Doctoral Study Programme “History and Archeology”

Degree to be achieved: Doctoral Degree of Science Doctor of Science (Ph.D.) in Humanities and the Arts
Duration of studies: 6 semesters (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: English or Latvian
Study program is licensed, will be accredited within two years (according to national legislation)
Director and coordinator of the Programme
: prof. Gvido Straube, gvido.straube@lu.lv; Jānis Taurēns, janis.taurens@lu.lv

Tuition fee:

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and their family members; Long Term Resident EU 3400 EUR per Year
Other сountry citizens - 4268 EUR per Year

Aim of study program

The aim of the joint doctoral study program “History and Archeology” of the University of Latvia and Daugavpils University is to ensure the succession of historical science, training of leading staff of scientific, higher education and cultural institutions who have the competence to raise and solve the most important problems of modern history, in a broader sense, it means participation in the formation of the intellectual elite, as well as the ability to influence the development of the direction and priorities of national historical science.

The tasks of the program result in its tasks:

1) to select the best applicants in accordance with the jointly developed criteria for the evaluation of doctoral applicants;

2) to ensure the acquisition of deep and extensive knowledge of the current theoretical and methodological problems of modern world and Latvian historical science;

3) to develop doctoral students' skills and competencies, which will enable them to carry out independent projects based on scientific findings and methods and to carry out scientific research;

4) to provide qualified management for the scientific work of doctoral students, to ensure the transfer of the scientific work experience, scientific methods and erudition of the academic staff to the next generation;

5) to create an opportunity for doctoral students to publish the results of their scientific research and theoretical findings in scientific periodicals;

6) to provide doctoral students with an opportunity to get acquainted with the latest theoretical and historiographical achievements;

7) to promote doctoral students' understanding of scientific and academic careers and to improve the pedagogical competence necessary for academic work;

8) to promote the development of interdisciplinarity by cooperating with other doctoral study programs of the University of Latvia, Daugavpils University and other universities.

Career opportunities

The doctoral degree will allow to achieve the highest degree as a university lecturer, as well as to work in research in a variety of research institutions, as well as in archives, museums and libraries. The experience gained will be an additional advantage when applying for various positions in public administration, diplomatic service, mass media.

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 the humanities, social sciences, educational sciences, and natural sciences, or equivalent higher education and entrance examinations.

In the entrance interviews, in accordance with the admission criteria of the University of Latvia, both the novelty and topicality of the submitted doctoral thesis, the quality of the developed dissertation application, and the applicant's previous achievements and motivation are assessed. Previous achievements include master's study results, connection with work in historical research, publications and participation in scientific conferences.

English language proficiency.

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:


Programme director
Dr.hist. Gvido Straube
gvido.straube@lu.lv 

Programme secretary
Dr.hist. Jānis Taurēnsjanis.taurens@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).