Doctoral 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: 198 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 - 2
Study places for tuition fee - 5
Tuition fee in the 2026/2027 academic year:
-3000 EUR for EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation citizens, permanent residents and their family members
-5800 EUR for citizens of other countries
Study location: 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 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.
For questions regarding the doctoral programme, please contact:
Olga Pole
E-pasts: olga.pole@lu.lv
Telefons: 67034827
For international applicants regarding application procedures, document legalisation, entrance examinations, interviews, visa-related documentation, and funding opportunities, please contact:
Ieva Stūrmane
E-pasts: ieva.sturmane@lu.lv
Phone: 67034027