Degree to be achieved: Doctoral degree in Communication Science (Dr. sc.comm.)
Standard period of study: 3years or 4 years
Type of studies: Full time (3 years) and part time (4years)
Amount of credits: 144 credit points or 216 ECTS
Language of instruction: Latvian
Study programme is accredited
Tuition fee

Short Program description

The doctoral programme in communication studies at the University of Latvia involves three subsectors – library studies, communication theory, and the psychology and ethics of communication. The programme is based on an integrated approach. Communication studies are examined in the context of theories in the social sciences and humanities, also looking at interaction among same. This makes it possible to identify, explain, systematise, analyse and forecast phenomena and processes in the fields of communication and information. The goal of the doctoral programme is to train highly qualified scholarly workers and instructors in the field of communication studies, as well as highly qualified communication professionals with internationally comparable competences in the field of communication studies, as well as an internationally comparable doctoral degree. The following missions relate to this programme in pursuit of that goal:

1) In-depth learning about the theories and the methodologies of communication studies, focusing on a theoretical understanding of communication and information processes in the context of the development of the social sciences and society, as well as in-depth theoretical studies of the field of communication and its subsectors (library studies, communication theory, psychology and ethics of communication);

2) Learning of the latest theoretical approaches and methods in communication studies and the implementation of same in practice;

3) Learning about the theory and practice of university-level pedagogy (teaching classes, leading seminars, serving as advisors for the independent work and research projects of students, as well as the learning and testing of the relevant skills and principles);

4) Completing promotion exams to confirm the student’s competence in the selected sector and subsector of studies;

5) Publication of research results and theoretical conclusions in peer-reviewed scholarly journals, as well as journals related to the specific area of study;

6) Presentation of papers at international conferences, seminars, schools, etc.;

7) Learning skills and competences related to information technologies, data processing and presentations;

8) Developing skills related to creative and critical thinking, analysis and argumentation so as to increase the intellectual potential of the country;

9) Writing and pre-defending an independent research project (the doctoral dissertation) before the Council of Doctoral Studies.

Admission requirements

Master’s degree in social sciences, arts or natural sciences. Project of dissertation

Application

Contact persons for more information about the programme:

Programme director
Dr.vēst. Vita Zelče
vita.zelce@lu.lv

Programme secretary
Inga Poļaka
inga.poļaka@lu.lv