Political Science

specialisatie Political Science: International Organisation

To study international organisation (IO) is to study the norms, rules, and institutions that (are designed to) shape relations between states and contacts across state borders, and how they affect people's lives, the destiny of nations, and the fate of the planet. As a student of IO, you learn to apply a wide range of theoretical perspectives and research methodologies to the analysis of these institutions and the politics that surround them.

You will take an in-depth look at issues of war and peace, intervention and conflict resolution, political economy (trade, finance, development), human rights, and the quest for environmental sustainability. You will develop a clear understanding of the agendas and behaviour of governments and other state actors, intergovernmental organisations (such as the United Nations), regional organisations (such as the European Union or the African Union), and non-state actors such as NGOs and multinational corporations. And you will be stimulated to think like a social scientist and acquaint yourself with the discipline's tried and tested methods and theories.

specialisatie

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.

honours-/excellence program Leiden Leadership Programme

The Leiden Leadership Programme (LLP) is an honours programme of 15 ECs on top of the regular master's curriculum. The programme consists of training courses, seminars and a practical assignment.

Are you looking for an extra challenge in addition to your Leiden master's programme? Are you adventurous enough to look beyond the borders of your own master's programme? The Leiden Leadership Programme may be just what you are looking for. The programme gives you the opportunity to develop your leadership skills. You will follow seminars and courses, as well as carrying out a practical assignment for a company or organisation as part of a small, multidisciplinary team. Your lecturers will be leading academics and experienced professionals from the business sector.

Students can apply who have:

• Good study results in the bachelor's programme;
• The ambition and motivation to develop leadership qualities;
• A broad and interdisciplinary span of interest.