15 Doctoral Degree Programs in Latvia

The aim of the programme is to improve the doctoral student's research and academic competence in educational sciences to implement independent and innovative research activities for improvement and development of educational sciences theories, improve pedagogical practice at various levels of education (from pre-school to adult education) in Latvia and internationally, independently develop and publicly defend doctoral research containing original scientific research results and providing new knowledge in educational sciences.

The programme corresponds to EU standards and professional requirements set for MDs. The obtained degree is in line with European labour market requirements (part of the European comparative degree system) and allows free movement within Europe.

The aim of the joint doctoral study program “History and Archeology” of the University of Latvia and Daugavpils University is to ensure the succession of historical science, training of leading staff of scientific, higher education and cultural institutions who have the competence to raise and solve the most important problems of modern history, in a broader sense, it means participation in the formation of the intellectual elite, as well as the ability to influence the development of the direction and priorities of national historical science.

The doctoral study programme "Economics and Business" is the only programme of its kind in Latvia, which will cover the sub-branches of the economy and entrepreneurship sector. The purpose of the doctoral programme is to prepare highly qualified researchers, industry and organization leaders, as well as academics capable of developing independent research in the field of economics and business, obtaining scientifically original and proven results, thereby demonstrating their competence in research, organization and management in economics, addressing business and educational development and innovation challenges; to prepare highly qualified professionals with internationally comparable competencies in the field of economics and business and an internationally comparable Doctor in Science degree, providing the national economy with highly qualified professionals.

Aim of the Programme is to prepare highly qualified scientists and teaching staff in various areas of psychology (general, clinical, development, personality, social/organisational psychology) through improvement of their research work organisation, management and implementation skills based on greater in-depth understanding of psychology theories and methodology in at least two sub-areas of psychology, skills in national and international cooperation with other specialists in the area, and through preparation of an original scientific research study (dissertation study) to be defended to acquire an internationally recognised doctoral degree in psychology. The programme additionally offers specialisation in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to the students studying for their doctoral degree in clinical psychology. These additional studies are aimed at improvement of their professional skills in psychotherapy (within the Baltic States, such specialisation at the doctoral level is available only at the University of Latvia).

The goal of the doctoral study program is to prepare researchers in the field of information technology industry systems analysis, modeling and design sector, to promote the students' theoretical knowledge and research skills and the application of research results in the following areas:

The Ph.D. in Social Sciences program aims to provide opportunities for talented and motivated students to carry out innovative interdisciplinary research in social sciences based on individual research work. The research should address issues that require a multifaceted approach and extend the traditional boundaries of social science disciplines, emphasizing a dynamic approach in the fields of law, political science, business, health management, communication, sociology, social anthropology, and social work. The program offers opportunities for inclusive and sustainable education that contributes to the development of society.

The aim of PhD programme is to prepare researchers and lecturers, as well as professionals for applied research, economics or public administration, whose knowledge, skills and competencies meet the requirements that exist internationally, taking into account the needs of the Latvian labor market.

The doctoral study programme “Theology and Religious Studies” offers its students to learn the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to do independent research. Together with academic staff students can participate in research projects and giving lectures. The study programme also offers the opportunity to take part in processes that are connected with research and its communication to wider society – international and national conferences, lectures of guest lecturers, seminars of dissertation themes and also science popularization events. In this study programme, the important tendencies in theology and religious research are taken into account focusing its theoretical aspects on the globalised character of religious phenomena. Special attention during seminars is given to the methodology of research and the writing and publishing process of publications. Successfully graduating from this programme, PhD candidates will be prepared for work in academic and other research institutions, as well as they will be able to work as high-level professionals outside of the academic environment. Within this study programme, there will be a common module with the doctoral programme of Theology and Religious Studies School in Tartu University.

The programme is designed to meet the needs of practitioners who wish to research some aspect of their field of practice. Candidates embark on high-level, practice-based research into one of the of research areas. It is a research degree whose purpose is to assist professionals to develop a relationship between research and their professional activities.

The programme offers students the opportunity to obtain an internationally recognized advanced degree based on substantial individual fundamental or applied research in one of three research clusters – media and communication, political science, sociology and social work.

This program aims to prepare doctors of science, highly qualified researchers and specialists with appropriate knowledge, skills and competences about the importance of the human factor in work processes, safety at work and occupational health, as well as to obtain internationally comparable competence and an internationally comparable Ph.D. degree.

The Ph.D. in Health Care (Sub-programmes: Medicine, Pharmacy, Psychology) program aims to prepare highly qualified scientists and academics in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, and psychology by using an integrative and complementary approach. The approach allows for addressing challenges related to human health in order to implement and independently manage research projects at both a national and international level. The aim is also to develop academic competence to ensure education continuity and sustainability.

TSI offers Doctoral studies that will rise knowledge and professional skills and abilities to a new level, compared to already completed previous levels of degree. These studies will accelerate your independent work and research skill in civil engineering as well as teaching abilities, allowing you to implement complex and breakthrough projects, raising your career to the next steps, as well as realize your own innovative ideas.

The PhD programme offers interdisciplinary and research-based studies, integrating linguistics, literary studies, folklore and theatre studies. Although the main task of the programme is the preservation and enhancement of national culture and science by preparing highly qualified researchers and specialists for researching the Latvian language, literature, folklore, theatre history and theory, the programme is also designed for aspiring specialists in other languages and cultures to enable postgraduate students to build their teaching and research careers at higher educational institutions and elsewhere.