UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA - MASTERS AND BACHELORS COURSES

	Study Abroad
	Study Guide to Masters and Bachelors Degree Courses

University of Latvia

Address	19 Raina blvd., Riga, Latvia, LV–1586
Tel. No.	+371-7229885
Fax No.	+371-7225039, +371-7820113
E-mail address	lu@lanet.lv
Faculties & Colleges	Faculty of Philology Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology Faculty of Foreign Languages Faculty of History and Philosophy Faculty of Biology Faculty of Physics and Mathematics Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences Faculty of Chemistry Faculty of Economics Faculty of Law Faculty of Theology Faculty of Medicine
Type of courses	Bachelor's Degree (Bakalaureus) Master's degrees Doctoral degree
Date of commencement	September
Accommodation	Students who have been accepted at the University of Latvia should notify the International Office by June 30 of their intention to live in the University dormitory, otherwise the University can not guarantee accommodation there because the possibilities are very limited. Usually all international students are housed in separate rooms with communal kitchen on each floor.
Fees	The tuition fee for international students (both undergraduate and graduate) is 2000 USD per academic year in humanities and social sciences and 3000 USD per academic year in natural sciences. Doctorate Course tuition fee is 2500 USD per academic year in humanities and social sciences and 3000 USD per academic year in natural sciences.
Admission requirements	International undergraduate applicants are required to have completed their secondary education and must possess university eligibility in their own country. Students who plan to complete their entire undergraduate education and receive a Bachelor's degree at the University of Latvia must pass the Latvian language test. Admission will be based on the results of the passed test and the results of other supplementary tests if needed.
Contact for application	Alina Grzibovska International Office Fax: +371-7243091 Phone: +371-7034334 E mail: alina@lanet.lv

Faculty of Foreign Languages

LU-4. BACHELOR'S DEGREE PROGRAMME IN PHILOLOGY (ENGLISH, GERMAN, FRENCH)

Programme Director
English philology – Biruta Ûzija, Associate Professor, Dr.Philol., phone (+371)–7–227856;
German Philology – Mudîte Smiltena, Associate Professor, Dr. Philol., phone (+371)–7–227871;
French philology – Andrejs Bankavs, Associate Professor, Dr.hab.philol., phone (+371)–7–228970

Degree - Bachelor of Philology (B.Philol)

Diploma - B. Philol.

Admission Requirements - Diploma of general secondary education.

Entrance exams - Foreign language, a test in the Latvian language

Duration of studies - 8 semesters.

Requirements Degree - a student has to master the programme completely, to write and to defend Bachelor's thesis.

ANNOTATION OF THE PROGRAMME

The Programme comprises three parts.
A – Compulsory part. The specific evolution is not lower than 50% on the grade chart. The compulsory part includes the language, Introduction to linguistics, Introduction to literary studies, Psychology, Pedagogy, Translation's theory and practice; Research work in pedagogy, linguistics or literature and practical work in translation or pedagogy (15 points).
B –Elective part. This part includes a second foreign language, one classical language, theoretical grammar, lexicology, stylistics of the language, history of the language, philosophy, methods of teaching the language or theory and practical work in translation.
C – Optional course includes
a) any other programme of the University of Latvia;
b) any third foreign language;
c) theoretical course in linguistics, literary studies, methods, etc

Starting with 1995/96 year a new contrastive study courses within English philology: English– Danish philology, English– Swedish philology, English– Norvegian philology are offered.

LU-5. BACHELOR'S DEGREE PROGRAMME IN PHILOLOGY (UGRO– FINNISH PHILOLOGY)

Programme Director - Kersti Boiko, Associate Professor, Dr.philol., phone (+371)–7–228700

Degree - Bachelor of Philology (B.Philol)

Diploma - B. Philol.

Admission Requirements - Diploma of general secondary education

Entrance exams - Foreign language (English, German, Finnish), a test in the Latvian language

Duration of studies - 8 semesters

Requirements Degree - a student has to master the programme completely, to write and to defend Bachelor's thesis.

ANNOTATION OF THE PROGRAMME

The Programme comprises three parts.
A – Compulsory part. The compulsory part includes: practical grammar of Finnish. Theoretical grammar (morphology, syntax, derivation) of Finnish. Translation of Finnish texts. Practical grammar of Estonian. Theoretical grammar (morphology, syntax, derivation) of Estonian. Translation of Estonian texts, Livonian, Introduction to Finno–Ugric philology. Research work in literature, linguistics or Finno–Ugristics.
B –Elective part. This part includes: Conversational Finnish, History of Finnish Culture, Finnish literature, History of Finland, Conversational Estonian, Estonian literature, History of Estonian Culture, Dialects of Estonian, History of Livonian Culture, Introduction to linguistics, Introduction to literary studies, Introduction to Balto–Finnic ethnography, Finno–Ugric ethnography, Finno–Ugric archaeology, foreign language (English, German).
C – Optional courses include: course of any other programme of the University of Latvia.

