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Communication Science

The study programme provides an opportunity to acquire comprehensive knowledge of communication theories and methodology, to develop skills and competences required for communication research and application of methods, to advance analytical and critical thinking skills and creativity. The study process is designed to train highly qualified specialists in communication science and spheres of its practical application – journalism, public relations, advertising, communication management, research of communication processes.

Director of Study Programme

Professor Vita Zelče

Within 2 years students acquire the following study courses:

Obligatory part (part A) study courses – “Communication Theories in the Context of Social Sciences”, “Communication Theory, Models and Practice”, “Digital Humanities and Social Sciences”, “Quantitative Methods in Communication Research”, “Communication and Culture”, “Qualitative Methods in Communication Research”, “Network Theories”, “Research Work and Academic Writing”, “Critical Thinking in Higher Education Institution and Further Education”, “Linguistics and Communication”, “Master's Thesis”.

Restricted elective part (part B) is organised in study modules “Business Communication” and “Media Studies”. They encompass theoretical and applied study courses, as well as research work (excellence study courses).

Study courses of the module “Business Communication”: “Business Communication”, “Organizational Culture and Communication”, “Development of Advertising: Analysis of Achievements and Products”, “Strategic Communication and Leadership”.

Study courses of the module “Media Studies”: “Media Ecosystem”, “Journalism Culture”, “Computer Analysis of Text and Data Visualization”, “Multimedia Practicum”.

Theoretical and applied study courses: “Information Environment Risks and Media Literacy”, “Gender Equality Communication and Practice”, “Genealogy of Cinematic Images”, “Information Search and Retrieval Theories”, “Strategic Business Communication on Social Media”, “Cultural Management and Communication”, “Collective Memory and Communication”, “Bibliophilia and Manuscript Collections”, “Interdisciplinary Aspects of Theatre Criticism”, “Semiotics”.

Research work or excellence study courses: “Individual Research Project in the Chosen Specialisation”, “Research Project: Academic Work Practicum”, “Scientific Article: Academic Work Practicum”, “Scientific Report: Academic Work Practicum”.

HOW ARE THE STUDIES LINKED WITH PRACTICE?

Media, business and organizational communication professionals and experts are involved in the study process. They give lectures, consult and participate in discussions. It is also possible for master's students to get involved in scientific projects implemented by the Advanced Social and Political Research Institute at the Faculty of Social Sciences, as well as to advance their knowledge at the partner universities of the University of Latvia within the framework of the ERASMUS programme.

Employment and career building in the media, companies, state and municipal institutions, cultural institutions, universities and research institutes, as well as doctoral studies.

Full-time regular studies – 2 years or 4 semesters. On the average, the studies take place four evenings a week on site (if permitted by the epidemiological situation) and online.
Tuition fee per year: full-time regular studies – EUR 2700
For admission in the 1st year of full-time regular studies, the autumn semester of 2023/2024 – 20 budget-funded places. If a budget-funded place is not available immediately, it can still be obtained in the 2nd year of studies, because UL FSS practices rotation system – the students with good results can be awarded a budget-funded place on the basis of their performance.
Master's Degree of Social Sciences in Journalism and Communication
 

General conditions  

Previous education:

Bachelor's degree or second level professional higher education, or equivalent higher education.

Competition result calculation formula: grade received for the bachelor’s thesis (30 x 10 = 300) + entrance examination (1 x 700 = 700), the minimum passing score obtained in the entrance examination valid for admission – 300.

Those holding a UL bachelor’s degree in communication science can participate in the competition with the following competition result calculation formula: weighted average grade (60 x 10 = 600) + total (or average) grade of final examinations (40 x 10 = 400).

Eligibility for noncompetition registration: the graduates of the UL bachelor’s study programme “Communication Science” of academic year 2022/2023, whose weighted average grade in bachelor studies is not lower than 8 and the evaluation of the bachelor thesis is 10 (with distinction).

Additional requirement: Curriculum Vitae (CV).

szf@lu.lv

Methodologist Inga Poļaka, room 220, T. 67140022, e-mail: inga.polaka@lu.lv