Department of Political Science and Research Methods (POLMT)

Studying Democracy and Governance

Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Twente

The Department of Political Science and Research Methods at the University of Twente is one of the leading European centers of research in political science and public administration. Our faculty members are active in a number of high profile research projects on democratic governance at a local, national and international level. The department is also situated at the core of the School of Management and Governance, providing training in research methodology for all its degree programs. Several members of the department are strongly involved in the recently launched Centre for the Study of Democracy

Research

Our research focuses on the relationship between citizens and their government in multilevel political systems. Core topics include the legitimacy of government and administration and its relationship with the innovation of governance. In our research, we draw on a broad range of theoretical frameworks and build on insights from a number of social science disciplines. An emphasis on social science methodology is common to all our research endeavours. Our expertise is particularly strong with regard to advanced quantitative data analysis. Several ongoing research projects are commissioned by government agencies and other national and international organizations.

For more information consult the websites of our staff members or the departmental research programme (or consult Janine van der Woude).

Teaching

The department is responsible for and coordinates all courses in research methodology and (quantitative) data analysis for all degree programmes (BSc, MSc, PhD) offered by the School of Management and Governance. It is also strongly involved in the BSc and MSc in Public Administration and European Studies.

External activities

Kees Aarts is Chief Editor of Acta Politica.

Kees Aarts is Member of the KNAW.

Bas Denters is Chief Editor of Bestuurswetenschappen.

Bas Denters is Scientific Director of KISS.