Dr. Jan Beetz

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Jan Pieter Beetz is an Assistant Professor in Political Theory and European Integration at Utrecht University School of Governance. He is fascinated by political authority, legitimacy in liberal democracies, and the contemporary challenges of European integration and the rise of the administrative state. His philosophical research engages with cutting-edge debates in the human sciences, particularly in EU studies and political science governance. Jan's research revolves around realist philosophies of political authority, with interest particularly in Bernard Williams' theories and the democratic legitimacy of political authority. He employs practice-dependent approaches to study the normative dimensions of the EU's democratic deficits, aiming to explore alternative democratic theories and responses to democratic backsliding within member states. Additionally, Jan's research addresses the legitimacy of public administrations in contemporary democracies, focusing on administrative ethics and justifications for resistance against undemocratic governance. As an engaged educator, he contributes to the new BA Program in Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE) and teaches European politics and interdisciplinary research methods. Jan holds a Ph.D. in political theory from the University of Exeter and has taught at various prestigious universities. He also actively participates in public debates on ethical issues and organized events discussing EU immigration policy.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

— Present

Utrecht University School of Governance • Utrecht

Teaching courses on political authority, democratic legitimacy, and European politics.

PUBLIC Administration

— Present

Leiden University • Leiden

Research and teachings in public administration.

Postdoctoral Scholar

— Present

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam • Amsterdam

Accessible Europe research.

Political Science Theory

— Present

Radboud University Nijmegen • Nijmegen

Research in political science theory.

Awards

#

Unilever Research Prize

#

Exeter Ph.D. Bursary

Requirements for Utrecht University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:93
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field Advanced knowledge of research methods and statistics
Application Checklist
  • Transcript of records
  • Motivation letter
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Proof of English proficiency
Specialization Notes

Department of Psychology