Doctoral programme

Structure

A postgraduate PhD programme is offered for holders of a Masters degree who wish to continue their studies in the field of law and related interdisciplinary fields. The duration of a PhD programme is normally three years.

PhD candidates may either be enrolled as students or employed as research members of the RGSL faculty, depending on available financing. Applications for enrolment and employment are invited through public announcements of available positions. A general possibility for PhD studies leading to a doctoral degree will also be offered on a fee paying basis.

Each PhD candidate has a supervisor appointed to monitor and assist the development of their dissertation, which when completed is submitted to an evaluation committee appointed by RGSL. In addition to tutoring, each candidate will follow a programme of specially designed courses to ensure training in relevant topics and general principles of scientific research.

After graduation, the holder of a PhD diploma is eligible for appointment as a full member of the RGSL faculty, depending on available positions. Apart from academic employment, achieving a PhD diploma has become an increasingly important element in professional career development.

International partners and study possibilities

In cooperation with the University of Copenhagen, RGSL will launch a new PhD programme at the end of 2010. The programme duration is three years, with employment as a PhD research fellow, and leads to a doctoral degree in law.

Research fellows will be employed at RGSL during their period of study, but will be integrated into both research institutions and will spend approximately equal time in Riga and Copenhagen. They will be granted a special posting allowance for their period of stay at the University of Copenhagen.

Individual supervisors will be appointed by both participating institutions, and candidates will be offered a wide selection of courses and research seminars. Research fellows will have some teaching obligations, which will be related to their field of research.

The joint PhD programme will focus on subject matter researched and prioritised by both institutions. It will primarily involve research fellows who wish to devote their studies to international law issues, especially including human rights and EU law.

Recruitment of research fellows will be based on open advertisements, with assessment by an expert committee and personal interviews with shortlisted candidates.

RGSL is currently entering into partnerships with other institutions in order to offer additional possibilities for sponsored PhD studies in Riga.