DoctoratePsychology
| Study location | Latvia, Riga |
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| Type | Doctoral, full-time |
| Nominal duration | 3 years (216 ECTS) |
| Study language | English |
| Awards | Doctorate (Doctor of science (PhD) in Psychology) |
| Accreditation | Study programme is accredited (to be revised in 2025) |
| Tuition fee | €4,300 per year |
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| Application fee | €141 one-time The application fee consists of a 100 € registration fee and a 41 € payment for the recognition of education documents by the Academic Information centre of Latvia. The application fee is non-refundable. Payment of the application fee and the diploma recognition fee should be paid only after the receipt of the invoice and must be paid BY the deadline of the invoice, if for any reason you have failed to pay the fees by the said deadline please contact the admission coordinator. |
| Deposit | €500 one-time A one-time payment for students coming from third countries outside the EU/EEA is to be paid in full together with the full-year tuition fee payable upon arrival. The deposit is intended for coverage of possible immigration expenses and paid back upon request after graduation. |
| Entry qualification | Postgraduate diploma (or higher) Masters Degree in psychology The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English / Latvian. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original. Diplomas and transcripts issued outside EU must be legalized with legalization stamps or Apostille. More information available HERE You must take the original entry qualification documents with you when you finally go to the university. |
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| Language requirements | English Applicants must prove their English language knowledge. University accepts the following international language tests: If your previous studies have been obtained in English but in the country where English is not native language, then you have to present an official letter from your previous educational institution (secondary school, etc.) where is stated that all your studies were in English (medium of instruction is English), and you have to pass interview where the University of Latvia will evaluate your language skills. If you do not have any chance to take the English language test, the University of Latvia offers the option of taking an online English test. If you would like to take the test please write to gunita.eke@lu.lv Applicants who have obtained previous education in English in one of the bellow listed countries do not need to provide separate language proficiency: |
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| Other requirements | Successful pass of entrance examination where applicants will be invited to an interview via Skype. Applicants are obligated to upload: 2) Filled out Curriculum Vitae in Europass format |
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| More information |
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Overview
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). 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.