Moral and Political Philosophy (MA)
About the programme
The programme consists of 60 EC, to be completed in one year.
Programme structure
You will take a mandatory introduction seminar entitled Practical Philosophy: Contemporary Debates followed by three optional courses (10 EC each) in the area of Moral and Political Philosophy . In the second semester, you will be writing your master’s thesis (20 EC) supported by a mandatory thesis seminar.
The master’s thesis should be an independent academic contribution to philosophy in the field of Moral and Political Philosophy. Before graduation you will sit for a final exam for which you will defend your thesis and possibly answer questions about a selection of other subjects.
Assessment of courses is normally based on class presentations, assignments, and a final (research) paper.
For a more detailed programme, see the Prospectus.
Please note that this guide applies to the current academic year, which means that the curriculum for next year may slightly differ.
Tim Meijers
Researcher and University Lecturer
“In our programme, questions in ethics and political philosophy are approached from a diversity of theoretical perspectives: contemporary and historical, continental and analytical; 'western' and 'global' and everything in between. Students have the opportunity to discuss, challenge and form an opinion on questions in ethics and political philosophy in small scale seminars.”
Deeply held convictions
"Participating in this programme requires students to scrutinise and critically consider many of their deeply held convictions about what we owe to each other and why. For example, we often take it for granted that the state has a right to rule, that punishment of criminals is justified, or that we have special obligations to compatriots. But are these common sense convictions justified, and why?"
Political philosophy
"I work in political and moral philosophy. My research focuses on two main questions: what do we owe to future generations, and - taking into account that we live in an unequal and unjust world - who can be asked to realise the demands of justice? Debates I touch on while thinking about these issues are the ethics of climate change, the ethics of migration, global justice, ethics and the family, reproductive rights and the like."
Admission and Application
Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's Programme?