Faculty of Social Sciences
The Faculty of Social Sciences, established in 2024, is the first in Latvia to introduce an innovative management system and to actively work on broadening the horizons of interdisciplinary research. Its structure and operating principles are borrowed from universities in the US - the University at Buffalo and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology - where lecturers from RSU have frequently gone to participate in experience exchanges.
Project no. KPVIS 5.2.1.1.i.0/2/24/I/CFLA/005 RSU internal and RSU with LASE external consolidation.
The Faculty of Social Sciences combines expertise in law, communication, international politics, business and economics, internal security, social anthropology, and the humanities, creating interdisciplinary synergy.
One of the pillars of the faculty is the Social Sciences Research Centre, which allows for the advancement of impactful, collaborative, and cutting-edge social science research. The Centre also contributes to further integration of research in the study process, which is a priority for RSU as a research university.
The social sciences are dynamic and diverse. They are undergoing a global transformation in the digital age, creating a stronger dialogue and collaboration with other disciplines. I am convinced that interdisciplinarity in social sciences will provide a broader insight into social processes and thus contribute to increased innovation and creativity. Drawing on experience we have gained at the world's leading universities - the University at Buffalo and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology - and with a strong team, we have formed a faculty of the future with an emphasis on interdisciplinarity, which is increasingly required in both study and research. The RSU Faculty of Social Sciences is a faculty with ambitions that addresses significant global questions, thus offering solutions for long-term societal development.
Ieva Puzo,
Acting Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences
Contact information
- Dean's office
- The dean's office is located in the Faculty of Social Sciences at 9c Kuldīgas ielā.
PhD Ieva PuzoActing Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences
Head of Unit, Social Sciences Research Centre
Lead Researcher, Faculty of Social SciencesSocial Sciences Research Centre9c Kuldīgas iela, Riga, LV-1007
Mg. sc. soc. Līga OzoliņaActing Vice-Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences
Head of Curriculum Quality Development, Faculty of Social Sciences
Academic Staff, Faculty of Social Sciences
Researcher, Faculty of Social SciencesFaculty of Social Sciences9c Kuldīgas iela, Riga
Jevgēnija JakovļevaManager, Dean's Office, Faculty of Social SciencesFaculty of Social Sciences9c Kuldīgas iela, RigaA-131.Working hours:
P.–C. 9.00–17.00
Pk. 9.00–16.00
Inga MinkevičaStudy Process Manager, Faculty of Social SciencesFaculty of Social Sciences9c Kuldīgas iela, RigaA-131.Working hours:
P.–Pk. 10–16
Anete ValaineCommunication Project Coordinator, Faculty of Social SciencesFaculty of Social Sciences9c Kuldīgas iela, RigaA-136.Working hours:
O. 12–18
T. 9–17
C. 9–15
Pk. 9–17 - Programme group contacts
Business and Economics programme group
Phone number: +371 67409184Communication and Media programme group
Phone number: +371 67062641International Politics and Society Studies programme group
Phone number: +371 67409161Internal Security and Law programme group
Phone number: +371 67060876; +371 67061594; +371 67061593Artificial Intelligence and Data Science programme group
Phone number: +371 67062754Social Sciences Research Centre
Phone number: +371 67062760Lecturers in humanities and languages
Phone number: +371 67061586; +371 67060833
Studies
- Business and Economics
Study programmes for those who want to build their own business, understand the principles of sustainable economy and work in marketing management.
We provide a modern and innovative study environment that promotes development. Students can carry out scientific research and integrate the results to improve the performance of different companies and institutions.
In the Business and Economics programme group, we prepare highly qualified specialists who are in high demand on the labour market, with in-depth knowledge of international business management, marketing, advertising and start-ups. Our graduates are able to achieve great results in both the private and public sectors.
Employers value our graduates' excellent knowledge and outstanding skills to work proactively and with creativity.
