Law

Programme Fact File

Study direction:
Law

Doctor's study programme
accredited until 25.11.2027.

Degree conferred / qualification obtained:
Doctoral Degree (PhD) in Social Sciences

Language: Latvian

Credit points/ECTS: 176/264

Study location: Rīga

4 years

Places:
6 full fee

Studiju Maksas

The implementation of the three-year-long Law doctoral programme will be suspended from the 2023/2024 academic year (from 2 October 2023) to ensure that students are transferred to the new sub-programme. The duration of studies in the new sub-programme is four years. Its contents have been developed in accordance with a Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 345 (25 June 2020) “On the Introduction of the New Doctoral Studies Model in Latvia”.

Aim

The aim of the programme is to prepare high-level specialists in the field of law, doctors of science, and highly qualified researchers who can conduct independent scientific research, analyse and resolve complex legal challenges with an interdisciplinary approach and adapt to changing social settings. They will be able to make use of the latest scientific methods and approaches to provide solutions to challenges, offering innovative, proportionate ideas for the development of the legal framework that are in line with public interests.

Objectives

To deepen knowledge of the interdisciplinary nature of the legal framework, various interpretations of the legal framework and methodology of law within the scope of different sub-disciplines of law;
To develop skills to critically evaluate legal challenges and propose solutions from the perspective of several sub-disciplines of law, as well as the skills to develop innovative scientific research according to the needs of society, and to propose new concepts for the improvement of the legal framework;
To cultivate scientific discussions and improve presentation skills by participating in discussions with industry professionals and the public, presenting research on issues of public interest.

Syllabus

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, or 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
Scientific Writing and Scientific Communication
Doctoral Examination in a Foreign Language
Doctoral Examination in the Field and Sub-Field of Science
Independent Teaching Activity
Independent Scientific Research Work
Develop doctoral thesis

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
Law in the Focus of Social Processes – Contemporary Problems of Interpretability of the Legal System

Elective component (courses to be chosen in the amount of 0 – 2 CP)

The free elective component (C) offers elective courses corresponding to level 8 of doctoral studies.

Documents

Doctoral students have the opportunity to go on an Erasmus+ exchange during their studies.
Erasmus+ conditions and RSU partner universities

Admissions regulations for the 2024/2025 academic year

Testimonials

Law is always related to development, new knowledge. It is strongly influenced by our changing legal reality, which requires continuous learning and self-improvement. Doctoral studies are the next step after graduating from the Master’s programme to increase own competitiveness, improve in the academic and research field and find an opportunity to defend a doctoral thesis. Undoubtedly, during your studies you will face many new responsibilities and challenges, but this will allow you to succeed and achieve your goals. Our doctoral students can improve competences that fosters accountability for performance in legal activity areas, innovations in the respective field of law, research and further learning in complicated and unpredictable conditions, using new approaches. Doctoral students are given the opportunity to learn in depth the study courses selected in a sub-field of law, prepare for academic work in an institution of higher education, master the latest research methods in fields of law and skills to use them in practice, as well as learn the latest information technologies, research planning, data processing and presentation techniques, acquire the ability to develop teaching aids, study course programmes and improve them, develop and prepare to defend a doctoral thesis for the acquisition of a doctoral degree in law in order to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes that allow them to successfully perform scientific research in the field of law.

See you at Rīga Stradiņš University!
Prof. Sandra Kaija, lecturer

When I was thinking about how to answer to the question 'Why am I pursuing doctoral studies at RSU,' I realised that the choice in favour of getting a doctoral degree just made sense to me. Each successive study level reveals a broader potential. At an undergraduate and postgraduate level, the emphasis is on developing and improving knowledge and skills, while doctoral studies focus on creativity. It is a fantastic opportunity to create something new by addressing an existing problem and helping other people. Moreover, in the process of creating something new, every doctoral student receives the advice and support of the strongest professionals and experts in the field. I cannot think of better conditions to explore and create something new and necessary! Doctoral studies broaden your horizon in general, not just on your chosen research topic (in my case, personal data protection). Nowadays, with lifelong learning playing an increasingly important role, it is important not to stop at what has already been achieved in the field of education and to keep looking for new challenges – doctoral studies are perfect for this.
Marta Mackeviča, graduate