CONFERENCEDoctoral Study Programme "Psychology"
Program level: academic doctorate
Language of study: English
Form and duration of studies: full-time attendance - 6 semesters or 3 years
Amount in credit points: 196 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: follow the information
Tuition fee in the 2026/2027 academic year: 3 000 EUR for EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation citizens, permanent residents and their family members; 5 800 EUR for citizens of other countries.
Study location: Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology, Riga, Imantas 7. līnija 1.
Accredited until: 26.06.2031
The aim of the doctoral programme in Psychology is to train highly qualified researchers and teaching staff in the four sub-branches of psychology: general/cognitive, clinical, developmental, social/organisational psychology, who are able to develop and conduct original research, to capture and propose innovative developments relevant to the practice of psychology, and to publish the dissertation results in publications included in Web of Science, SCOPUS or other well-known international databases.
Head of the Doctoral Council in Psychology
prof. Ivars Austers
Secretary of the Doctoral Council in Psychology
The doctoral study programme ‘Psychology’ offers studies in the following sub-branches of psychology:
- general / cognitive psychology;
- developmental psychology;
- social psychology / organizational psychology;
- clinical psychology.
The doctoral students have the opportunity to carry out research in a certain sub-branch of psychology, but also in the interdisciplinary topics.
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.
Previous academic education: second cycle higher education (master`s degree) in psychology or equivalent higher education; or second cycle higher education (master`s degree) in social sciences, if first cycle higher education (bachelor's degree) is in psychology.
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.