Democracy and Representation (MSc)

Address the challenges to liberal democracies

Almost everywhere politicians and political parties are facing an increasingly indifferent and even hostile electorate. The political landscape is increasingly fragmented and polarized. Liberal democratic institutions are challenged by populists and some countries are facing democratic backsliding.

In this specialisation, you will explore the causes of these developments and potential solutions. Does money rather than ideology determine which party or candidate wins elections? Do parties in parliaments reflect the diversity of today’s societies sufficiently? What is the role of the media in election campaigns? Are elections still free and fair in times of large-scale gerrymandering and voter suppression in one of the world’s oldest democracies? Perhaps most importantly, you will address the impact of the current state of parties and parliaments on democratic accountability and political legitimacy.

Study in one of the best departments in Europe

You will study in one of the most highly ranked departments of its kind in Europe. Your lecturers are scholars from many countries with expertise in various areas of political science, including comparative politics, political psychology, and political theory.