Political Theory: Legitimacy and Justice

Some think that political legitimacy and justice are synonyms; others argue that they are not necessarily the same and can even contradict one another. You will investigate these concepts and their implications—systematically and logically. You will be confronted with challenging cases and learn to tackle these analytically and thoroughly. As you will discover, asking the right questions and employing proper argumentation are just as important as your conclusions. The programme addresses questions that are fundamental to every society. How do we arrive at ethics and morals of what is 'good' and what is 'right'? How do communities balance protection of the public and the private spheres, both on a domestic and on a global level? What to do when individual rights seem to run counter to collective interests? How does a political philosopher conceptualise freedom and equality? Our Master specialisation Political Legitimacy and Justice does not offer all the answers, but it surely will help you developing and sharpening your own perspective.

Accreditation: -

Erasmus Mundus program: This is an Erasmus Mundus program.

The Master's program in Political Theory: Legitimacy and Justice at Leiden University offers an in-depth exploration of the fundamental questions surrounding political authority, legitimacy, and justice in contemporary society. This program is designed for students who are eager to critically analyze theories of government, explore the philosophical foundations of political systems, and understand the ethical dimensions of political decision-making. Throughout the program, students will engage with classic texts and contemporary debates, gaining insights into how political theories influence real-world policies and societal structures.

The curriculum combines rigorous theoretical coursework with practical applications, encouraging students to develop their own critical perspectives. Core topics include the nature and justification of political authority, the concept of justice, the role of democracy, human rights, and issues related to cosmopolitanism and global justice. Students will examine various philosophical approaches, from classical theories of justice proposed by philosophers like John Rawls and Robert Nozick to contemporary debates about legitimacy, authority, and social equality.

In addition to the theoretical modules, the program emphasizes research skills, fostering students' ability to produce high-quality academic writing and engage in meaningful discussions. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent research projects, students will have ample opportunities to deepen their understanding of the central themes and develop their own analytical framework.

Leiden University’s Political Theory program also actively encourages international perspectives, drawing on diverse philosophical traditions and contemporary political issues from around the world. Students are prepared for careers in academia, policy analysis, international organizations, or any field that requires advanced critical thinking about political structures and ethical considerations. With a strong emphasis on argumentation, critical analysis, and scholarly inquiry, this program equips students with the intellectual tools necessary to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to debates on legitimacy and justice on both national and global levels.

The Political Theory: Legitimacy and Justice program at Leiden University requires students to complete a comprehensive curriculum that includes core courses in political philosophy, normative theory, and justice studies. Students are expected to engage in advanced seminars and participate in intensive discussions to deepen their understanding of foundational texts and contemporary debates. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to critically evaluate different perspectives within political theory. Students must also undertake a research project or thesis, demonstrating their capacity to conduct independent scholarly inquiry into relevant topics such as political legitimacy, ethical dilemmas in governance, and concepts of justice across different ideological frameworks. Elective courses offer specialization options, allowing students to tailor their studies towards areas like democratic theory, international justice, or the philosophy of human rights. The program often includes opportunities for internships or collaborations with research institutes, fostering practical experience and networking within the field of political thought. Proficiency in English is a prerequisite, and students may need to demonstrate language competence through standardized tests. To graduate, students must accumulate a specified number of ECTS credits through coursework, participation, and research outputs, culminating in the submission of a thesis that meets academic standards. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in academia, policy analysis, political consultancy, or public administration, ensuring they possess both theoretical expertise and practical skills in evaluating and developing political systems grounded in legitimacy and justice principles.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Funding for the Master’s in Political Theory: Legitimacy and Justice at Leiden University is primarily sourced through a combination of Dutch government grants, university scholarships, and external financial aid programs. Dutch students, both from the Netherlands and the European Union/EEA countries, are typically eligible for the standard Dutch student financing system, which includes the DutchStudent Finance System ('Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs' or DUO). These students may receive loans and grants that can cover tuition fees and living expenses, contingent upon their academic progress and residency status.

International students outside the EU/EEA can explore a range of scholarship opportunities offered by Leiden University, such as the Excellence Scholarship for international students, which partially covers tuition fees, or other funding schemes targeting students from specific countries or regions. Additionally, many students finance their studies through external funding sources like Erasmus+ grants for European students, private scholarships, or loans from their home countries or financial institutions.

The program itself has a total estimated tuition fee, which is paid per academic year, and varies by student nationality—typically higher for non-EU/EEA students. Lectures, seminars, and workshops are included in the curriculum, with no additional fees for participation. Students are encouraged to seek part-time work opportunities available in and around Leiden to support their living expenses. Moreover, some students may be eligible for research or teaching assistantships offered by the university, which can provide financial support in exchange for pedagogical responsibilities. Overall, the funding structure aims to facilitate access to the program for a diverse group of students by providing multiple channels of financial support.

The Master's programme in Political Theory: Legitimacy and Justice at Leiden University offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of key concepts and debates within political theory. This programme aims to equip students with analytical skills and critical thinking abilities necessary to understand and evaluate theories of legitimacy, justice, and political authority. Throughout the curriculum, students engage with classical and contemporary texts, examining issues such as the nature of political authority, the foundation of moral and political obligations, the principles of justice, and the legitimacy of political institutions.

The programme is structured to promote a thorough understanding of normative theory, including liberalism, communitarianism, populism, and critical theory, alongside pragmatic and institutional approaches to political legitimacy. Students are encouraged to analyze the philosophical underpinnings of political concepts, assess different ideological perspectives, and develop their own well-founded arguments. Courses often include a mix of lectures, seminars, and independent research projects, enhancing students' ability to articulate and defend complex ideas effectively.

Students also have opportunities to specialize within the field, choosing electives aligned with their interests such as constitutionalism, rights theory, multiculturalism, or global justice. The programme emphasizes critical analysis of existing theories, fostering an understanding of their historical contexts and contemporary relevance. Leiden University's strong emphasis on research-led teaching ensures that students are exposed to the latest academic developments and debates within political theory.

The programme prepares students for careers in academia, public policy, international organizations, or advocacy. Graduates develop skills in conceptual analysis, argumentation, and research methodology, which are highly valued in various professional contexts. Additionally, the interdepartmental collaboration at Leiden allows students to gain a multidisciplinary perspective, enriching their understanding of political phenomena.

Leiden University also provides a vibrant academic community with numerous events, conferences, and guest lectures, offering students networking opportunities and exposure to leading scholars in the field. Graduates of the programme are well-equipped to contribute thoughtfully to discussions on legitimacy and justice in political contexts, making meaningful contributions to both theory and practice in their future careers.