CONFERENCEProgramme level: Master's programme
Language of instruction: Latvian
Study form and duration: full-time - 4 semesters
Credits: 120 ECTS
Obtainable degree or qualification: Master of Social Sciences in Sociology
Number of students accepted each year: State-funded study places - 8, study places for tuition fee - 20
Tuition fee per year (ac. year 2025/26): 2800 EUR for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, permanent residence permit holders and their family members. 4700 EUR for citizens of other countries
Study location: Riga, Latgale
Studies in the master's programme “Sociology” provide an advanced level of knowledge required for the research process – from A to Z. Students acquire skills and competences, apply this knowledge in practice, independently seek solutions to complex issues and manage the research process, as well as the research team.
The aim of the programme is to train highly qualified specialists for independent work in research and management of a research group, continuation of academic career in doctoral studies, employment in sociology-related fields – social and marketing research, public administration, social policy analysis and social work management.
Director of Study Programme
Doc. Renārs Felcis
Programme graduates successfully work in public opinion and market research companies (e.g., SKDS, TNS, “Latvijas Fakti”, “Factum”), ministries (e.g., Welfare, Culture, Education), state and municipal institutions (e.g., State Probation Service), private sector (e.g., advertising industry, consultancy companies, implementation of impact assessment research, etc.). Graduates with a profound interest in an academic career continue their doctoral studies in Latvia and elsewhere in Europe, as well as the USA.
General conditions
Previous education:
Bachelor's degree or second level professional higher education, or equivalent higher education.
Competition result calculation formula: entrance examination (1 x 1000 = 1000), the minimum passing score obtained in the entrance examination valid for admission – 500; Those holding a UL bachelor’s degree in sociology can participate in the competition with the following competition result calculation formula: weighted average grade (60 x 10 = 600) + total (or average) grade of final examinations (40 x 10 = 400).
Eligibility for noncompetition registration: the graduates of the UL bachelor’s study programme “Sociology” of academic year 2022/2023, whose weighted average grade in bachelor studies is not lower than 8 and the evaluation of the bachelor thesis is not lower than 9 (excellent).
Additional requirement: Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Graduate reviews
“First of all, it was interesting to study. From the very beginning, it allowed us to regard familiar things, processes from a different angle. Secondly, the studies were very comprehensive: political, economic, social processes, basics of psychology, philosophy, cultural history, and knowledge required for understanding and using research. Thirdly, the study environment was student-friendly, – it was promoted by lecturers, as well as methodologists. And that is an aspect that should not be underestimated.”