LU-6. BACHELOR'S DEGREE PROGRAMME IN SINOLOGY

Programme Director - Yelena Staburova, professor, Dr.hab.hist. phone (+371)7228877

Degree - Bachelor of Human Science (Sinology) (B.Hum.Sc.)

Entrance Exams - English, a test in the Latvian language

Study Duration - 8 semesters

Demands - To master fully the study programme and to defend a Bachelor's thesis.

ANNOTATION OF THE PROGRAMME

The programme consists of three parts:
A obligatory part (96 credit points out of 158 for the whole of the programme) contains intensive courses of Chinese and English as well as courses, covering the geography, history, philosophy and literature of China.
B elective courses (57 credit points) contain different aspects of China's politics, culture, economy. In part B also Japanese is taught.
C choice subjects (5 credit points), available in any faculty of the University of Latvia. Three annual papers.

LU-7. BACHELOR'S DEGREE PROGRAMME IN JAPANESE STUDIES

Programme Director - Viktors Ivbulis, Professor, Dr.hab.philol., phone (+371)7228877

Degree - Bachelor Human Sciences (B.Hum.Sc.)

Diploma - B. Hum.Sc. (Japanese studies)

Admission Requirements - Diploma of general secondary education.

Entrance exams - English, a test in the Latvian language

Duration of studies - 8 semesters

Requirements Degree - To master fully the study programme and defend the Bachelor paper

ANNOTATION OF THE PROGRAMME

The programme consists of three parts:
A obligatory part. (96 credit points out of 157 for the whole of the programme). It contains intensive Japanese courses, covering the geography, history, philosophy and literature of Japanese.
B elective part contains intensive English courses. The total of credit points to obtain 57.
C optional subjects (4 credit points) available in any faculty of the University of Latvia.

LU-41. MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAMME IN ORIENTAL STUDIES

Programme Director - Viktors Ivbulis, Dr.hab.Philol., Professor, phone (+371)77228877

Degree - Master of Humanitarian Sciences (Oriental studies)

Diploma - MA Hum.Sc.

Admission Requirements - Bachelor's degree or a diploma for 5-year higher education. An interwiew a good previous level in English and in one of the Asian languages

Duration of studies - 4 semesters

Degree Requirements - Full mastering of programme, writing and defence of Master's thesis

ANNOTATION OF THE PROGRAMME

The programme consists of three parts:
A obligatory part (58 credit points) it contains intensive courses of Korean language, of development peculiarities different Asian cultures, history problems of Asian countries and of history of Oriental studies.
B elective courses (12 credit points) covers studies of Japanese culture, daoism, translation theory. One month practice.
C choise subjects (5 credit points) available in any faculty of the University of Latvia. It is recommended that they should be related to Asia problems. Working out and defence of Master's thesis.

LU-70 M. MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAMME IN PHILOLOGY (ENGLISH, GERMAN, FRENCH)

Programme Director
English philology Jeïena Doroðenko, Associate Professor, Dr Philol., phone (+371)7227856;
German Philology Mudite Smiltena, Associate Professor, Dr. Philol., phone .(+371)7227871;
French philology Andrejs Bankavs, Professor, Dr.hab.philol., phone (+371)7228970

Degree - Master of Philology (M.Philol)

Diploma - M. Philol.

Admission Requirements - Bachelor's degree or higher education Diploma

Entrance exams - chosen foreign language, discussion on chosen subprogramme

Duration of studies - 4 semesters for fulltime students; 6 semesters for extramural studies.

Degree Requirements - a student has to master the programme completely, to write and to defend Master's thesis

ANNOTATION OF THE PROGRAMME

In English philology there are the following subprogrammes: English literature; English linguistics; Methods of teaching; Translation.

In German philology there are the following subprogrammes: German literature; German linguistics; Methods of teaching; Translation.

In French philology there are two sub-programmes: French lingustics and Frensh literature.

The Programme comprises two parts:
Part A compulsory part. The specific evolution is not lower than 50% of credits. This part includes History of Linguistics, Research Methods of Linguistics, Methods of Literary Science, Theory of General Didactics, Philosophy of Education, etc.
Part B selective part includes a second foreign language, Philosophy, special courses in the chosen field, scientific seminars.
Some subprogrammes also include part C free choice courses from any other programme of University of Latvia.

Since 1995/96 year a new subprogramme in English philology English DanishLatvian translation is offered. It is developed in collaboration with Aarhus Universitet where students learn in the 3rd semester. The subprogramme is a moreindepth study programme in translation problems.

