OVERVIEW
The program is aimed at experienced communication professionals working in the governmental and non-governmental sectors and business organizations across a wide range of industries where communication is considered as the critical competency to advance an organization’s goals and mission. Over the course of these studies, students will acquire a sharpened strategic mindset and will become prepared to work successfully as communication leaders and offer strategic counseling in communication to any organization. The program offers an integral view of strategic communication management and the role of leadership in order to achieve meaningful, purposeful, and ethical relations between individuals, organizations, in the national and global contexts.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To accommodate international students, the program combines several intensive executive-education weeks in Latvia as well as allows remote learning through online seminars and exercises. Industry internships with the university's partners or at student-determined organizations/businesses are an integral part of the program.
Graduates can work in public and private sector institutions and be responsible for planning strategic communication, branding, communication management or creating and managing integrated communication campaigns.
FAST FACTS
Language: English
Accreditation: Until September 9, 2027
Duration: full-time 2 years (4 semesters)
ECTS: 120
Degree title: Master's Degree of Social Sciences in Communication
EQF: Level 7
Exchange opportunities: Available through Erasmus+ and Nordplus.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent
- Evidence of English language competence (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS).
- Master Thesis application
Lectures take place every Friday from 2 pm and every Saturday from 9.45 am (Easter European Time).
Non-EU, Non-EEA applicants: March 1 - May 31 (Scholarships that cover tuition fees are available to non-EU, non-EEA students for this program).
EU/ EEA/ Swiss Confederation applicants: March 1 - August 20 (students are eligible to apply for Latvian state-funded study placements).
All eligible students are invited to apply for the Latvian State Scholarship. The application deadline for the academic year 2024/2025 is 1st of April, 2024.
For further information, get in touch with International Office at international@va.lv.
Apply through Strategic Communication and Governance - Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (dreamapply.com)
Individual, Society and Digital Technology
Democracy Theories and Security, Euro-Atlantic values in contemporary geopolitics, Persuasive Communication, Smart technologies and data security, Argumentation Theory and Critical Thinking, Social cognition and human behavior, Ethics, and values
Strategic communication
Theories of strategic communication, Communication theories, Strategic Communication Management, Change Management, Culture and communication, International Strategic Communication and Diplomacy
Governance
Governance and innovation, Strategic management of organizations, Media and Communication Law, Policy analysis, EU institutions and administration, Public Governance and Innovations, Sustainable resource management, Public finances
Research
Master's Thesis Seminar, Research internship, Quantitative research methods and analysis of large data, Qualitative research methods
Master's Thesis
The study program integrates hands-on work experience, which can be gained through participation in problem-based student consultancy projects. It also utilizes such innovative study methods as strategic games and simulations. This ensures that students can apply their theoretical knowledge in practice.
The current and interdisciplinary study content offers knowledge about the role of strategic communication at the organizational, national, and international levels. It highlights cognitive processes and decision-making at an individual and group level. The governance courses within the curriculum will provide knowledge about modern and innovative government management practices.
International academic team and guest lecturers, which ensures multi-cultural study experience – vital in the communication sector.
The tuition fee is outlined in the individual agreement between the student and the university. The student receives the agreement together with the admission letter. Accepted students must pay the tuition fee in advance for the full academic year.
| Citizenship | Per year EUR | Full programme cost EUR |
| Tuition Fees for the citizens of the EU, EEA, Swiss Confederation 2022/2023 | 2445 |
3667,50 for 3 semesters 4890 for 4 semesters |
| Tuition Fees for Non-EU Citizens 2022/2023 | 2810 |
4215 for 3 semesters 5620 for 4 semesters |
Application fee (non-refundable) must be paid before the application is submitted (confirmation of payment must be included in the application):
|
Citizenship |
Application fee amount EUR |
| Estonia, Lithuania, Georgia and Moldova | 50 |
|
EU, EEA countries, Swiss Confederation, USA, Australia, Azerbaijan, Japan, Canada, Kazakhstan, Russia, Macedonia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Vietnam |
100 |
|
International applicants from other countries |
250 |
Applicants from Ukraine are exempt from Application fee
Application fee must be paid to the following bank account:
The bank: Valsts Kase
Address: Smilsu iela 1, Riga LV-1050 Latvia
Bank code: TRELLV22
Bank account number: LV38TREL9150130000000
Bank payments should be marked: “Study registration fee: your name”
OTHER COSTS
To have and overview of the costs involved in studying in Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, please see the indicative list of costs:
| Costs per month | EUR |
| Rent of room in student hostel |
105 double room 160 single room |
| Local transportation costs | 25 |
| Food, other personal costs (minimum) | 200 |
| Total of other costs (average) | ~350 |
The cost of living in Valmiera can seem rather inexpensive for students from some other countries.
