Master's Degree in Life Sciences

עברית

This is where curiosity meets discovery — the place to begin your journey in Life Sciences.

A master’s degree in Life Sciences is an opportunity to dive deep into the processes that drive life itself — from complex cellular mechanisms to the workings of entire biological systems. It’s a stage where scientific curiosity meets advanced tools, critical thinking, and independent research experience. Students can choose a specialization, develop scientific questions, and actively contribute to generating new knowledge — in the lab, in the field, or through computational analyses. Beyond gaining in-depth knowledge, this program shapes students into researchers, scientific leaders, and professionals capable of impacting the future of medicine, the environment, and technology.

Graduates of the Life Sciences master’s program go on to advanced research at universities and research institutes, pursue doctoral studies, or lead innovative projects in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, advanced agriculture, and cleantech.

Join a faculty that believes research can change reality!

  • Great minds by your side — world-renowned researchers pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

  • Advanced technology in your hands — cutting-edge labs, sophisticated equipment, and VR workstations you won’t find anywhere else.

  • Beyond the classroom — learn, research, and experiment from day one.

  • Real international connections — collaborations with top scientists and physicians worldwide.

  • At the forefront — lectures that bring you directly to the leading edge of scientific research.

  • You’re not alone — a supportive, engaged professional community accompanies you every step of the way.

  • Personalized attention — instructors who see you as a researcher, not just a grade.

If you’re here to change, explore, and impact — this is the place to start. Bar-Ilan University. Life Sciences. The future is already here.

Research Fields in the Life Sciences Master’s Program

Graduate research at the Faculty of Life Sciences at Bar-Ilan places you at the center of scientific activity, with direct access to cutting-edge laboratories, personalized mentorship from leading researchers, and the freedom to choose the research field that truly excites you. Whether it’s biochemistry, genetics, neurobiology, ecology, marine biology, vision science, or other fields, you can explore what drives you and contribute to knowledge that advances every day. Thesis work requires full commitment to both research and coursework, with ongoing engagement in the latest scientific developments.

Immunology *  Biochemistry * Biotechnology (various topics) *  Environmental Biology (including hydrobiology and desert biology) * Cell Biology (including cancerous cells) *Clinical Biology * Molecular Biology *  Genetics and Genetic Engineering * General Microbiology * Medical Microbiology and Chemotherapeutics * Molecular Parasitology * Virology * Neurobiology * Animal Physiology * Plant Physiology (including plant diseases) * Botany * Zoology * Ecology * Marine Biology * Animal and Human Fertility * Computational Biology (Bioinformatics) * Systems Biology * Structural Biology * Pharmacology * Photobiology *Gerontology: The Science of Aging Vision Science and Optometry *

(*)Programs/tracks with rigorous requirements: Biotechnology, Computational Biology, Vision Science and Optometry

Research Fields  Research Groups

Apply

 

What is the “PSAGOT” combined B.Sc.- M.Sc. Honors Track? 

The PSAGOT” combined B.Sc.- M.Sc. Honors Track is a direct master’s track for outstanding students who have completed the first three semesters of a bachelor’s degree in the Faculty of Life Sciences.

Participants can complete both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees within four years. The program also provides academic accommodations and scholarships during the undergraduate portion of the track.

PSAGOT - Combined B.Sc.-M.Sc. Honors Track
What is the structure and requirements of the Thesis-Track Master’s Degree program?

The thesis-track master’s program begins in Semester A, with research starting on October 1 each year.

Program duration: The program lasts two years, during which students must complete their research and thesis (excluding any extension year).

Schedule: Class days are determined according to the study track and the student’s preferences.

Credits: The program consists of 40 credits in total: 24 credits from courses and 16 credits from the thesis.

Master’s studies combine research and coursework. Specialization tracks are based on the supervisor’s research topics in a specific laboratory, according to one of the fields listed in the table above. Academic requirements (courses) may vary between tracks (see the Departmental Guidelines for Master's Degree Studies in Life Sciences for details).

Final grade: The final master’s grade is calculated as 75% thesis (research work) and 25% course average.

Academic year schedule 2025/26 (In Hebrew)

Departmental Guidelines for Master's Degree Studies

Courses Search and syllabi

Notes:

Courses in Jewish studies or general studies do not count toward master’s credits.

How do I choose a supervisor for my master’s research?

  • Before registering for the master’s program, it is recommended to contact potential supervisors in your area of research interest and confirm their availability to supervise.

  • Detailed information about research fields and faculty supervisors

  • The faculty homepage also publishes a list of supervisors who are accepting master’s students for the upcoming academic year. You should check this list regularly, but you may also contact supervisors directly even if they are not on the list.

How do I submit and complete my master’s thesis?

1. Research proposal submission: Students must submit their research proposal through the online submission system to the Faculty Committee for Graduate Studies, after approval by their supervisor, by the end of the second semester of the first research year.

  • The proposal should include: introduction to the research topic, research objectives and significance, detailed research plan, preliminary results, and discussion of their implications.

2. Proposal review: The Faculty Committee for Graduate Studies will appoint two faculty members to review and evaluate the proposal.

3. Students must revise the proposal according to reviewers’ feedback. Once approved by the committee, the proposal is submitted to the Master’s Program Committee.

4. Thesis submission: Upon completion of the research and supervisor approval, the written thesis is submitted to the Faculty Committee for Graduate Studies via the faculty office.

