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.
CAREER
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 E3UDRES2.
TUITION FEES 2025/2026
3082 EUR per year (EU, EEA, Swiss Confederation)
2810 EUR per year (non-EU)
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent
- Evidence of English language competence (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS).
- Master Thesis application
NUMBER OF SUPPORTED STUDY PLACES IN 2025/2026
(Information will be available in March) study places on state budget resources are available for intake 2025 (for EU, EEA, Swiss Confederation students).
LECTURE SCHEDULE
Lectures take place every Friday from 2 pm and every Saturday from 9.45 am (Easter European Time).
APPLICATION DEADLINES 2025
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 17 (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 2025/2026 is 1st of April, 2024.
For further information, get in touch with International Office at [email protected].
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
WHY STUDY "STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION AND GOVERNANCE"?
Flexible Learning Structure: Designed to accommodate international students, the program combines intensive on-campus sessions in Latvia with remote learning through online seminars and exercises, allowing professionals to balance studies with other commitments.
Comprehensive Curriculum: The program provides an integral view of strategic communication management and leadership roles, emphasizing meaningful, purposeful, and ethical relationships between individuals and organizations in both national and global contexts.
International Exposure: Students have access to exchange opportunities through EUDRES partners network, Erasmus+ and other programs, fostering a global perspective and cross-cultural communication skills.
Strategic Skill Development: The curriculum focuses on developing a strategic mindset, preparing graduates to lead in communication roles and provide strategic counsel across various sectors.
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 2025/2026 | 3082 |
6164 for 4 semesters |
| Tuition Fees for others 2025/2026 | 2810 |
5620 for 4 semesters |
Registration fee (non-refundable) must be paid before the application is submitted (confirmation of payment must be included in the application):
|
Citizenship |
Registration fee amount EUR |
| Estonia, Lithuania, Georgia and Moldova | 50 |
|
EU, EEA countries, Swiss Confederation, USA, Australia, Azerbaijan, Japan, Canada, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Vietnam |
100 |
|
International applicants from other countries |
250 |
Applicants from Ukraine are exempt from Registration fee
Payment details:
Recipient: Vidzemes Augstskola
Address: Cēsu iela 4, Valmiera, Reg.NR.: LV90001342592
Registration fee should be paid to one of the following bank accounts:
Bank: AS Swedbank
Bank code: HABALV22
Bank account number: LV78HABA0551027191593
Bank payments should be marked: “Study registration fee: your name”
Bank: AS Citadele banka
Bank code: PARXLV22
Bank account number: LV74PARX0006876240003
Bank payments should be marked: “Study registration fee: your name”
Bank: AS Luminor banka
Bank code: RIKOLV2X
Bank account number: LV90RIKO0002013197983
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 |
|
Housing: |
From 150 eur |
|
Local transportation costs |
From 30 eur (monthly bus ticket) |
|
Groceries |
From 300 eur |
|
Household goods and other costs |
From 300 eur |
The cost of living in Valmiera can seem rather inexpensive for students from some other countries.
