CONFERENCEProgram level: academic doctorate
Language of study: Latvian
Form and duration of studies: full-time attendance - 6 semesters or 3 years
Amount in credit points: 180 ECTS
Degree awarded: Doctoral Degree of Science Doctor of Science (Ph.D.) in Social Sciences
Number of places for admission in the 2026/2027 academic year: follow the information
Tuition fee in the 2026/2027 academic year: 2800 EUR for EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation citizens, permanent residents and their family members; 4000 EUR for citizens of other countries.
Study location: Academic Centre of the University of Latvia, Riga, 1 Jelgava Street
Accreditation until: 14.11.2030.
Professor Henrijs Kaļķis
The content of the study program through the scientific research, knowledge creation and transfer, approval work and specialization courses included in the program is thoughtfully created in the following main content groups:
Science Module:
This module includes the development of a doctoral thesis, study courses of scientific methodology supporting research studies, doctoral student seminars (colloquiums) for discussion and improvement of doctoral theses and doctoral exams (in specialty and foreign language).
Specialization module:
In this module, students will learn various in-depth specialization courses related to human factors and ergonomics, incl. in-depth knowledge of subjective and objective methods, modern theories of human factor-ergonomics, occupational health and safety, system safety and risk assessment. In addition, work cognitive engineering, work psychology, biomechanics and anthropometry study courses will be discussed in more detail.
After the successful completion of the study programme and the awarding of a scientific doctoral degree, graduates can work in any sector of the national economy both as leading-level specialists and as consultants, create their own company and work in universities and colleges as lecturers, professors and researchers in the field of human factors, occupational safety and health, labour relations and social sciences.
1) Master's degree in social sciences: economics and business, law, educational sciences, psychology, labor protection, engineering, natural sciences: biology and chemistry, computer science and informatics, environmental management, medicine, pharmacy, and health sciences or equivalent education.
At least 2 years of work experience in work processes related to previously acquired education and necessary prior knowledge
2) Recruitment negotiations. To apply for studies, the applicant submits and orally defends the abstract of the planned scientific research. As a result of the applicant competition, applicants are matriculated in the chosen study program according to the results of the sum of the following criteria:
- evaluation of scientific papers;
- evaluation of the annotation and oral defense commission of the planned scientific research.
The common criteria for admission to the doctoral study programs of the LU are indicated at: www.lu.lv/gribustudet/uznemsanas-kartiba/doktorantura/. Entrance interviews are held in Latvian or English, respectively for studies in Latvian and English.
3) English language studies require a level of English knowledge of at least B2 or an IELTS test result of at least 5.5 points (taken within the last 10 years) or another assessment of English language knowledge, an equivalent result of an international language test, or an exam grade (at least 7) from a previous higher education diploma supplement. If necessary, the applicant's English language skills can be assessed during the admission interview.
4) Foreign applicants need an education equivalent to a Latvian science master's degree, the Academic Information Center (AIC) evaluates it and issues an appropriate certificate.