PhD Psychology
Riga, Latvia
PhD
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
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).
ERASMUS+ exchange possibilities
UL full-time students, regardless of their citizenship, have the opportunity to apply for the ERASMUS + exchange program for studies or/and traineeship.
Tasks of the Programme are:
(1) To facilitate scientific research in the branches of the science of psychology represented in the programme.
(2) To assure acquisition of the skills required for research, academic and professional work.
(3) To facilitate doctoral students’ mutual, national and international cooperation in research.
(4) To support motivation for life-long education and personal growth of doctoral students.
Upon completion of the doctoral programme in psychology, the students will have acquired the following knowledge, skills, and competences:
1. Knowledge – an understanding of the overall tendencies in the development of the contemporary science of psychology, and in-depth knowledge in the area of specialisation.
2. Skills – to prepare and conduct an original research study, critically assess its results in the form of a dissertation paper, to prepare scientific articles, and to present then at conferences; to present lectures or, in the case of doctoral students in CBT, to provide counselling to clients.
3. Competences – to independently carry out of scientific and academic work as required in the context of the contemporary science of psychology.
The knowledge, skills, and competences acquired in the programme correspond to EQF Level 7.
At present there is a considerable shortage of highly qualified psychology experts who do scientific and professional work in Latvia, and this hinders the development of psychology itself as well as development of education, mental health, and social well-being.
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