CONFERENCEChemistry - Master's Degree Programme (EN)
Programme level: Master's Degree Programme
Language of instruction: English
Study form and duration: full-time - 4 semesters
Credits: 120 ECTS
Obtainable degree or qualification: Master of Natural Sciences in Chemistry
Number of study places for admission in 2026/2027: state-funded study places - 0; study places for tuition fee - 10
Tuition fee per year: 2900 EUR for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, EU Long-term resident permit holders and their family members. 6000 EUR for citizens of other countries
Study location: Riga
The programme offers a higher academic education in chemistry as one of the fields of fundamental natural sciences. Intended for students who want to become high-class specialists in chemistry and compete in the labour market, or continue their studies in doctoral programme.
The aim of the academic master's study programme “Chemistry” is to provide students with in-depth theoretical knowledge and competencies in the main basic branches of chemistry and in one of the selected sub-branches, as well as to develop and improve research skills.
The main tasks of the programme:
- to provide an opportunity to acquire general comprehensive knowledge and skills in the basic directions of chemistry and to provide an understanding of the development of the chemical industry, creative and innovative activities;
- to provide in-depth knowledge and skills in any of the selected chemistry sub-sectors (analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry);
- to ensure the performance of scientific research;
- to develop high professional ethics;
- to enhance general skills (communication skills, work organization, self-organization skills, etc.);
- to provide motivation for further education and improvement of professional qualification.
Programme director
Anda Prikšāne
The students of the master’s study programme “Chemistry” acquire:
- Mandatory part, which involves comprehensive mastering of the basic chemistry courses, as well as scientific research, which is summarized in two course papers (39 ECTS) and a master's thesis (30 ECTS);
- Limited elective part, which is divided into two sections:
- study courses according to the chosen sub-field: Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry (36 ECTS). When starting their studies, students choose a sub-field;
- free elective courses (15 ECTS). Students can choose courses that expand their knowledge and skills in the chosen sub-field, as well as select courses in the mandatory or elective part of other sub-fields. Thus, there are opportunities to acquire courses in Medical Chemistry, Bioanalytical and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Forensic Chemistry, etc.
The graduates work in various scientific research institutions, chemical and pharmaceutical companies, quality control laboratories, forensic laboratories, environmental protection services and educational institutions, as well as in various companies related to chemistry and natural sciences: joint stock company “Grindeks”, joint stock company “Olainfarm”, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”, and others. The graduates can also pursue doctoral education in Latvia or abroad.
- Previous education:
– First-cycle higher education (bachelor's degree or second-level professional higher education (or equivalent education)) in chemistry, chemical technology, pharmacy, food technology, material science and biotechnology.
or
- First-cycle higher education (bachelor's degree or second-level professional higher education (or equivalent education)) in natural sciences, engineering and passed entrance exam. - Language proficiency:
- English language proficiency (for foreigners);
*Latvian nationals are required to demonstrate English language proficiency. This may be confirmed through internationally recognised English language test results, other evidence of English proficiency at a minimum of B2 level, or a grade in English on a previous educational certificate (the grade must be no lower than 6 on a 10-point scale), except where previous education was obtained in English.
* Applicants whose previous education was completed outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or the Swiss Confederation must submit one of the following recognised standardised test results issued within the past five years:
- SAT: minimum score of 1200
- GMAT: minimum score of 595
- GRE: minimum score of 320
If applicants submit SAT and GMAT or GRE results with equivalent scores, and the number of study places is limited, preference will be given to applicants with GMAT or GRE scores.
* Additional admission requirements for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and non-EU long-term residents
The average grade in study courses must be 60% of the maximum;
All grades must be passing (at least 4 in a 10 point grading system);
All non-EU/EEA/Swiss applicants, except University of Latvia graduates, will be required to take part in an online interview as part of the admissions process.
*Information on 10 points grading scale
Admissions open: 1 December 2025 (Foreign Applicants)!
mdzf@lu.lv