What do you like about the programme and why?
The Master's programme Political Theory is great for deepening your understanding of a range of topics. In class, we discuss various aspects of society, and argue whether or not the status quo can be seen as just, fair or equal. On top of that, we encounter new theories that try to apply structural changes to society, such as limitarianism, animal ethics or the dismantling of power relations. All of the topics are relevant, engaging and will really activate your critical thinking.
The specialisation is directed into the philosophical topics behind political debates. This can make the discussions somewhat abstract, but at the same time incredibly relevant. Different theories of justice come back in all kinds of debates, i.e. power relations, sustainability or historical injustices. The Master's is excellent in combining philosophical theories into everyday dilemmas.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
The number of people applying for this Master's is usually relatively small. Therefore, in each course you meet roughly the same group of people. This creates an environment where you quickly become familiar with both your peers and professors. The classes are mostly in the form of seminars, in which the students are asked to take an active role.
One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed between this Master’s programme and my Bachelor’s is the level of preparation required. In my Bachelor’s, it was often possible to get away with doing very little before class, but here, being well-prepared is absolutely essential. This expectation applies to everyone, and as a result, the seminars are incredibly substantive.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s?
The Master's can be quite intensive, especially in the second semester. If you want to do an internship or study abroad, most students do not finish their Master's within one year.
The seminars in this Master’s programme require extensive literature reading, which can be quite challenging at times. Each week, we are expected to engage deeply with a variety of texts to prepare for class discussions. While this can be demanding, it’s also incredibly rewarding, as it ensures that everyone comes to the table with well-informed perspectives.
Why do you think it is important that there are people with this degree?
I think it’s important that there are people out there with this degree because it equips us to analyse complex societal and political issues from multiple perspectives. The skills we develop, such as critical thinking and in-depth research, are essential for tackling the challenges of today’s world, whether in policymaking, academia, or other fields.