Professional Master's Study Programme “Psychology”
Programme level: Professional Master's
Language of instruction: English
Study form and duration: full-time - 4 semesters
Credits: 120 ECTS
Obtainable degree or qualification: Professional Master’s Degree in Psychology
Qualification: Psychologist
Number of study places for admission in 2026/2027: study places for tuition fee - 20
Tuition fee per year: 3700,00 EUR for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, EU Long-term resident permit holders and their family members. 4700,00 EUR for citizens of other countries
Study location: Riga, Latvia
The programme’s accreditation date is until June 26, 2031
The Master’s Study Programme in Psychology at the University of Latvia offers the opportunity to develop advanced professional skills and apply theoretical knowledge in practice. The programme prepares graduates to succeed in the labour market as highly qualified psychologists.
Director of the study program
Dr.psych, docent Laura Pirsko
Students learn to apply psychological theories in practice, using research-based knowledge to analyse situations and make informed, evidence-based decisions. They critically evaluate theories, research findings, and contemporary issues across the field, while engaging with real-life examples and gaining insight from experienced professionals.
The programme develops essential competencies required for the profession of psychologist. Students develop skills in psychological assessment by learning to evaluate cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning using established methods. They interpret results and justify their professional reasoning through research-based evidence, and gain the ability to write professional psychological assessment reports.
Students also refine their counselling skills, focusing on professional communication, with particular emphasis on the more effective and confident use of active listening techniques to build rapport with clients.
They further strengthen their competence in scientific research methods and applied statistics, which form the foundation for evidence-based psychological work. These skills are applied in independent research, where students design and conduct a master’s thesis on a topic of their choice.
The curriculum includes specialised courses in Clinical and Health Psychology, covering areas such as psychiatry and abnormal psychology, psychotherapy theories and methods for adults, neuropsychology, crisis and abuse psychology, and psychotherapy approaches for working with children, ensuring comprehensive preparation for professional practice.
Graduates of the Master’s Study Programme in Psychology are prepared for professional practice as psychologists, with strong competencies in psychological assessment, counselling, research, and evidence-based decision-making. The programme provides a solid foundation for work in Clinical and Health Psychology, as well as other areas of psychological practice, depending on further specialisation and certification requirements.
Graduates are able to conduct psychological assessment, provide counselling support, and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams supporting clients across different age groups and needs.
The programme also provides a strong basis for further academic development. With advanced training in scientific methodology, statistics, and independent thesis work, graduates are prepared to continue into PhD (doctoral) studies or other research-oriented training pathways in psychology.
In addition, the skills developed in critical thinking, communication, and understanding human behaviour are transferable to a wide range of professional contexts where interpreting human behaviour and making evidence-based decisions are essential.
Applicants must hold first-cycle higher education (Bachelor’s degree) in Psychology.
The selection is based on a competitive evaluation consisting of two components: the weighted average grade and the final examination result.
The weighted average grade accounts for 60% of the total score and must be at least 6/10. The final examination result accounts for 40% of the total score and must also be at least 6/10.