Palestine’s Inaugural MA Research Cohort

The Classical Institute (TCI), in partnership with the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG), completed a landmark academic initiative that produced Palestine’s first cohort of MA research scholars. The programme Supporting Researcher Creative Capacity: Designing an MA Proposal was developed to strengthen postgraduate capability and provide a structured pathway into advanced study during a period when higher education in Gaza faced severe disruption.

Students received focused training in core research methodology, academic writing, critical analysis, and the formulation of original MA proposals. Despite the conditions, every student completed the programme and produced work at a recognised postgraduate standard.

A major outcome followed. Only five postgraduate scholarships were available internationally, yet more than twenty graduates applied, and every applicant received offers from leading UK universities, many receiving multiple offers. This level of acceptance was unprecedented for students from Gaza and demonstrated the academic strength of the cohort.

The programme was established under the vision of Dr Badreldeen Ismail, Founding Dean of The Classical Institute. It was co-designed by Dr Mariam Attia, Senior Lecturer in Academic Practice at TCI, and Dr Nazmi Al-Masri, MA Programme Coordinator at IUG. Their joint academic design ensured rigorous structure, clarity of purpose, and continuity of postgraduate-level study in a highly disrupted environment. Dr Attia led the academic delivery, enabling students to perform at postgraduate standard.

This cohort has become a benchmark for postgraduate development in Palestine. Their achievement shows that, with clear academic structure, principled teaching, and strong leadership, serious scholarship can progress even in the most difficult circumstances. It stands as one of the most significant academic milestones in TCI’s history.