Political Legitimacy and Justice Leiden University

Overview

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 Political Theory: Legitimacy and Justice MSc programme at Leiden University 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 do we 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 at Leiden University does not offer all the answers, but it will help you develop and sharpen your own perspective.

You study in one of the most highly ranked departments of its kind in Europe. Your lecturers are scholars from many countries with expertise in various areas of political science.

Career prospects

• public administration

• international affairs specialist

• journalism

• law enforcement

• teacher/professor

• legislative staff member

• lobbyist

• political analyst

• politician

• public policy researcher

• campaign management

• news correspondent

• sales and marketing

• speech writer

• urban and regional planner

• non-profit organizations