Philosophy of Law and Governance (Master of Arts)
Explore the ethical foundations of law, justice, and democracy through interdisciplinary philosophy and legal studies.
Best for:Best for legal professionals or philosophy graduates eager to merge legal practice with critical philosophical analysis of justice, governance, and democratic ethics.
Overview
This two-year Master’s specialisation at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam examines critical questions about justice, governance, and citizenship in modern democracies. Students investigate historical injustices like slavery and racism, ethical dilemmas in euthanasia and abortion laws, and the philosophical underpinnings of legal systems. The programme blends core philosophy courses with tailored legal studies, allowing students to simultaneously pursue a one-year Master’s in Law. Ideal for those with a legal background seeking deeper philosophical inquiry into justice frameworks.
What you'll do
- Engage in advanced philosophical analysis of legal systems and governance structures.
- Develop critical perspectives on historical injustices and their ethical implications.
- Participate in interdisciplinary courses combining philosophy, law, and legal theory.
- Conduct independent research on topics such as euthanasia, abortion laws, and citizenship rights.
- Collaborate with peers in a dual-track programme, potentially earning a Master’s in Law concurrently.
- Present research findings and participate in academic discussions on justice and governance.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Law, or a related humanities or social sciences field.
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA)
Language: English; IELTS 6.5 (listening, reading, writing, speaking) or TOEFL 100 (internet-based), or equivalent.
Instruction: English
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills in philosophy and law.
- Ability to engage with complex ethical and theoretical debates.
- Familiarity with legal terminology and principles.
- Proficiency in academic research and writing.
- No specific nationality restrictions.
- No age restrictions.
- No prior experience caps beyond a Bachelor’s degree.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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How to apply
Deadline: 2027-04-01
Applicants must submit their application through the official Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam portal. Required documents include a CV, a motivation letter, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and a research proposal. Additional materials may be requested depending on the applicant’s background.
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent)
- Research proposal (if applicable)
- Passport-sized photo (if required)
Contact
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