Doctoral Study Programme "Natural Sciences (Social and Economic Geography)"
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 Social Sciences
Number of places for admission in the 2026/2027 academic year:
State-funded study places - 5
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.
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.
Programme Director
Prof. Zaiga Krišjāne
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,
Curriculum Vitae,
Motivation letter,
Proof of scientific research activities and other documents.
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.
Further information on exchange study opportunities is available here.
In case of any questions, please contact:
Māris Bērziņš
E-mail: maris.berzins@lu.lv
Phone: 67033914
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