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 Humanities and the Arts)
Accreditation	Study program is licensed, will be accredited within two years

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) Applicants are expected to hold a master’s degree in the humanities, social sciences, education sciences, or a higher education qualification of equivalent standing and to participate in an entrance interview. 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/..dents/language-and-culture-studies

Overview

Aim of study programme
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.

The programme has been developed within the framework of the project “Design of Internationally Competitive Study Programmes Promoting the Development of the National Economy of Latvia at the University of Latvia” (project No. 8.2.1.0 / 18 / A / 015).

Programme structure

The programme has two sub-programmes:
“Linguistics and literary studies”
Two modules: “Linguistics” and “Literary studies”, leading to the degree of Doctor of Science (PhD) in Linguistics and Literary Studies.

“Folklore studies and theatre history and theory”
Two modules: “Folklore studies” and “Theatre history and theory”, leading to the degree of Doctor of Science (PhD) in Music, Visual Arts and Architecture.

International students are welcome to the module “Linguistics” of the sub-programme “Linguistics and Literary Studies”.
The goal of the sub-programme is to enhance the development of doctoral students’ research and academic competence, to prepare highly qualified specialists who can conduct independent and innovative research, work out and defend a PhD thesis, which makes a substantial original contribution to knowledge building in linguistics and literary studies.