Psychology

During the studies, doctoral students acquire competences of the organisation, implementation and management of research work, as well as competences required for academic work, based on an in-depth understanding of the theory and methodology of psychology and the competence to design and carry out innovative research projects, to cooperate with specialists in Latvian and at the international level.

Skills and Competences

Knowledge: the student analyses, explains and discusses the trends and regularities of the contemporary development of science and psychology, has an in-depth understanding of issues that are addressed through psychology in the healthcare environment; analyses and compares contemporary adult education theories;

Skills: the student develops a significant original research project in psychology, using modern methodologies for collecting and processing of data and conducts the research, critically assessing the results and disseminating them, preparing presentations for conferences and publishing scientific articles; prepares and reads lectures and conducts seminars in psychology, in accordance with the achievements of contemporary adult pedagogy;

Competence: student performs independent scientific and academic activities in accordance with the international level of contemporary psychology.

The study results are achieved by creating an intellectually stimulating research environment, organising study courses and other events (conferences, symposia) with the participation of lecturers from RSU and other universities; providing doctoral students with access to the necessary literature and methodological materials; offering an opportunity to engage in research programmes; promoting mutual cooperation among doctoral students in order to exchange knowledge and experience; creating an opportunity to teach study courses in the bachelor level programme; providing doctoral students with an opportunity to gain international experience by participating in conferences, publishing articles in academic journals, and attracting foreign guest lecturers; developing the skills of doctoral students to engage in public discussions.

In order to complete the doctoral study programme successfully, a doctoral thesis has to be completed during or after doctoral studies.

• Master’s degree in psychology or a corresponding higher education diploma in social sciences and behavioural sciences or health care or social welfare, or teacher education and education sciences or the humanities.**
• Diploma
• Diploma supplement/transcript

• Oral defence of the abstract for the intended doctoral thesis

• Good command of English*

• Letter of motivation

• CV

 * International test score (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)

** The applicant who has not obtained a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in psychology, in addition must

take the examination in basic sectors of psychology: general (cognitive) psychology; developmental

psychology; personality psychology; social psychology; clinical psychology; health psychology.

The applicant shall take the entrance examination in agreement with the Head of the programme. The

entrance examination shall be held in front of the committee consisting of at least three members. The

entrance examination shall be assessed as pass or fail. The assessment of the entrance examination

shall not be included in the sum of the admission criteria.