Study location	Latvia, Riga
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.
Application fee	€170 one-time The application fee is 170.00 EUR. 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. The application will be processed only after the payment receipt (the official receipt issued by the bank) has been uploaded in the Apply system, take note: in the event of any changes made in the application, you are to resubmit the application to confirm and save the changes.
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.

Language requirements

English Applicants must prove their English language knowledge. University accepts the following international language tests: LanguageCert International ESOL at least Level Communicator B2 (Written and Spoken exams); TOEFL IBT – at least score 72 TOEFL Essential – at least 8 points IELTS – at least score 6.00 PTE General – at least level B2 FCE – at least level B CPE – Proficiency/C2 Proficiency: any level CAE – C1 Advanced: any level If your previous studies have been obtained in English but not in the country listed below, then you have to present an official letter from your previous educational institution (University, 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. Applicants who have obtained previous education in English in one of the bellow listed countries do not need to provide separate language proficiency: • Australia • The Bahamas • Canada • Ireland • New Zealand • St Vincent and the Grenadines • United Kingdom • United States of America

Other requirements	Successful pass of entrance examination where applicants will be invited to an interview via Skype. Applicants are obligated to upload: 1) A justification and framework (3-5 pages) for the chosen dissertation (no specific form defined); 2) Filled out Curriculum Vitae in Europass format

More information	lu.lv/..-international-students/psychology

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.