Philosophy

Degree to be achieved: Doctoral Degree of Science Doctor of Science (Ph.D.) in Humanities and the Arts
Standard period of study: 3 years
Type of studies: Full time
Amount of credits: 144 credit points or 216 ECTS
European Qualifications Framework (EQF) level: Level 8
International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) level: Level 8
Language of instruction: Latvian and English
Accreditation: the program is accredited until 31.12.2023.

Tuition fee

Short Programme description

The study programme consists of three parts:

Part A (Compulsory)

132 credits

This includes the doctoral thesis (80 credits over three semesters), three promotional examinations, academic publications in philosophy (3 publications required, 6 credits total), regular research seminars, international research seminars in philosophy (10 credits total), study courses “Trends in 21st century Philosophy” and “International Philosophical Organisations” (8 credits total);

Part B (Limited choice)

8 credits

Limited choice courses include “New Developments in the 21st Century Philosophy of Culture” (8 credits), “Relevant Issues in Aesthetics and Social Philosophy” (2 credits), “Emerging Trends in Inter-Cultural Philosophy”, “Philosophy of Enlightenment” (4 credits), “Approaches in Philosophical Humanism” (6 credits), “Philosophy of History” (4 credits); 

Part C (Optional choice)

4 credits

Optional choice courses are focused on academic teaching skill development.       

Anticipated outcome of the Doctoral Study Programme:

After successful completion of the Doctoral Study Programme, a PhD student will have acquired the following competences:

1. Knowledge (intellectual competences):

1.1. The ability to independently develop novel research topics;

1.2. The ability to independently carry out academic research in compliance with existing theoretical and practical standards;

1.3. Deep professional knowledge in the selected research area and philosophy in general;

1.4. Academic writing skills necessary to produce papers conforming to good international practice.

2. Practical competences:

2.1. The ability to work in project teams and coordinate one’s individual activities with those of more experienced researchers and professors;

2.2. The skills necessary to develop project proposals for national and international research competitions;

2.3. The ability to select relevant research methods balancing theory and its practical application;

2.4. The skills necessary for a successful career in research management, academic and governmental institutions;

2.5. The abilities essential for an expert to address issues of national importance in the field of humanities and culture, social problems related to philosophy and ethics, as well as social integration, education and cultural policy.

3. Excellent communication skills.

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 Philosophy

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

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Director of the programme

Raivis Bičevskis
raivis.bicevskis@lu.lv 

Programme secretary

Elvīra Simfa
elvira.simfa@lu.lv