CONFERENCECultural and Social Anthropology Bachelor Study Programme
Programme level: Bachelor's Degree Programme
Language of instruction: English
Study form and duration: full-time - 6 semesters
Credits: 180 ECTS
Obtainable degree or qualification: Bachelor of Social Sciences in Anthropology
Number of study places for admission in 2026/2027: Full time state-funded study places - 1, study places for tuition fee - 20.
Tuition fee per year: full-time - 2800 EUR for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, EU Long-term resident permit holders and their family members, 3000 EUR for citizens of other countries.
Study location: Riga, Latgale suburb
Anthropology aims to study humanity in its social and cultural diversity. Anthropology is becoming increasingly relevant given shrinking distances in terms of global mobility, intensification in migration and ever-increasing inter-cultural contact. Further, once seemingly homogenous local societies display increasing inner diversity.
The University of Latvia’s Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences currently offers the sole bachelor level programme in socio-cultural anthropology in Latvia.
The aim of cultural and social anthropology BS study programme is the preparation of specialists in socio-cultural anthropology at an intermediate level who are able to orient themselves within historical and contemporary knowledge in anthropology, design and conduct anthropological research, and critically and systematically analyse social and cultural processes.
The task of cultural and social anthropology bachelor study programme is supporting students in
- strengthening academic thinking and writing skills, as well as in communicating academic knowledge in society
- acquiring intermediate academic knowledge in sociocultural anthropology, providing systematic knowledge in theory, use of anthropological concepts, research methods and techniques, research ethics
- using anthropological knowledge, methods and ethnographic examples in analysing diverse social and cultural issues at intermediate level
- strengthening skills, knowledge and competences in designing, managing and implementing the research process: description of social and cultural process, formulating research problems, evaluation and analysis, preparation of research proposals, choosing relevant research methods and data collection, methods of processing, analysis and interpretation
- in conducting independent scientific research, strengthening individual and team work experience, developing argumentation, critical evaluation of research responsibilities and creating ethical relationships with the participants of research as well as colleagues;
- developing skills necessary for further professional and personal development: supporting determination, responsibility, laying foundations for professional development in anthropology and beyond.
Act. Study Program Director
Assist. Prof. Artūrs Pokšāns
In our programme, students discover the common basis for humanity and the uniqueness of our species among others, gaining anthropologically-specific perspectives on society. Anthropology’s broad and intercultural perspective helps us to systematise our views, and to understand and analyse human relationships and cultural phenomena. The development of reasoning and knowledge and understanding of concepts gained in theory and thematic courses allow for the acquisition and strengthening of critical and systematic thinking skills. Our particular participation- and observation-based research methods are the hallmark of anthropology and these are acquired through targeted methodology courses, strengthened in topic-based courses, and group and individual research projects. In terms of topicality, the programme covers the diverse fields of anthropological inquiry (politics, economics, kinship, family and religion) as well as addressing health and medicine, humans and non-human things and animals, the environment, and sexuality. The precise range of topics can be found in the study plan below.
The programme has been available to international students since 2014. Students can also participate in the Erasmus+ exchange programme in partner institutions, or indeed establish contacts of their own.
The anthropology program not only produces academically educated anthropologists, but is also useful as a first or further step in personal and professional development, providing analytical, work organization and life skills that can be used both in business, work in public administration and the non-governmental sector. Our graduate, now director of the Latvian Social Entrepreneurship Association, Regita Zeiļa, was included in the TOP 100 of the most important European women in this field in 2023. Regita discovered her career through anthropological research of social entrepreneurship during her studies.
The studies provide useful skills in the labour market, which allow you to work in research both in specialized research companies and in an analytical position in companies or institutions. Since the program prepares not only in the specialty, but also develops general work organization, teamwork and systematic thinking and writing skills, they will be useful in a wide variety of workplaces. Studies can also be continued at the master's level, where independent research and analytical skills are strengthened and the foundation for an academic career is laid.
Admission Requirements for Foreign Nationals with Secondary Education Completed Outside Latvia:
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and EU long-term residents:
- General secondary school diploma
- English language proficiency
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, EU long-term resident status holders and Ukrainian civilians can compete for a state-funded study place (application deadline 5 July 2026)
Admission to a state-funded study place is determined according to the following criteria, with places awarded to candidates achieving the highest overall scores:
1. Final grade in English language (60%);
2. Final grade in Mathematics (20%)
3. Grade point average (20%)
4. Additional points (10%) may be received for a grade in social studies.
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and Non-EU long-term residents:
- General secondary school diploma
- English language proficiency
- The average grade on the secondary education certificate across all subjects must be at least 6 on a 10-point grading scale
- All grades must be passing (at least 4 on a 10-point grading scale)
- SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) overall score no lower than 1200
*Information on 10 points grading scale
As part of the admission process, applicants will be required to participate in an online interview.
Admissions open: 1 December 2025
Admission Requirements for Latvian Citizens/Non-Citizens and Foreign Nationals with Secondary Education Completed in Latvia:
Admission criteria for individuals who obtained their secondary education from 2004 onwards:
- CE in Mathematics*;
- CE in English language at least Level B2;
- CE in Latvian language;
- Average score of all CEs completed by the individual;
* For individuals who have completed secondary education before 2008, the centralised examination in mathematics may be replaced by the average mark in mathematics indicated in the secondary education document (or the average mark in algebra and geometry)
Admission criteria for individuals who completed their secondary education up to and including 2003 and individuals with special needs:
- final grade in Mathematics (or the average grade of Algebra and Geometry);
- final grade in English language no less than 6 on a 10-point grading scale (can be substituted with an internationally recognised English-language test result at a minimum of level B2;
- final average grade in mandatory subjects
Additional Points: Participants of the University of Latvia Young Anthropologists School in 2025 and 2026 may be awarded additional points as follows: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 points. The Young Anthropologists School consists of six sessions, and candidates can earn 10 points for each successfully completed task at the end of a session.
During a single cycle of studies, students have the opportunity to spend up to 12 months abroad for studies or internships. Currently, the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences has over 320 Erasmus+ cooperation agreements with universities across Europe and beyond. Students can participate in exchange studies in countries such as Austria, Germany, Spain, Italy, Finland, Sweden, Turkey, Portugal, Slovakia, Malta, and many others.
In addition, students may take part in exchange programmes based on bilateral agreements, which allow for study opportunities in 53 countries worldwide — including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and more.
Short-term mobility options are also available through the FORTHEM Alliance, offering students the chance to gain new knowledge and skills in Germany, Poland, Norway, Romania, Italy, France, Finland, and Spain.
Additional information and study plan
Classes take place on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM according to the lecture schedule for the specific semester.
Information about admission:
Email: studies@lu.lv
After several years at this faculty, I can confidently say that this is exactly where I need to be. Studying Cultural and Social Anthropology was one of the best decisions I could have made, because nowhere else could I have gained such a deep understanding of human impact on society, human behavior and structure, which enables us to function in this world. I’ve also developed strong skills in essay and research writing, along with many other valuable abilities. I don’t regret it for a second!
