Education Sciences

The Joint Doctoral Study programme (JDSP) “Education Sciences” students acquire general study courses at the University of Latvia, as well as choose a specialization module according to their scientific interests:

Module 1: Didactics of study subjects (implemented by UL and DU);

Module 2: Inclusive education and technology integration in school, university and adult education (implemented by UL);

Module 3: Education for sustainable development at school and university (implemented by DU);

Module 4: Special and social pedagogy (implemented by RTA);

Module 5: Preschool and primary school pedagogy (implemented by LiepU).

JDSP “Education Sciences” provides an opportunity to obtain an internationally recognized academic higher education and scientific qualification based on individual scientific research by conducting a fundamental and applied research in educational sciences to acquire competencies required in the labour market at the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) Level 8 and employment opportunities according to the Classification of Occupations of the Republic of Latvia Group 1 (professions whose main tasks are related to the development and formulation of state policy, development of external regulatory enactments, organization of the implementation of state and enterprise policy and its implementation measures) and Group 2 (professions whose main tasks are related to work that requires a high level of theoretical and professional knowledge and the ability to solve theoretical problems at all levels of education, prepares drafts of regulatory enactments and methodological documents, participates in the development of the field of educational science, planning the necessary resources, performs practical work in creating new material and intellectual values).

The requirements for admission to the JDSP “Educational Sciences” are in accordance with the aims, tasks and the set results of the study programme. The admission of students takes place in accordance with a previously approved procedure and criteria, which are published on the websites of the University of Latvia and partner universities. The doctoral students can apply for admission at any of the universities participating in the programme according to the scientific interest in the study modules implemented by the universities.

The JDSP “Educational Sciences” admits students with a master's degree in education, pedagogy or psychology, as well as a master's degree in humanities, social sciences, medicine, sports and natural sciences or equivalent higher education and at least two years of pedagogical work experience in an educational institution.

English language proficiency.

During the interview the candidate presents a five-to-ten-minute report on the intended research topic.

Although the admission will take place in all partner universities, the applicants' documents and presentation will be evaluated in accordance with the admission criteria of the University of Latvia (as the leading partner university) in doctoral study programmes. Therefore, equal requirements will be provided to all potential doctoral students, as well as the quality of joint doctoral study programme will be ensured.

As JDSP “Educational Sciences” will be implemented in both Latvian and English, the interview for studies in Latvian will take place in Latvian and in the foreign language chosen by the potential doctoral student. Foreign language skills are an essential condition for studies in a doctoral study programme in the context of the internationalization of the higher education. If the applicant has chosen to study in English, then the entrance interview will be conducted in English.

During the entrance interviews, the previous education and professional experience of potential students is acknowledged and considered.

Autumn Intake (application start: 3 Jan 2023; studies start in Sept 2023)

Full-time

European Qualifications Framework (EQF) level: Level 8

International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) level: Level 8

Study program is licensed, will be accredited within two years (according to national legislation)

International student mobility - ERASMUS

Within the framework of the programme, students have the opportunity to study one semester for free in all the EU member states and cooperation agreements have been concluded with the University of Hamburg (Germany) and the Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium) in order to share research experience at the doctoral level.