Natural Sciences (Physics, Astronomy and Mechanics)

Degree to be achieved: Doctoral Degree of Science Doctor of Science (Ph.D.) in Natural Sciences
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
Study programme is licensed, will be accredited within two years (according to national legislation)

Tuition fee

Short programme description

The goal of the programme is to provide scientific education after the master’s degree is acquired, corresponding to the degree of scientific doctor in physics (Dr. phys.). The programme prepares the specialists of doctoral level, who would be able to work both in the academia (as researchers and faculty members) and in the industry (as participants and managers of technologically advanced projects). The programme provides the choice of specialization in eight subfields of physics, astronomy or mechanics:

• Astrophysics and fundamental astronomy
• Chemical physics
• Didactics of physics
• Fluid and gas mechanics
• Laser physics and spectroscopy
• Materials’ physics
• Mechanics of polymers and composite materials
• Medical physics
• Solid state physics

Depending on the elected subfield, the PhD student must demonstrate a high level of theoretical and practical qualification in materials’ physics, topics of polymer mechanics, general conceptions and methodology issues of chemical physics, the subfield of laser physics and spectroscopy, and various subfields of astrophysics and fundamental astronomy, and didactics of physics.

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 Physics (Mg. phys.) or Master’s degree in Chemistry (Mg. chem.), or Master’s degree in Engineering Sciences (Mg. eng.) and the higher education diplomas corresponding to the previously listed Master’s degrees.

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

Contact persons for more information about the programme:

Study programme director
prof. Anatolijs Šarakovskis
anatolijs.sarakovskis@lu.lv 

Study programme coordinator
Sintija Siliņa
sintija.silina@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).