Program Overview
The Political Legitimacy and Justice at Leiden University is a MSc programme in Social Sciences over 12 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of social sciences. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Political Legitimacy and Justice programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across Netherlands and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 12 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 7
- Tuition: EUR 16,600 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; EUR 2,006 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Leiden, Netherlands
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Political Legitimacy and Justice programme are prepared for diverse careers in social sciences:
- Policy Analyst
- NGO Programme Manager
- Researcher
- Social Worker
- Diplomat
- Development Consultant
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Great debates in Political Science
- Academic and Professional Skills
- Multiculturalism and Democracy
- Distributive Justice
- Consensus
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- A bachelors diploma (from a recognised university, as defined by the university) in Political Science or a bachelors degree in a related discipline
- Good academic record as evidenced by a grade point average of 7 in the Dutch system (or equivalent) and/or other indicators (such as relevant extracurricular activities or honours programme);
- At least 80 ECTS in political science or political science relevant subjects;
- Competency in Social Science Research Methodology demonstrated by courseworkAn HBO bachelors degree (a degree from a Dutch university of applied sciences) may, on request, give admission to this programme. Applications will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
English Proficiency: IELTS 7 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
EUR 16,600 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; EUR 2,006 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: EUR 16,600 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; EUR 2,006 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 7
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact Leiden University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About Leiden University
Leiden University
Leiden, Netherlands
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Application Deadline Jun, 2027
- Start Date Sep, 2026
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
