theoretical knowledge through simulations and workshops. The students will be guided throughout their studies by the negotiation and mediation skills that they will gradually cultivate. In addition, we are planning to offer a workshop on the UN and the Middle East: during the entire year, different UN representatives will introduce our students to their office’s role and goals, giving them insight about what happen “in the real world.” This collaboration will both enrich classroom dialogue and complement the students’ experience and in–depth research.

The faculty is comprised of outstanding lecturers from Tel Aviv University and other prestigious universities and expert practitioners, who will provide our students with the extensive knowledge and tools needed for venturing into the field of conflict resolution.

Many of our faculty members have been engaged in historical and present Middle East negotiations, and are committed to sharing with our students the intricacies of their hands-on experience.

Our program encourages and facilitates students' enrolment in internships during their studies corresponding to their interests. Israel is home to an array of organizations committed to achieving conflict resolution at different levels. We believe the students’ involvement in their dynamic and innovative projects will add a unique dimension to their academic experience.

Admissions

A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education is required. Any field of BA is acceptable. However, compulsory reading material will be provided to the students before the classes start.

Admissions will be decided according to Work Experience as well as University Grades. Applicants will be required to complete an Overseas office application form and undergraduate transcripts, three letters of reference and a personal essay. The personal essay should be 300-500 words and discuss your purpose and interest in pursuing the MA in Conflict Resolution and Mediation, how the degree program fits into your overall professional growth, focusing in particular on the connection between the program and your academic and/or professional experience and your anticipated contribution to the program.

We highly recommend you to submit academic/professional recommendation letters. This is however not compulsory.

Foreign students who are not native speakers of English and who have not done their undergraduate degree work in English will be required to submit TOEFL or IELTS test scores with their applications. You may be asked to formally document that your undergraduate program was conducted in English.

All applicants will be interviewed by the Program Director or faculty in person or by telephone. You will be contacted after your application is complete and has been forwarded from the Overseas Office. Applications are accepted throughout the year but should be received by June 15, to be given consideration for the subsequent Fall.

Please visit our website for further program information at: www.resolution.tau.ac.il

For all questions and comments please contact our Academic Coordinator Maureen Meyer at: maureenm@post.tau.ac.il