Doctoral Study Programme "Natural Sciences (Social and Economic Geography)"
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 Social Sciences
Number of places for admission in the 2026/2027 academic year:
State-funded study places - 5
State-funded study places are awarded within a unified competition for local and international students and are available only to EU/EEA and Swiss citizens, permanent residents, and their family members
Study places for tuition fee - 2
Tuition fee in the 2026/2027 academic year:
-3300 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.
Programme Director
Prof. Zaiga Krišjāne
The aim of the programme is to educate highly qualified specialists in scientific research and academic staff in the fields of social and economic geography, as well as highly qualified professionals with internationally comparable competencies in social and economic geography and an internationally recognised doctoral degree, thereby contributing to the provision of highly qualified specialists for the national economy.
The doctoral study programme offers advanced scientific research opportunities within the subfields of social and economic geography.
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 social and economic geography.
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, economics and entrepreneurship, sociology and social work, social and economic geography or equivalent higher education.
Additional requirements:
Doctoral thesis proposal agreed with a potential scientific supervisor,
Proof of English language proficiency at least at B2 level,
- Curriculum Vitae,
- Motivation letter, proof of scientific research activities and other documents.
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.
Further information on exchange study opportunities is available here.
In case of any questions, please contact:
Māris Bērziņš
E-pasts: maris.berzins@lu.lv
Telefons: 67033831
For international applicants, enquiries regarding the application procedure, document legalisation, the entrance examination (interview), visa documentation, and funding opportunities should be addressed to:
Ieva Stūrmane
E-pasts: ieva.sturmane@lu.lv
Phone: 67034027