CONFERENCEDoctoral study programme "Natural Sciences (Physics, Astronomy)"
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; 6 400 EUR for citizens of other countries.
Place of study: Academic Centre of the University of Latvia, Riga, Jelgavas iela 3
Accreditation until: 20.12.2029.
Chair of Doctoral Council of Physics and Astronomy, and Materials Science Prof. Anatolijs Šarakovskis
The doctoral study programme provides advanced scientific qualification in the following subfields of physics and astronomy:
- Astrophysics and Fundamental Astronomy
- Solid State Physics
- Physics Education (Didactics)
- Chemical Physics
- Laser Physics and Spectroscopy
- Medical Physics
- Mechanics of Polymers and Composite Materials
- Fluid and Gas Mechanics
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 (master's degree) in physics, optometry, chemistry, chemical technology, materials science, mechanical engineering or equivalent higher education.
Additional requirements: doctoral thesis proposal 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: doktorantura.lu.lv
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.