Political Science

The Institute of Political Science is a vibrant department with nearly 70 academic staff in Leiden and nearby The Hague.

Tracing its origins back to the appointment of the world’s first chair in political science in 1612, it is now a comprehensive department with research and teaching programmes in comparative politics, Dutch politics, international relations, political philosophy and public policy. About half the staff are Dutch and half come from other countries in Europe and around the world. The Institute consistently ranks among the top political science departments in Europe.