LATVIA is located in North –Eastern Europe, on the east coast of the Baltic Sea. It is in the centre of the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania). As a member of European Union Latvia successfully participates in the establishment of the European higher education area, that promotes mobility, attracts students and staff from Europe and as well as from other parts of world and is internationally competitive.

Institutions of higher education promote the development of student competitiveness in the dynamically changing socio economic environment in the local and international lab our markets. There are almost 200 international study programmes (Bachelor and Master and Doctoral studies) and courses taught entirely in English.

All type of courses are available in Latvia like, Arts and Humanities, Business administration and management, Communication, Education and Teacher, Training, Engineering, Environmental Science, Fine and applied arts, Law, Mathematics and computer science, Medical and health sciences, Natural sciences, Service, tourism and leisure, Social and behavioral sciences, Transport and logistics, Urban planning and architecture, as well as agriculture, forestry and fishery.

Latvia is using a national credit point system in higher education. One Latvian national credit point is defined as a one-week full-time study workload. The average full-time workload of an academic year in most higher education programs is 40 credits. The Latvian credit point system is compatible with ECTS. The number of ECTS credits is found by multiplying the number of Latvian credit points by a factor of 1.5. The objectives of academic higher education are to prepare graduates for independent research, as well as to provide theoretical background for professional activities. Academic education programs are implemented according to the national standard of academic education.

Academic programs leading to a bachelor's degree comprise 120 - 160 national credit points (160-180 ECTS), including :

• compulsory subjects - not less than 50 national credit points (75 ECTS);
• electives not less than 20 national credit points (30 ECTS);
• thesis not less than 10 national credit points (15 ECTS);
• the remainder is left for students as free choice.

The duration of full-time studies is 6 - 8 semesters (3-4 years).

Academic programs leading to a master degree comprise 80 national credit points (120 ECTS), of which :

• the thesis is not less than 20 national credit points (30 ECTS)
• the compulsory part of the program includes theoretical aspects of the specific field of scientific discipline – not less than 30 national credit points (45 ECTS)
• and the practical application of theory in solving actual problems – not less than 15 national credit points (22,5 ECTS).

The duration of full-time studies is 4 semesters (2 years) and requires at least 5 years total length of bachelor and master studies.

The objectives of professional higher education are to provide in-depth knowledge in a particular field, preparing graduates for design or improvement of systems, products and technologies, as well as to prepare them for creative, research and teaching activities in this field.

Professional programmes leading to a professional bachelor's degree comprise at least 160 national credit points (240 ECTS) of which :

• general courses – not less than 20 national credit points (30 ECTS),
• theoretical courses of the chosen field – not less than 36 national credit points (54 ECTS),
• specialized courses – not less than 60 national credit points (90 ECTS),
• optional courses – not less 6 national credit points (9 ECTS),
• practical placement – not less than 26 national credit points (39 ECTS),
• and state examinations including thesis – not less than 12 national credit points (18 ECTS)

The duration of full-time studies is 8 semesters (4 years).

Professional higher education programs leading to a professional master's degree comprise no less than 40 (60 ECTS) credits, of which :

• up-to-date achievements in the field - in theory and in practice ≥7 (10,5 ECTS) credits,
• practical placements ≥6 (9 ECTS) credits,
• state examinations including thesis ≥20 (30 ECTS) credit
• Research training, courses of design, management, psychology etc

Duration of full-time studies is 2-4 semesters (1-2 years).

Study Management

Management can be defined as the process of managing & supervising the business and operations of a company or organization. New and effective business strategies are formulated in compliance with the past facts and figures of the company. Management programs not only help the students develop skills that are highly valued by many employers, but also present a theoretical context for solving many business problems.

Management studies are of recent origin but management is as old as man's need for organizing work and activities. Management now has become a 'discipline'. Numerous Management Gurus have emerged. They have been defining, redefining and commenting on the scope and nature of Management. Question as to whether Management is a Science or an Art has been resolved by saying that Management is the "oldest of the arts and youngest of the sciences".

Management is different from other higher studies because of its inclusive nature. It, not only deals with the theory and practice of production of goods and services but also with development and deployment of human resources.

Manufacturing, procuring, distributing and delivering of goods in a competitive environment and international markets demands efficient and effective operations. Selling, promoting and marketing of goods too call for coordinated efforts and innovative ideas. Services to customers and the analysis of queue systems is yet another aspect of Management.

Europe's growing integration has created a greater need than ever for graduates with business and marketing skills with knowledge of European languages and society. Similarly, increased mobility across the EU has opened up more opportunities for graduates too. Management options in Latvia enable you to take advantage of both these developments.

Global Study Solutions enables you to be a part of management studies in Latvia.