Doctor of Education in
PhD in Social Sciences
Rīga Stradiņš University
Key Information
Campus location
Riga, Latvia
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 6,000 / per year
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
Introduction
The Ph.D. in Social Sciences program aims to provide opportunities for talented and motivated students to carry out innovative interdisciplinary research in social sciences based on individual research work. The research should address issues that require a multifaceted approach and extend the traditional boundaries of social science disciplines, emphasizing a dynamic approach in the fields of law, political science, business, health management, communication, sociology, social anthropology, and social work. The program offers opportunities for inclusive and sustainable education that contributes to the development of society.
Objectives
To provide doctoral students with the opportunity to acquire an innovative interdisciplinary and dynamic approach to research, broadening the competencies required for scientific research in order to carry out significant, original, and innovative research in the field and to increase scientific excellence at the level of scientific articles published in reputable international journals.
To provide doctoral students with the opportunity to acquire competencies in a perspective of interdisciplinary integration that contributes to the dissemination of knowledge in society at the national and international level and to strengthen transversal skills.
To provide doctoral students with the opportunity to acquire the competence to independently improve their scientific qualifications in order to implement and manage research and development projects that meet international criteria at a national and international level, including the application of new digital skills in research areas of relevance to the sector.
Sub-programs
- Law
- Political Science
- Communication Culture and Multimedia
- Business Management and Economics
- Health Management
- Sociology
Doctor's study program accredited until 25.11.2027.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
International scholarships
Financial aid for studies at RSU is available to citizens of the following countries:
- Finland: Kela
- Norway: Lånekassen
- Sweden: Centrala studiestödsnämnden
- Denmark: SU
- The Netherlands: Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs
Latvian State Scholarship
In accordance with bilateral agreements on cooperation in education and science made between the Latvian government and a number of countries, the State Education Development Agency of Latvia (Valsts izglītības attīstības aģentūra, VIAA) offers scholarships to foreign students, researchers, and teaching staff for studies, research and participation in summer schools in Latvian higher education institutions (HEIs).
Eligible applicants
- Citizens from countries which have signed an Agreement on co-operation in education and science
- Citizens from countries that offer scholarships for Latvian students, researchers and teaching staff without formal agreements on cooperation in education and science
Scholarship for studies
Applications for Bachelor's and First level of professional higher education studies will be accepted from students who have successfully completed at least one academic year of studies (at their home higher education institution or at a Latvian higher education institution, if they have already been studying in Latvia).
Scholarships for Bachelor's and Master's studies are granted for one academic year – a time period up to 10 months (for PhD students – up to 11 months).
If a student wants to continue her/his studies in Latvia for one more year, she/he has to re-apply for the Latvian scholarship. The Latvian scholarship can be awarded to one individual for not more than two consecutive terms.
Financial provisions
The amount of the Latvian state scholarship for studies is:
- for Bachelor's, Master's and First level of professional higher education studies students – 500 EUR per month
- for PhD students – 700 EUR per month
All study programmes in English at Latvian higher education institutions are not free of charge. The Latvian scholarship holder can use the scholarship to cover the tuition fee or for accommodation and meals. Please take into account that the amount of the scholarship is not enough to cover all expenses in Latvia.
- The Latvian scholarship cannot be awarded concurrently with other scholarships.
- Travel expenses from a home country to and from Latvia are not covered by the Latvian scholarship.
- Scholarship holders are required to make their own arrangements for insurance coverage.
- Scholarships for applicants from one country may not exceed 10 % from the total grant amount for study scholarships.
Other scholarships
The State Education Development Agency of Latvia also offers the following scholarships and fellowships:
- Latvian fellowships for research
- Latvian scholarships for summer schools
Curriculum
Compulsory research component
- Independent original research, participation in conferences, preparation and publication of publications, participation in scientific projects;
- Publication in an internationally peer-reviewed scientific journal, or acceptance for publication in a journal listed in such databases as Scopus, Web of Science, ERIH PLUS;
- Publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal in Latvia, or confirmation of acceptance for publication in journals included in such databases as Scopus, Web of Science, ERIH PLUS;
- Publication of the full text of the proceedings of an international conference or congress (at least three pages);
- Oral report or presentation on the topic of the thesis at an international congress or conference;
- Oral report or presentation on the topic of the thesis at a local congress or conference;
- Abstract for an international congress, conference, or seminar;
- Abstract at a local congress or seminar;
- Scientific monograph (sole author);
- A section in a scientific monograph;
- Research work abroad.
By the end of your studies, you must have at least two citable publications in internationally reviewed scientific journals, one citable publication in an internationally reviewed scientific journal (Scopus, Web of Science, ERIH PLUS), or one monograph.
Compulsory education component
- Philosophy of Science, Research Principles, Methods, Methodology and Practice in Social Sciences from an Interdisciplinary Research Perspective
- Learning and Teaching in Higher Education and Science
- Independent Scientific Research Work, 1
- Scientific Writing and Scientific Communication, DN_205
- Independent Scientific Research Work, 2
- Doctoral Examination in a Foreign Language
- Independent Teaching Activity, 1
- Independent Scientific Research Work, 3
- Doctoral Examination in the Field and Sub-Field of Science
- Independent Teaching Activity, 2
- Independent Scientific Research Work, 4
- Independent Scientific Research Work, 5
- Independent Scientific Research Work, 6
Restricted elective component (courses to be chosen in the amount of 6–8 CP)
Courses from the restricted component may be replaced by free elective courses up to a maximum of 2 CP
- Conceptual Approaches to Innovative Healthcare Organisation
- Civil Defence and Environmental Protection
- Mathematical Statistical Methods in Social Sciences
- English in Social Sciences: Drafting a Scientific Manuscript
- Approaches and Current Topics in the Analysis of International Relations and Political Science
- Topical Issues in Communication Theory and Research Methodology
- Topical Issues in Social Anthropology, Sociology, or Social Work
- Socio-Economic Developments in Health Management, Business Management, and Economics
- Law in the Focus of Social Processes – Contemporary Problems of Interpretability of the Legal System
- Current Topics in Health Management Theory, Practice, and Research
Elective component (courses to be chosen in the amount of 0–2 CP)
Free elective courses may be replaced by restricted courses up to a maximum of 2 CP
The free elective component (C) offers elective courses corresponding to level 8 of doctoral studies.
The Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) in Social Sciences typically requires a total of 176 credit points or 264 ECTS.
Program Outcome
Skills and Competences
- To analyse and explain current scientific theories and modern research methods;
- To integrate knowledge and competences acquired in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary education in a complementary way for the implementation of original scientific projects and academic work;
- The ability to independently develop original research in the field, using methodologies and digital technology appropriate to modern scientific requirements;
- To critically evaluate and disseminate results obtained through presentations at conferences and to publish internationally cited scientific articles, thereby contributing to solving problems related to human health and expand the frontiers of knowledge and provide a new understanding of existing knowledge and how it's applied in practice;
- To communicate research activities in the national and international scientific arena through involvement in organisations and consortia, as well as to society at large, including academic work in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, and psychology, in line with modern pedagogical developments, ensuring the integration of research and academic work;
- To independently upgrade scientific qualifications and carry out or manage research or development projects in companies, institutions, and organisations that meet international criteria in the field;
- To continuously develop communication, reasoning, collaboration, problem-solving, digital, and other widely used skills essential for the development of interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary research.