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 programme is accredited (to be revised in 2029)

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 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 the humanities, education, social sciences (sociology and anthropology) or equivalent higher education. Please also add your Bachelor’s degree diploma and its supplements Students are admitted to the programme after admission interviews and following centralized enrollment regulations (Doctoral study programmes (lu.lv)), according to the following priorities: 1.     Applicants who have a master’s degree in the study field “Religion and Theology.” 2.    Applicants who have master’s degree in other social sciences, education or humanities study fields. During the admission interviews, the applicants are rated on the sum of received points. During the discussions, it is determined whether applicants who do not have a master’s degree corresponding to the study field have the necessary knowledge and experience to start doctoral studies in theology and religious 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.

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: 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 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: • Australia • The Bahamas • Canada • Ireland • New Zealand • St Vincent and the Grenadines • United Kingdom • United States of America

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

More information	lu.lv/..nts/theology-and-religious-studies

Overview

The doctoral study programme “Theology and Religious Studies” offers its students to learn the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to do independent research. Together with academic staff students can participate in research projects and giving lectures. The study programme also offers the opportunity to take part in processes that are connected with research and its communication to wider society – international and national conferences, lectures of guest lecturers, seminars of dissertation themes and also science popularization events. In this study programme, the important tendencies in theology and religious research are taken into account focusing its theoretical aspects on the globalised character of religious phenomena. Special attention during seminars is given to the methodology of research and the writing and publishing process of publications. Successfully graduating from this programme, PhD candidates will be prepared for work in academic and other research institutions, as well as they will be able to work as high-level professionals outside of the academic environment. Within this study programme, there will be a common module with the doctoral programme of Theology and Religious Studies School in Tartu University.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities are within fields that are connected with religious research and the analytics of tendencies and processes that happen nowadays (Universities, institutions, media), administration (national and regional institutions, religious and non-profit organizations), praxis (churches and other religious organizations – within the fields of pastoral care, spiritual support and growth), and also with religious education and general service industry (for example, support for health workers, social and pastoral care).