CONFERENCECultural and Social Anthropology - Master's Degree Programme
Programme level: Master's programme
Language of instruction: Latvian, English
Study form and duration: full-time - 4 semesters
Credits: 120 ECTS
Obtainable degree or qualification: Master's Degree of Social Sciences in Anthropology
Number of students accepted each year: State-funded study places - 2, study places for tuition fee - 10
Tuition fee per year (ac. year 2025/26): 2800 EUR for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, permanent residence permit holders and their family members. 3200 EUR for citizens of other countries
Study location: Riga, Latgale suburb
The aim of the program is to prepare highly qualified specialists in cultural and social anthropology, characterized by their ability to navigate the history and contemporary approaches of the discipline, independently plan and conduct practical anthropological research, and critically and systematically analyze social and cultural processes.
Anthropology studies people and their relationships across the world. What does it mean to be human? What connects people in families, communities, societies, and cultures? How do people organize and manage their lives? In every culture, these questions may seem self-evident, but they become visible in situations where representatives of different cultures meet. The Master’s program in Cultural and Social Anthropology provides foundational knowledge in the field of anthropology, and through practical work, students can choose to explore the aspects of society and culture that interest them most. Research topics chosen by students have ranged from in-depth studies of a single family’s resource gathering to organizational life, churches and marriage courses, and experiences of serious illness. All topics are united by deep research grounded in the routines of everyday life, observations, and people’s stories about their lives. Anthropology students read extensively, analyze, discuss, and conduct research, gaining a comprehensive and comparative perspective on social life.
The structure of the program consists of three components. Throughout the program, students take theoretical courses that trace the development of anthropological thought and strengthen academic reading, thinking, argumentation, and writing skills at an advanced level. The methods component includes both a methodology course and a fieldwork course guided by student interests and faculty expertise, supported by smaller research projects in thematic courses, culminating in an independently conducted master’s thesis. The thematic course component allows students to strengthen the connection between theoretical and empirical knowledge. Specific course topics can be found in the study plan.
Act. Study Program Director
Artūrs Pokšāns
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.
- Version 1 of previous education: first-cycle higher education or second-cycle higher education*, or equivalent higher education in social sciences or humanities.
- Version 2 of previous education: 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.
- 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).
- English language proficiency.
- Pass of entrance examination by submitting a written 1 page essay/motivation letter on the topic "Anthropology Studies: My Motivation and Research Interests" and participating in an entrance interview via Zoom.
*Bachelor’s degree or a diploma proving equivalent level of education
Enrolment criteria (for students competing for the state-financed study place)
1. The grade obtained in final Bachelor’s exam (20%);
2. The grade point average of undergraduate studies (20%);
3. Entrance examination (60%)
Please note! Only EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and EU long-term resident status holders can compete for a state-financed study place.
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.