CONFERENCENATURAL SCIENCES: MATERIALS SCIENCE DOCTORAL STUDY PROGRAMME
Program level: academic doctorate
Language of study: English
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 Engineering and Technology
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; 6 400 EUR for citizens of other countries.
Place of study: Academic Centre of the University of Latvia, Riga, Jelgava Street 3
Accreditation until: 20.12.2029.
The goal of the doctoral study program is to prepare scientific staff and academic staff, as well as professionals for applied research and the economy, whose knowledge, skills and competencies meet international requirements, taking into account the needs of the Latvian labor market.
Chair of Doctoral Council of Physics and Astronomy, and Materials Science Prof. Anatolijs Šarakovskis
The doctoral study program provides for the acquisition of scientific qualifications in materials physics.
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 programme provides an advanced framework for cultivating theoretical expertise, developing robust research competencies and acquiring the capacity to conduct independent, original inquiry in physics and astronomy. It equips candidates with the transversal skills essential for professional work in Latvian and international higher education, research institutions and related sectors, while fostering the high-level qualifications and scholarly maturity required to compete successfully within the global academic landscape.
Previous academic education: second-cycle higher education in physics, chemistry, chemical technology, materials science, mechanical engineering or equivalent higher education.
Additional requirements: doctoral thesis proposal (.doc.x) agreed with a potential scientific supervisor, proof of English language proficiency at least at B2 level, CV, motivation letter, proof of scientific research activities and other documents. More information about the documents to be submitted.
Required English language proficiency (except if previous education is in English), attested by following tests:
LanguageCert International ESOL at least Level Communicator B2 (Written and Spoken exams);
TOEFL IBT – at least score 72
TOEFL Essential – at least 8 points
IELTS – at least score 6.00
PTE General – at least level B2
FCE – at least level B
CPE – Proficiency/C2 Proficiency: any level
CAE – C1 Advanced: any level
Entrance examinations: motivation assessment interview with a representative of the Doctoral School, as well as an oral presentation of the doctoral thesis topic and planned research at the Doctoral Council. The Council evaluates the applicant's knowledge, the quality and relevance of the doctoral thesis proposal, as well as the results of previous scientific research.