CONFERENCENATURAL SCIENCES: EARTH SCIENCES, PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES DOCTORAL STUDY PROGRAMME
Program level: academic doctorate
Language of study: Latvian
Form and duration of studies: full-time attendance - 6 semesters or 3 years; part-time attendance - 8 semesters or 4 years
Amount in credit points: 216 ECTS
Degree awarded: Doctoral Degree of Science Doctor of Science (Ph.D.) in Natural Sciences
Number of places for admission in the 2026/2027 academic year: follow the information
Tuition fee in the 2026/2027 academic year: 3 300 EUR for EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation citizens, permanent residents and their family members; 7500 EUR for citizens of other countries.
Study location: Academic Centre of the University of Latvia, Riga, 1 Jelgava Street
Accreditation until: 20.12.2029.
The aim of the programme is to prepare highly qualified scientific specialists and teaching staff in Earth sciences, physical geography and environmental sciences, as well as highly qualified industry professionals with internationally comparable competence in the fields of Earth sciences, physical geography and environmental sciences and an internationally comparable doctorate in sciences, providing the economy with highly qualified specialists.
The most important aspect of the doctoral study programme is the students' individual scientific research work, including literature studies, data and material acquisition and analysis, preparation of publications and dissertation writing. In addition, students take theoretical courses, participate in scientific seminars, present their work results at scientific conferences, and assist in bachelor's and master's study programmes.
The doctoral study programme provides for the acquisition of scientific qualifications in the following sub-disciplines of Earth science, physical geography and environmental science:
- natural geography;
- geomatics and applied geography;
- regional geography and environmental geography;
- bedrock geology,
- quaternary geology and geomorphology,
- applied geology;
- environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology;
- nature protection;
- environmental engineering;
- environmental management.
The programme offers rigorous research training and transversal competencies through structured coursework, field-specific doctoral examinations (in the discipline, subdiscipline, and a foreign language), and continuous engagement in scientific research. Throughout the studies, doctoral candidates carry out original research in their chosen topic, disseminate results in peer-reviewed publications, participate in international conferences, undertake mobility visits, and contribute to academic activities. The programme concludes with the completion and public defence of the doctoral thesis, demonstrating readiness for independent research work.
The doctoral study programme aims to educate highly qualified researchers whose scientific competencies and skills are comparable to those of researchers at leading universities in EU Member States. Graduates of the programme are capable of addressing nationally significant challenges in the fields of Earth sciences, physical geography, and environmental science.
Programme graduates pursue professional careers in public sector institutions, Latvian and international universities and research institutes, as well as in the private sector.
Previous academic education: second cycle higher education (master's degree) in natural sciences, environmental engineering, agricultural sciences, forestry or social and economic geography or equivalent higher education.
Additional requirements: doctoral thesis proposal (.docx) agreed with a potential scientific supervisor, CV, motivation letter, proof of scientific research activities and other documents. More information about the documents to be submitted.
Entrance examination: oral presentation of the doctoral thesis proposal and planned research at the Doctoral Council. The Council evaluates the applicant's academic knowledge, the quality and relevance of the research proposal, as well as the applicant's previous research activities.
Acting Study Programme Director