- 1st cycle programmes (undergraduate)
- 2nd cycle programmes (postgraduate)
PhD Anita GaileProgramme Group Leader, Faculty of Social SciencesFaculty of Social Sciences9c Kuldīgas iela, RigaA-105
Poļina FjodorovaStudy Process Organiser, Faculty of Social SciencesFaculty of Social Sciences9c Kuldīgas iela, RigaA-106.Working hours:
P.–C. plkst. 10–16International Business and Start-up Entrepreneurship and 1st-year master's programmes
Marta LivzenieceStudy Centre9 Kuldīgas iela, RigaA-210Working hours:
Mon-Thu: 10-16
Equipment loans by individual appt.- Internal Security and Law
Study programmes for those who want to be modern lawyers and acquire the unique interdisciplinary skills needed in the contemporary legal field, or for those who want to gain specific knowledge and skills required for work in Latvian law enforcement institutions.
Law programmes prepare students for successful careers and contribute to the development of the field of law. These studies are an excellent way to strengthen the rule of law in a country, to protect others' interests, to maintain order in society and to get an interesting, challenging and fulfilling job that is needed in all times. You can study in a bachelor's degree programme, an academic master's degree programme or a professional master's degree programme, and obtain a qualification as a lawyer. Our students have access to state-of-the-art classrooms, a forensic laboratory, and a mock courtroom.
The Internal Security Academy, which is an association of several institutions (the Ministry of the Interior, the State Police College, Rīga Stradiņš University, and the University of Latvia), has the following common goal: to train highly qualified specialists for work in Latvian law enforcement agencies by pooling resources.
The study process is implemented at the University of Latvia, RSU, and the State Police College, jointly using the study infrastructure of all partner organisations and involving the academic staff of the higher education institutions.
- 1st cycle programmes (undergraduate)
- 2nd cycle programmes (postgraduate)
Assoc. Prof. Inga KudeikinaFaculty of Social Sciences9c Kuldīgas iela, RigaA-215Working hours:
By prior appointment (e-mail).Full-time Law and Internal Security study programmes
Natālija KurbatovaStudy Process Organiser, Faculty of Social SciencesFaculty of Social Sciences9c Kuldīgas iela, RigaA-209Part time and distance learning
Liene ŠtokaStudy Process Organiser, Faculty of Social SciencesStudy Centre9 Kuldīgas iela, RigaA-210Working hours:
Mon-Fri, 13.00–16.00Law postgraduate studies
Inga MinkevičaStudy Process Manager, Faculty of Social SciencesFaculty of Social Sciences9c Kuldīgas iela, RigaA-131Working hours:
Mon-Thu,10.00–16.00
Fri, 10.00–15.00- Communication and Media
Study programmes for those who want to understand the diverse field of communication, social processes and the context in which they take place. At the bachelor level, we train journalists with skills in different genres and media formats, multimedia content specialists (audio, video, photo, animation), public relations specialists, press secretaries, and social media content creators. At the master's level, we prepare future communications experts - capable managers, observers and researchers of communication processes.
The education we provide gives you the opportunity to see how theory works in practice, to think critically and to engage in the analysis and research of topical local and global processes. The programme is taught by professional local and international lecturers and experienced experts in the field.
We are proud of our strong and established bachelor's degree programmes in information and communication: Multimedia Communication, Public Relations, and Journalism. We are also proud of our student media network Skaļāk, which allows future communication professionals to practise in a simulated editorial environment and develop their portfolios during their studies. At the master's level, we are proud of the Communication and Media Studies, and Strategic Management and Public Relations programmes.
Come and study one of our programmes and become a skilled communications professional in today's ever-changing and therefore infinitely exciting world!
- 1st cycle programmes (undergraduate)
- 2nd cycle programmes (postgraduate)
Lect. Lāsma ŠķestereProgramme Group Leader, Faculty of Social Sciences
Academic Staff, Faculty of Social Sciences
Researcher, Faculty of Social SciencesFaculty of Social Sciences9c Kuldīgas iela, RigaA-214Working hours:
Mon, Thu (by prior appt)
Sandra AlksneStudy Process Organiser, Faculty of Social SciencesFaculty of Social Sciences9c Kuldīgas iela, RigaA-210Working hours:
Mon–Thu 10.00–16.00
Fri 10.00–15.00Equipment loaning and master's studies
Marta LivzenieceStudy Centre9 Kuldīgas iela, RigaA-210Working hours:
Mon-Thu: 10-16
Equipment loans by individual appt.- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
The programme prepares modern managers to implement digital strategies within companies and ensure that artificial intelligence operates meaningfully under human supervision. It offers a broad range of practical knowledge in both cutting-edge technologies and management.
