History of Politics and Society

Do referenda endanger democracy? Why is it so difficult to combat global economic inequality? What will the future of the welfare state look like? The Master’s programme History of Politics and Society provides you with a thorough understanding of the historical roots of the most important political and societal issues that politicians, journalists and policy makers are concerned with today. You will study the historical development of democracy, civil society, citizenship, and economic inequality in an international comparative perspective. The programme focuses largely on the 19th and 20th centuries and has an interdisciplinary approach: you will combine historical research with concepts and explanations derived from the social sciences.

The core courses of the programme are offered only in English. For the other courses students may choose between Dutch- and English-taught courses.