MA program for students with a BA in other disciplines

The Master's Degree Retraining Program in Social Work is intended for candidates with a first or second degree in other disciplines. The program includes theoretical and professional studies, as well as field training, in each year of study.

On the successful completion of all course requirements, including field training, students will be awarded an MA degree in Social Work, and will be eligible for registration as social workers with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.  

 

Study Tracks

Students may enroll on a thesis or a non-thesis track.

Details of each track (in Hebrew) are available at https://social-work.biu.ac.il/hashlama_applicants

First year – Supplementary courses - 12 – 17 annual hours (Dependent upon exemptions received on the basis of previous studies)

Second and Third years – Track A (with Thesis) - 18 annual hours

Second and Third years – Track B (without Thesis) - 24 annual hours

 

Concentration of Study

Students may choose one of three areas of concentration:

Clinical Practice

This concentration is aimed towards developing the professional identity of the student as a social worker, and providing the knowledge and skills of therapeutic intervention. The curriculum focuses on the theory and practice of psychodynamic treatment, knowledge of a variety of other therapeutic approaches in social work practice, and development of diagnostic skills.

Community and Organizational Development

This concentration is aimed towards developing the professional identity of the student as a social worker, and providing theoretical knowledge and skills in the areas of management, administration, organizational counseling, and community work. The curriculum focuses on equipping the student with theoretical knowledge in the fields of management, organizational consulting, and community work. In addition, it focuses on equipping the student with the skills necessary for working with communities, organizations, families, and with individuals. 

Rehabilitation and Health

This concentration is aimed towards developing the professional identity of the student as a social worker, and equipping the student with the knowledge and skills for working in the areas of rehabilitation, health and illness services, disability, and services for older adults. The curriculum focuses on equipping the student with theoretical, research and clinical knowledge in the areas of rehabilitation, health and old age, and in acquiring therapeutic skills for working with individuals, families, and groups.

 

Admission Requirements

Lectures in all our programs are in the Hebrew language. Additionally, a significant part of the program of study includes supervised field instruction working with clients in the community, for which fluent Hebrew knowledge is a must.

  • A degree from a recognized academic institution. Applicants without an eligible degree or  certificate of degree eligibility will not be able to apply.
  • A Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) of 85% or above. At the time of registration, the applicant must present a final transcript, and a certificate of degree eligibility.
  • A 2 annual hours course in "Introduction to Psychology" (2 annual hours course = 56 hours course), studied within the past 10 years.
  • 2 annual hours in courses in the social sciences, studied within the past 10 years * (1 annual hour = 28 hours course; 2 annual hours = 56 hours course). Eligible courses include Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Anthropology, Behavioral Sciences, etc.
  • 4 annual hours in research method courses, studied within the past 10 years (note the special conditions for admission to the thesis track detailed below). Eligible courses include Research Methods, Statistics, Data Processing, etc.
  • Work experience (paid or voluntary) of at least one year, in a social work context, with individuals, groups or communities (teaching experience alone is not considered sufficient experience for the program). Certification of relevant experience, from the place of work/voluntary experience, should be submitted together with the application forms (this certification must be connection with experience relevant for registration on the program). Admission is conditional upon the approval of at least one year of relevant work experience.
  • Candidates will be required to submit one recommendation, and to complete a personal form; the form can be downloaded from the registration process page, https://social-work.biu.ac.il/hashlama_harshama. Please note that registration to Bar-Ilan University is also required.

 

After review of the applicant's transcript, personal questionnaire, and the relevant approvals and recommendations, a decision will be made regarding inviting the candidate to the next stage of the screening process by the admissions committee.

The final selection of candidates will be made with reference to all applications received  for the specific year.

 

Additional admission requirements for the thesis track

Grade

Qualifying Period

Duration

Course

85 and above

Studied within the previous 10 years

2 annual hours = 56 hours course

Statistics and data processing

85 and above

Studied within the previous 10 years

2 annual hours = 56 hours course

Research Methods

Exemption from English granted for undergraduate degree, or a grade of 85 or higher in an English language competency course taken during undergraduate degree
 

The Application Process

  1. Applications for the Master's Degree Retraining program should be submitted through the Bar-Ilan University website: https://www.biu.ac.il/registration-and-admission/information/registration-2021-22, in accordance with the instructions.
  2. Application to the School of Social Work – The applicant should complete and submit a registration form together with a letter of recommendation from a supervisor at the applicant's place of work or voluntary experience. See registration form and additional information on the School of Social Work's website: https://social-work.biu.ac.il/hashlama_harshama

 

Duration of Coursework

The duration of the coursework is three years.

Further information regarding the structure of the retraining program is available on the School of Social Work's website: https://social-work.biu.ac.il/hashlama_harshama

 

Language proficiency

English language for Master's Degree. For information regarding screening exams, the level of courses required, and eligibility criteria for exemptions, please refer to the Introduction, English as a Foreign Language Unit.

Supervised field instruction and working with clients in the community are a significant part of the program; fluency in Hebrew is obligatory.

 

Jewish Studies

In accordance with the general requirements for a master's degree (please refer to the Introduction, School of Basic Jewish Studies).

 

For additional information, please contact Secretariat of Retraining Program of the Master's Degree

Tel: 03-5317736

sw.hashlama@biu.ac.il

http://social-work.biu.ac.il/hashlama