Theology and Religious Studies

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: Study program is licensed, it will be accredited this year.

Tuition fee

Short Program description

The doctoral study programme “Theology and Religious Studies” offers its students to learn the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to do independent research. Together with academic staff students can participate in research projects and giving lectures. The study programme also offers the opportunity to take part in processes that are connected with research and its communication to wider society – international and national conferences, lectures of guest lecturers, seminars of dissertation themes and also science popularization events. In this study programme, the important tendencies in theology and religious research are taken into account focusing its theoretical aspects on the globalised character of religious phenomena. Special attention during seminars is given to the methodology of research and the writing and publishing process of publications. Successfully graduating from this programme, PhD candidates will be prepared for work in academic and other research institutions, as well as they will be able to work as high-level professionals outside of the academic environment. Within this study programme, there will be a common module with the doctoral programme of Theology and Religious Studies School in Tartu University.

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 any field.

*The study program has been submitted for regular accreditation, these admission rules are planned after new accreditation in May/June 2023:

Master's degree in Humanities, Education or Social sciences (Sociology and Anthropology) or equivalent higher education.

Students are admitted to the program after admission interviews and following centralized enrollment regulations (Doctoral study programmes (lu.lv)), according to the following priorities:  

1.  Applicants who have a master's degree in the study field "Religion and Theology." 
2. Applicants who have master's degree in other social sciences, education or humanities study fields. 

During the discussions with the study program council, it is determined whether applicants who do not have a master's degree corresponding to the study field have the necessary knowledge, motivation and language proficiency to start doctoral studies in theology and religious studies.  

English language proficiency.

Autumn Intake (application start: 02 Jan 2023; studies start in Sept 2023)

Full-time

Contact persons for more information about the programme:

Programme director
Prof. Valdis Tēraudkalns
valdis.teraudkalns@lu.lv

Programme secretary
Ilze Stikāne
ilze.stikane.tf@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).