Political Theory (specialisation)

Entry requirements

A completed Bachelor's degree in Political Science or a related discipline from a recognised, academic university.

A substantial part of the courses in your Bachelor’s degree should be in your preferred specialisation: International Relations, Political Theory, Comparative Politics or Public Administration (COMPASS).

Competency in Social Science Research Methodology (quantitative and qualitative)

Due to the strong academic nature of this programme, it is essential that students have the necessary basic research skills. Applicants with little or no Social Science Research Methodology in their previous education may get admission, provided they first complete an (oral) examination in research methodology. The oral exam can be held in person in Nijmegen or via Skype.

A proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English.This requirement has been satisfied when the student meets one of the following conditions:

• Has successfully completed a three-year Bachelor's programme at a Dutch university.
• Is a citizen of Australia, Canada (with exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, or the United States of America.
• Has successfully completed a Bachelor's programme that was taught completely in the English language in one of the following countries: EU/EEA-countries, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United States of America.
• Has successfully completed a Master's programme from a Dutch university of applied sciences (HBO).

All other students need one of the following certificates (TOEFL and IELTS certificates may not be older than two years):

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English.This requirement has been satisfied when the student meets the conditions, listed on our website.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Focusing on the interface of theories of the good society, globalisation, legitimacy and power.

Political theory is the soul of political science: it’s not about determining what the facts are but about determining what they mean and what should be done with them. It’s about the genuine and the deceptive arguments used to interfere in other people’s lives and business. We need political theory anywhere where power is used both covertly and openly, where policies are made and where choices are questioned and criticised.

As a political theorist, you will ask what would be sensible instead of what people call sensible. Just a handful of questions you will be asking and seeking the answers to: Is there a moral foundation for national sovereignty or self-determination? How far should tolerance go? What can and should be our ambitions for local community building? When does a political theory become a weapon or a form of power? Can authority ever be legitimate? Do we owe anything to future generations, animals, the global poor or minority groups?

This Master’s specialisation in Political Theory offers students an unprecedented opportunity to learn to assess political values, aspirations and dreams in terms of their desirability and reasonability. You will also discover how political theoretical work can be introduced fruitfully in other relevant contexts. This will enable you to help civil initiatives and governmental institutions, not to mention the public at large by imagining and designing policies and ambitions that are both viable and defensible.

Why study Political Theory at Radboud University

• Our programme is consistently ranked the best Political Science/PT programme in the Netherlands
• The programme has a unique focus on justification and recognition, globalisation and their relationship with power
• Teaching takes place in a stimulating, collegial setting with small groups
• You are encouraged to critically reflect on the staff’s ongoing research in the Nijmegen Political Philosophical Workshop
• We are the conscience of real-world politics and policies and prepare you to interpret and contribute to real-world politics

*This is a specialisation of the Master's in Political Science

If you have any questions, email us here: study-information@ru.nl

Learn more via the Radboud University contact form.

Fees and funding

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our website.

• Radboud Scholarship Programme
• Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships