CONFERENCEPolitical Science - Bachelor's Degree Programme
Programme level: Bachelor's Degree Programme
Language of instruction: Latvian
Study form and duration: full-time - 6 semesters
Credits: 180 ECTS
Obtainable degree or qualification: Bachelor of Social Sciences in Political Science
Number of study places for admission in 2025/2026: Full time state-funded study places - 20, study places for tuition fee - 50.
Tuition fee per year (ac. year 2025/26): 2800 EUR for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, EU Long-term resident permit holders and their family members. 3700 EUR for citizens of other countries.
Study location: Riga, Latgale suburb
The study programme prepares professionals with in-depth knowledge of political systems and public administration. The students gain an understanding of international developments, the socio-economic and political processes of the European Union, as well as Latvia's place therein. After completion of the programme, the students are equally qualified to carry out research and participate in socio-political processes at international, regional and local levels, to develop sectoral policies and to prepare policy documents.
In the 2nd study year or 4th semester, students choose a specialisation in one of two study sub-programmes:
In the sub-programme “International Policy”, the students gain comprehensive knowledge of international relations, since interaction with other countries is a part of the daily routine of those working in public administration, large municipalities and private companies.
In the sub-programme “Public Policy and Administration”, students learn about the structure and functioning of institutions, personnel, financial and project management in institutions, acquire skills required to prepare planning documents, internal regulations in the field of personnel, project and financial management, develop and manage EU and local projects.
Act. Director of the Study Programme
Assist. Prof. Malvīne Strazdiņa
The graduates can build a career in public institutions of all levels (Latvian parliament and ministries, local governments), public organizations, parties and various foundations, in the private sector (banks, consulting business, companies). The holder of this degree can be an office manager, diplomat, lecturer, member of parliament or local government.
You can find out about the admission requirements for the study program by switching to the Latvian version of the website.
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.
Graduate reviews
“Political science is worth pursuing to see beyond stereotypes, to be able to generalize and analyse causes, as well as effects. It can be said that studies in this science not only prepare for professional life, but for life in general – because only an educated person can be truly free, and in-depth knowledge in this field of science enables to distinguish the essential from the insignificant, to participate and influence political processes, and thus – one's own life.”
“It seems to me that FSS has very strong foreign and international policy lecturers and a sufficient number of guest lecturers to provide for an international political dimension. I think that for young people who want to work in Latvia and are particularly interested in Latvia's domestic politics, the place to study is UL FSS, where they would get to know and study exactly the events and processes in Latvia. Foreign countries offer very good education abroad, but the understanding of how things actually work here differs, for example, in Germany, Great Britain or Sweden. If a person is ready to obtain knowledge and has motivation – he or she can acquire a lot at FSS.”
“Studying here was a very important stage for me, which enabled to acquire valuable skills, as well as international experience. During my bachelor's studies, I had the opportunity to study for a year at the University of Wisconsin, USA, and later become enrolled in master's studies at The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, USA. In my subsequent career I greatly benefitted from the interdisciplinary nature of the studies, as I was able to develop both analytical skills important in political science and to master economic and financial models.”