- 2nd cycle programmes (postgraduate)
Linda AlksneSenior Expert in Digital Skills Development, Department of Information Technology
Programme Group Leader, Faculty of Social SciencesFaculty of Social Sciences9c Kuldīgas iela, RigaA-105
Luīze GeistardeStudy Process Organiser, Faculty of Social SciencesFaculty of Social Sciences9c Kuldīgas iela, RigaA-106Working hours:
P.–T. 9–12; Pk. 9–15- International Politics and Society Studies
Dynamic and diverse study programmes for those interested in the challenges of global politics and societal development - for those who want to understand and shape our world
Those with an interest in politics or international relations, a desire to work in government or the diplomatic service, or to become an expert in anthropology, are invited to be part of our family and study in the International Relations - European Studies bachelor programme, or in one of the three masters programmes: International Relations and Diplomacy, Russian and Eurasian Studies (which will be called International System Transformation in the future), or Social Anthropology.
We provide our students with the tools they need to build the career of their dreams, and together we build the world of tomorrow!
- 1st cycle programme (undergraduate)
- 2nd cycle programmes (postgraduate)
Lect. Lelde Metla-RozentāleProgramme Group Leader, Faculty of Social Sciences
Acting Researcher, Faculty of Social Sciences
Academic Staff, Faculty of Social SciencesFaculty of Social Sciences9c Kuldīgas iela, RigaA-216Working hours:
By appointment (e-mail).
Ilze SpeķeStudy Process Organiser, Faculty of Social SciencesFaculty of Social Sciences9c Kuldīgas iela, RigaA-106Working hours:
Mon–Fri 10.00-12.00 & 14.00-16.00
The student media network Skaļāk
The RSU student media network Skaļāk ("louder" in Latvian) aims to be a unique voice in the public space, foster creative collaboration among students from various fields, and provide insights into dynamic student life.
Skaļāk offers students of the Faculty of Social Sciences the opportunity to implement their biggest and boldest ideas and hone their storytelling skills – they can create podcasts, video stories, interviews, or visual stories, thus simultaneously applying a simulation-based educational approach.
- Read more
Skaļāk is the place where students' stories become adventures that can engage people from different fields and professionals, and at the same time shape future narratives. It is a place where new, exciting, independent, and valuable content is created. Over the years, the RSU student media network has become a noticeable player in public communication in Latvia, which is proof that the voices of future professionals are worth listening to!
Inquisitio, the magazine for student investigative journalism
Inquisitio ("investigation" in Latin) is the only magazine for investigative journalism in Latvia produced by third-year journalism students in the Investigative Journalism course.
Its aim is to give students the opportunity to work on serious journalistic research already during their studies, to take responsibility for their findings and to discuss the potential of journalism with the public. The process of creating Inquisitio reflects the simulation approach of the study process. The only difference is that our magazine is a real and unique media product.
- Read more
The journal is published in spring each year (both in print and digital formats), demonstrating the students’ ideas, skills, and discoveries. The journal’s strength lies in its core value - responsible and professional journalism that sheds light on issues that matter to society.
The journal is divided into several sections. Each journal features research, using an experiment method and revealing hidden processes. The authors of Inquisitio take an in-depth look at societal, media, social, economic, cultural, and sports processes. For example, previous journals have revealed the profound problems that the use of non-bank lenders can create in the lives of students and their families; students analysed the latest disinformation techniques that are used to manipulate public opinion; writers have explored consumer habits that could reduce climate change; articles uncovered “black holes” in web shopping and critically assessed the effectiveness of popular health improvement marketing projects.
Inquisitio was created in 2014 using the findings of Ralfs Šēniņš bachelor's thesis. Learning that investigative journalism magazines were created in the US at the beginning of the 20th century, Šēniņš decided that this idea could be adapted to the 21st century. He conducted audience research and created the journal. Part of what he did as part of his thesis became the basis of Inquisitio. Each year, students create the entire journal, lead by Prof. Anda Rožukalne: from coming up with research ideas to presenting and discussing the journal with Latvian investigative journalism professionals.
The University's Publishing and Printing Unit ensures that the students' work is transformed into a modern print publication and the Communications Department publicises it. The journal is available free of charge at RSU, and it is regularly distributed at various events and youth gatherings. The digital version of the journal can be found on the website of RSU's student media network, Skaļāk - skalak.rsu.lv.
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