COURSE CURRICULUM

The Political Theory: Justice and Legitimacy specialisation in the MSc Political Science program at Leiden University focuses on the core themes of political philosophy: legitimacy and justice. Students explore these concepts both historically and in contemporary political theory, gaining tools to conceptually and theoretically engage with political practice. The program encourages students to carefully analyse texts from the history of political thought as well as from modern political theory while forming and defending their own perspectives on political ethics and ideologies. It combines the development of state-of-the-art academic and professional skills with deep engagement in political theory, allowing students to tailor their learning through elective seminars covering nearly all political science subdisciplines. Under certain conditions, students may also undertake internships, providing practical experience alongside theoretical study. A research thesis, conducted under the personal supervision of academic staff, allows students to pursue a topic of their choice and apply rigorous analytical methods. The specialisation is modular, enabling students with prior knowledge in political theory or philosophy to explore their interests in depth while integrating theoretical courses with optional empirical political science courses within the broader MSc framework. Teaching takes place in small seminar groups, fostering close reading, discussion, and the development of independent argumentation. This structure ensures a highly interactive and reflective learning environment where students critically engage with the philosophical and ethical foundations of political life while gaining practical and research skills applicable in academic and professional settings.