Master of Arts in Moral and Political Philosophy
Explore foundational questions in ethics and governance at Leiden University’s internationally renowned Centre for Political Philosophy.
Best for:Best for philosophy graduates or humanities scholars seeking to specialize in ethical and political theory with a focus on societal impact.
Overview
This Master’s programme at Leiden University immerses students in core debates of moral and political philosophy, blending theoretical rigor with practical application. Taught by leading scholars at the Leiden Institute of Philosophy, it focuses on structural justice, moral discourse, and normative principles shaping society. Small class sizes ensure deep engagement with faculty and peers, while interdisciplinary seminars address pressing questions like individual responsibility versus systemic change. Ideal for those with a strong background in philosophy or related humanities disciplines, the programme emphasizes analytical reasoning and critical communication. Graduates gain expertise to pursue advanced research or careers in academia, policy, or advocacy.
What you'll do
- Engage in advanced seminars exploring foundational questions in moral and political philosophy, including justice, responsibility, and societal norms.
- Develop analytical and argumentative skills through in-depth discussions and written assignments on ethical and political theories.
- Participate in small-group tutorials to refine critical thinking and philosophical reasoning under faculty supervision.
- Conduct independent research on a specialized topic within moral or political philosophy, culminating in a thesis project.
- Collaborate with peers and faculty to explore interdisciplinary applications of philosophical theories in real-world contexts.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy or a related humanities/social sciences discipline (e.g., Political Science, Ethics, or equivalent).
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA)
Language: English; IELTS overall band score of 6.5 or TOEFL iBT score of 90 (or equivalent Cambridge Certificate scores).
Instruction: English
- Strong analytical and critical reasoning abilities in philosophical discourse.
- Fluency in reading and interpreting complex ethical and political texts.
- Ability to construct and defend philosophical arguments in written and oral formats.
- Prior coursework or research experience in moral or political philosophy.
- No nationality restrictions; open to international applicants.
- No age restrictions.
- No prior work experience required.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-15
Applicants must submit their application through Leiden University’s official portal, including academic transcripts, a motivation letter, and proof of English proficiency. Additional requirements may include a research proposal or letters of recommendation, depending on the programme’s specific guidelines.
- CV or curriculum vitae
- Motivation letter or statement of purpose
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge Certificate)
- Letters of recommendation (if required)
- Research proposal (if applicable)
Contact
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