About the University

Together with the foundation of Latvian State the idea of creating the first national higher educational establishment became real. The University of Latvia named at that time "The Latvia Higher School" was founded on September 28, 1919 on the basis of the former Riga Polytechnic (founded in 1862). The new Higher School inherited from the Polytechnic the building, the teaching staff and other intellectual and material values. In 1923 this school received its now resumed name - the University of Latvia (Universitas Latviensis). The former building of Riga Polytechnic in 19 Raina Boulevard serves as the symbol of the University even nowadays.

During World War II when Riga was occupied by the German troops the University of Latvia got the name Riga University. When Riga was incorporated in the Soviet Union according to the traditions of that time the University was named Latvian State University, later another title was added: since 1958 it was P.Stucka Latvian State University.

In the course of time such higher educational establishments as Latvian University of Agriculture, Latvian Academy of Medicine, Riga Technical University separated from the University of Latvia and became well-known centres of education and research.

With Latvia regaining freedom the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia confirmed the Constitution of the University of Latvia on September 18, 1991. It stated that the Higher School is "the state establishment of academic education, science and culture which serves the needs of Latvia and people". Alongside with the Constitution the flag, the hymn, the University emblem, the Rector's chain and the official garments for the Rector, prorectors and deans were renewed as attributes of the University of Latvia.

At present about 10,000 students are taking 62 study programmes: 7000 full-time students and 3000 part-time students.

STUDY PROGRAMMES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA

University of Latvia offers study programmes for achieving of Bakalaurs (Bachelor's) and Maìistrs (Master's) degrees as well as programmes of professional higher education which lead to certain professional qualifications. Doctoral studies on top of most Master's (or equivalent) degrees are available as well.

According to the bulk branches of sciences there are study programmes in Humanities, Social Sciences and Natural sciences at LU. Study programmes are offered at 12 faculties of the LU with an active involvement of research institutions integrated into the structure of the LU.

University of Latvia uses a credit point system where one credit point corresponds to a workload of one week of full-time studies.

32 Bachelor's degree programmes are offered at LU. Bakalaurs studies require at least 160 credit points that correspond to 4 years of full-time studies. Programmes consist of three parts. Part A (compulsory part) is mandatory to all the students of a give programme. In Part B (elective part) the students can choose courses (or groups of courses) in order to ensure a sub-specialisation within the programme. Part C is the part of options where the students can freely choose from the courses offered at University of Latvia. Elaboration and defence of Bakalaurs' thesis is a compulsory requirement for award of a Bakalaurs degree.

University of Latvia offers 32 programmes for Maìistrs degree. Maìistrs degree programmes require up to 80 credit points or 2 years of full-time studies. They are usually designed for in-depth studies in a sub-branch of a science and the research units of the LU play an important role in realisation of Maìistrs programmes. Maìistrs thesis is elaborated and defended at the end of studies.

Professional programmes at University of Latvia can be one to five years long depending on the way how the studies are structured: a)professional training can take place as a 1-year programme of professional studies on top of a Bakalaurs degree; b) a full professional study programme (5 years) without a strict division between academic and professional courses.

Design of study programmes usually begins at the departments. After assessment at the Faculty and with accept of the Faculty Board the programme is moved towards the Academic Council of the University. If Academic Council supports the programme, it is moved further to the Academic Commission of the University Senate and is finally submitted for Senate approval.

A system of credit points was introduced to replace listing of contact hours in order to provide a possibility to measure study workload in the programmes. The concept used at University of Latvia is the following. The average study workload at the university is 40 hours per week, out of which 20 hours can be planned as contact hours while the other 20 hours are foreseen for the independent work of student at laboratories, library etc. One such "study week" corresponds to one credit point. Taken that the duration of the study year (including the examination sessions) lasts 40 weeks, the study workload of 1 year of full time studies is 40 credit points. Introduction of the credit point system brought a number of advantages: it allows to compare the intensity of study work in different programmes, it allows to measure the workload of the independent studies pursued by the students, it makes it easier for the students to use study courses offered at different faculties in the option part of their programmes, it allows to introduce European Credit Transfer system (ECTS) for recognition of study courses acquired in international student exchange programmes. Under PHARE multi-country programme in higher education University of Latvia has already joined an international project aimed at introduction of ECTS.

Introduction of a system of credit points also allows to harmonise the study workload between the full-time and part-time studies. Each study programme at LU can be carried out either as full-time or as part-time studies.

University of Latvia offers two types of part-time studies for those students who can not devote whole of their time for studies:

In the year 1997/1998 aprox. 6600 students or 33% of the total student number have chosen extramural studies and approx. 1200 or 6% of students have chosen the option of evening studies.

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