Academic CentreThe aim of the doctoral study programme "Social Sciences" is to provide an opportunity to obtain an internationally recognized academic higher education and scientific qualification based on individual research by conducting fundamental or applied research in the field of media and communication, political science, sociology and social work to obtain the competences required by the labour market corresponding to the 8th ISCED and EQF/LQF level of education and to access employment opportunities in correspondence with the Republic of Latvia Classification of Occupations Level 1 major group.
Director of the Study Programme
Professor Daunis Auers
The doctoral study programme "Social Sciences" encompasses three fields: “Sociology and Social Work”, “Political Science”, “Media and Communication” – the doctoral programme "Social Sciences" consists of three sub-programmes:
“Political Science” provides in-depth knowledge of the fundamental theories and current issues in political science. Students prepare for and pass doctoral examinations in political science, the chosen specialty and a foreign language, as well as prove their ability to teach political science at the bachelor's level and (optionally) also in professional fields related to political science.
“Sociology and Social Work” yields comprehensive knowledge of the most important theories and current problems of sociology and social work. Students prepare for and pass doctoral examinations in sociology and social work, in the chosen specialty and in a foreign language, as well as prove their ability to teach sociology and social work at the bachelor's level and (optionally) in professional fields related to sociology.
“Mass Media and Communication” offers to acquire in-depth knowledge of the paramount theories and contemporary problems of communication science and library science. Students prepare for and pass doctoral examinations in communication science and library science, the chosen specialty and a foreign language, as well as prove their ability to teach communication science and library science at the bachelor's level and (optionally) also in the professional fields related to media and communication.
After graduating from the doctoral study programme and obtaining a doctoral degree, alumni of the programme have the opportunity to develop their research capacity and career under the auspices of the postdoctoral programme, as well as independently augment their knowledge and improve research skills in professional development activities of higher education institutions, research institutions and as a part of lifelong learning.
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The study programme admits students with a master's degree in communication science, library science, political science, sociology, social work, as well as those with a master's degree in other social sciences and humanities, and likewise – in natural sciences, or a higher education diploma equivalent thereto.
Matriculation takes place after the presentation of the doctoral thesis topic in the doctoral study programme council, pursuant to evaluating the applicant's level of knowledge in the relevant field of social sciences and foreign language, as well as the quality and compliance of the planned research with UL and Latvian state priority research directions. In the entrance interview, applicants are ranked according to the total score of points obtained. General admission criteria for UL doctoral programs are available on the UL website.
The entrance interview is held in Latvian or English – correspondingly for the studies in Latvian and English.