Cultural and Social Anthropology (EN)

To study society, anthropologists learn research methods and theoretical approaches. Students organize research, engage in conversations with people (research participants), select, use, and analyze information. They study several theory courses in depth, strengthening their analytical and argumentative skills, and take courses focused on comparative ethnography, post-socialist societies, consumerism, and border studies, as well as courses in biotechnology, gender, medical, urban, and other fields of anthropology.

Study work is organized in an e-learning environment, which systematizes the work throughout the semester and allows access to study materials and assignments from anywhere. The program is primarily bilingual—conducted in both Latvian and English—while some courses are taught entirely in English. Students are recommended to have a sufficient level of English proficiency at the start of their studies to independently engage with academic literature and follow lectures.

Through collaborative projects and the Erasmus program, students have the opportunity to complete part of the program at other European universities or undertake internships while conducting their master’s research. For example, one student chose to complete her Erasmus internship along the Camino de Santiago in Spain, combining it with her research.

The anthropology program not only produces academically educated anthropologists but also serves as a first or further step in personal and professional development. It provides analytical, organizational, and life skills that are applicable in entrepreneurship, public administration, and the non-governmental sector.

The studies offer skills that are valuable in the labor market, enabling graduates to work in research—both in specialized research companies and in analytical positions within businesses or institutions. Since the program develops not only subject-specific expertise but also general skills in work organization, leadership, systematic thinking, and writing, these competencies are useful in a wide variety of professional settings.

1. Previous education:
    – First-cycle higher education* first-cycle higher education or second-cycle higher education*, or equivalent higher education in social sciences or humanities;
   or
    - First-cycle higher education or second-cycle higher education*, or equivalent higher education in other thematic groups of education and work experience (at least 1 year) in socio-economic, political processes, health care, technology, culture, language, folklore and other fields related to human research.
   *Bachelor’s degree or a diploma proving equivalent level of education
2. 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.
3. Passed of entrance examination (a written 1 page essay/motivation letter on the topic "Anthropology Studies: My Motivation and Research Interests" and an entrance interview via Zoom)

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, EU long-term resident status holders  and Ukrainian civilians can compete for a state-funded study place (application deadline 5 July 2026)

Admission to a state-funded study place is determined according to the following criteria, with places awarded to candidates achieving the highest overall scores:
1. The grade obtained in final Bachelor’s exam (20%);
2. The grade point average of undergraduate studies (20%);
3. Entrance examination (60%)

* 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 January 2026 (Foreign applicants)

During a single cycle of studies, students have the opportunity to spend up to 12 months abroad for studies or internships. Currently, the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences has over 320 Erasmus+ cooperation agreements with universities across Europe and beyond. Students can participate in exchange studies in countries such as Austria, Germany, Spain, Italy, Finland, Sweden, Turkey, Portugal, Slovakia, Malta, and many others.

In addition, students may take part in exchange programmes based on bilateral agreements, which allow for study opportunities in 53 countries worldwide — including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and more.

Short-term mobility options are also available through the FORTHEM Alliance, offering students the chance to gain new knowledge and skills in Germany, Poland, Norway, Romania, Italy, France, Finland, and Spain.

Additional information and study plan

Classes take place on weekday evenings (2–3 evenings per week) from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

eszf@lu.lv