Computer Science and Mathematics

Awarded Degree: Doctoral Degree of Science Doctor of Science (Ph.D.) in Natural Sciences
Duration of studies: full-time 8 semesters (4 years)
Amount of credits: 192 credit points or 288 ECTS
European Qualifications Framework (EQF) level: Level 8
International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) level: Level 8
Language of instruction: English or Latvian

The PhD program has been licenced and will be accredited within two years (according to national legislation)

Tuition fee:

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and their family members; Long Term Resident EU - 8400 EUR per Year
Other сountry citizens - 8400 EUR per Year

Aim of the programme

The aim of the PhD programme is to provide opportunities for the growth of researchers and teachers in the fields of computer science and mathematics by promoting the training of professionals in basic and applied research, economics or public administration whose knowledge, skills and competences meet the requirements of the highest level specialists in the field of mathematics and computer science in Latvia and internationally.

The main components of the quality of research-based education are the management of modern research methodologies in the field, the skills needed to carry out research, a science-based worldview, and competencies in research management and pedagogy.

Tasks of the study programme:

1) To provide in-depth knowledge and understanding of the problems of computer science and mathematics, to promote in-depth acquisition of theories and methodologies in the field of science, to ensure the achievement of high competence of doctoral students in the chosen field of science. To provide knowledge of the links between mathematics, computer science and other disciplines that enable interaction between them.

2) To develop and improve the skills of scientific research work, to promote the acquisition of the latest theoretical approaches and research methods and their application in practice, which will allow doctoral students to arrive at new scientific results in the chosen field of science.

3) To promote the acquisition of the theory and practice of pedagogy at the university, to develop the pedagogical skills necessary for successful work as a teaching staff after graduation.

4) To develop skills of analysis of scientific literature and scientific communication, to promote the development of creative and critical thinking and argumentation abilities and skills to enrich the intellectual potential of the state.

5) To provide opportunities for the development of information and data processing technology skills and presentation competencies. To promote the participation of doctoral students with reports in conferences, seminars, doctoral schools, etc.

6) To provide opportunities for doctoral students to publish the results of research work and theoretical findings in generally accepted peer-reviewed scientific publications and in scientific publications of the field.

7) To promote the preparation and pre-defense of a doctoral thesis.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the program are employed by Latvian universities (University of Latvia, Liepāja University), Latvian research institutes (Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science at University of Latvia, Institute of Electronics and Computer Sciences), foreign universities (Aalesund University College in Norway, Blekinge Technical University in Sweden, Massachussets Institute of Technology in USA) and Latvian software industry.

ERASMUS+ exchange possibilities

UL full-time students, regardless of their citizenship, have the opportunity to apply for the ERASMUS + exchange program for studies or/and traineeship.  

More information:

ERASMUS + study mobility 
ERASMUS + traineeship moblity

Admission requirements

Master's degree in computer science, mathematics, physics or a higher education diploma corresponding to the said master's degrees.

English language proficiency.

As a part of the admission process applicants will be asked to participate in an online interview.

Autumn Intake (application start: 02 Jan 2023; studies start in Sept 2023)

Full-time

Director of the programme:

prof. Andris Ambainis
andris.ambainis@lu.lv

Programme secretary

Katrīna Degro
katrina.degro@lu.lv

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).