5. The committee will recommend examiners for the final thesis defense.

 

"Psagot" Program - Direct track (B.Sc. to M.Sc.) students:

  1. Apply for graduation immediately after completing first-degree examinations.

  2. Students in the direct track must submit their research proposal one month after the date specified in the guidelines, at the end of their third year of undergraduate studies. The grade for the research proposal will be recorded in the “Extended Research Lab” course as part of the master’s degree.

  3. Thesis submission and defense occur at the end of the fourth year (see guidelines).

  4. Upon completion of the third year, students receive a B.Sc.

  5. Upon successful completion of required coursework and the thesis exam, students are awarded the M.Sc. degree. 

What is the Combined Master’s-to-PhD Track?

The Combined Master’s-to-PhD Track is open to students who have achieved a master’s thesis grade of 95 or higher and whose master’s research provides a solid foundation for a doctoral research proposal. In this track, results obtained during the master’s program can be used toward the doctoral thesis, provided that the research continues on the same topic. At the end of the two-year master’s program, students submit both their master’s thesis and a research continuation plan for the doctoral program.

The combined track typically lasts three to four years.

The Faculty of Life Sciences encourages outstanding students to pursue this combined track.

What is the structure and requirements of the Non-Thesis Master’s Degree ?

Admission requirements: Applicants must have a minimum average grade of 80 in a B.Sc. in Life Sciences or in a related field. 

Program duration: One to two years, depending on course scheduling and electives. The program can begin in Semester A or Semester B.

Program overview: The non-thesis master’s degree in Life Sciences at Bar-Ilan University is the only program in Israel fully dedicated to biology. It allows students to deepen their knowledge in biological sciences in a flexible, personalized format, without committing to a long-term research project.

Students can switch to the thesis track or complete a thesis after the degree if they wish to continue toward a doctoral program. Class schedules are adapted to the student’s track and preferences.

Credits: The program consists of 40 credits in total.

 Courses

Credits

Notes
Seminar for Non-Thesis Master’s Degree

2

Presentation of a Scientific Paper (Oral)
Seminar Paper for the Non-Thesis Master’s Degree

2

Oral Presentation and Written Paper

Electives courses

36

 
Jewish Studies and General Education Courses

4-8

These courses do not count toward the degree credit total.

  • 4 credit points – for students who completed their undergraduate degree at Bar-Ilan University

  • 8 credit points – for students who completed their undergraduate degree at another institution

  • Non-Jewish students take general courses

 

What are the admission process and requirements for the master’s program?

The research-based master’s program begins in Semester A, with research starting on October 1 each year.

GPA requirement: Applicants must have a minimum average grade of 80 in a relevant bachelor’s degree. 

Candidates with an average below 85 may be required to attend an admissions committee interview.

Supervisor: Applicants should seek a supervisor while registering for the master’s program.

Admission is only granted after the supervisor confirms to the Faculty Office for Graduate Studies that they intend to supervise the applicant.

Tuition: Subject to supervisor approval and faculty regulations. 

Tuition for master’s students in thesis-based programs is fully funded.

English proficiency

Master’s students are required to have English proficiency at the “exemption” level. 

Exemptions apply to:

  • Holders of a bachelor’s degree from an Israeli university.

  • Holders of an equivalent degree from a recognized higher education institution in Israel.

  • Holders of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized foreign institution in a country where English is the primary language of instruction.

Note: This exemption does not apply to branches of foreign higher education institutions in Israel, even if the language of instruction is English.

What are the requirements for applicants without a Life Sciences background?

Applicants without a relevant background

Candidates holding a bachelor’s degree outside the Life Sciences are required to complete foundational Life Sciences courses before applying to the master’s program.

Computational Biology track

Students with a background in Computer Science or related fields who wish to pursue a master’s in Computational Biology are encouraged to visit the faculty website for the Computational Biology track or contact the faculty office for more information.

Foundation year: A preparatory program for students who need to complete Life Sciences prerequisites. 

During this foundation year, students must achieve an average grade of 80 in the preparatory courses. These courses do not count toward the master’s degree requirements, and the preparatory year cannot be shortened to a single semester.

Course Number

Course Name

             Credits

80-201-01+02

Biochemistry I

5

80-202-01

Biochemistry II

4

20-203-01

General Microbiology

2

80-210-01

Introduction to Immunology

2

80-208-01+02

General Genetics

4

80-204-01

Virology

1

80-103-01

Cell Biology

2

80-242-01+02

Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering I

4

                  Total24 
What are the tuition fees and scholarship options for master’s students?

Tuition: Subject to supervisor approval and faculty regulations, tuition for thesis-track master’s degree is fully funded.

Scholarships: Scholarship awards are based on student achievements and securing a supervisor. Detailed information about scholarships will be sent before the start of the academic year. Continuation of a scholarship into the second year for students who received it in the first year depends on meeting the faculty’s academic requirements.

Regulations for Master’s Research Student Scholarships (In Hebrew)

For additional scholarship opportunities, visit the Student Scholarships page (In Hebrew) which centralizes all available options.

Who can work as a teaching assistant during their master’s?

Second-year master’s students may assist in teaching undergraduate students in laboratory courses and core courses, based on their academic excellence and suitability for teaching, as well as the faculty’s needs.

  • Research students employed as teaching assistants will hold the appropriate university staff positions in accordance with the agreements of the Junior Staff Union.

How can I contact the Faculty of Life Sciences?

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