Philosophy of Law, Governance, and Politics

This master’s programme introduces the student to philosophical issues arising at the intersection of law, politics, and policy. This master’s programme is meant for students who wish to combine a master’s in Law, Political Science, Public Administration, or an adjacent discipline with a master’s in Philosophy Law, Governance, and Politics. Only students with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Administration, or an adjacent discipline (or an equivalent degree) are admissible.Leiden university is home to an internationally ranked Law School as well as excellent institutes for Political Science and Public Administration. Combined with the Institute of Philosophy, these institutions form the perfect setting for the study of issues on the intersection of law, politics, and public policy.In this programme students will learn about the philosophical, methodological, systematic, and normative questions that come up in the study of law, politics, and policy. Questions such as the authority of the state and its laws, democratic representation, or the implementation of political ideals in a non-ideal world are included in the courses. The combination of these courses with graduate work in law, politics, or public policy, is inspiring and thought provoking.You should have a background in legal or social sciences and a strong interest in more abstract and theoretical questions that come up in studying law, policy, or politics. A love for reading both classical and modern texts on these subjects, and discussing these intensively with your fellow students, is essential. If, moreover, you are ambitious and not averse to hard intellectual work, you have what it takes to complete this programme successfully.Philosophy of Law, Governance and Politics at Leiden University is an accredited degree programme. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a master’s degree in Philosophy and the title Master of Arts (MA).