DoctoratePsychology
| Study location | Latvia, Riga |
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| Type | Doctoral, full-time |
| Nominal duration | 3 years (216 ECTS) |
| Study language | English |
| Awards | Doctorate (Doctoral Degree of Science Doctor of Science (Ph.D.) in Social Sciences) |
| Accreditation | Study programme is accredited (to be revised in 2025) |
| Tuition fee | €5,500 per year Please note that the tuition fee may change in 2025. |
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| Application fee | €170 one-time The application fee is 170.00 EUR. The application fee is non-refundable. Payment of the application fee should be paid only after the receipt of the invoice and must be paid by the due date indicated on the invoice. If for any reason you have failed to pay the fee by the set deadline, please contact the admission coordinator. The application will be processed only after the payment receipt issued by the bank has been uploaded in the Apply system. NB: In the event of any changes made in the application, the application has to be resubmitted to confirm and save the changes. |
| Deposit | €500 one-time A one-time payment for students 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 the coverage of possible immigration expenses and paid back upon request after graduation. |
| Entry qualification | Postgraduate diploma (or higher) Master’s degree in psychology or Master’s degree in social sciences, if a bachelor’s degree in psychology has been obtained during undergraduate studies. 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 the EU must be certified with an 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 will need to provide evidence of adequate English language knowledge unless they qualify for an exemption. The following international English language test certificates are accepted as part of your application: If your previous studies have been completed in English but not in the country listed below, then you have to submit an official letter from your previous educational institution (e.g. university.) where it is stated that the medium of instruction was English, and you have to attend an in-person or online interview where the University of Latvia will evaluate your language skills. Applicants who have obtained the previous education in English in one of the countries listed below qualify for an exemption and do not need to provide a separate language proficiency certificate: |
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| Other requirements | Successfully passed entrance examination-interview via Zoom or other platform. Applicants are to upload: 1) a thesis application (3-5 pages) for the chosen theme of the dissertation, indicating the relevant branch and sub-branch of science. The framework is available HERE 2) Filled out Curriculum Vitae in the 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.
Eastern European Time
Eastern European Time