Qualifications Framework level

EQF level

European Qualifications Framework (EQF) has 8 levels (1 – the lowest, 8 – the highest).

Levels reflect the complexity level of acquired knowledge, skills and competences (learning outcomes).


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LQF level

Latvian Qualifications Framework (LQF) has 8 levels (1 – the lowest, 8 – the highest).

Levels reflect the complexity level of acquired knowledge, skills and competences (learning outcomes).

LQF covers stages of education starting from the basic education (level 1 – special basic education) to the highest education (level 8 – doctoral studies).


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Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are knowledge, skills and competences acquired during a certain period of learning.

In Latvia, learning outcomes are stipulated by state education standards and occupational standards (for the professional qualifications).

Learning outcomes of higher education are defined by higher education institutions.


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The goal of the master’s degree programme in communication studies at the University of Latvia is to train highly qualified specialists in the field of communication studies and practical aspects thereof – journalism, public relations, advertising, communication management, as well as study of communication processes. Students have a chance to gain in-depth knowledge about theories and methodologies in communication, also developing skills and competences related to communication-related research projects and methods, as well as skills related to analytical and critical thinking and creativity.

The result of the programme is that highly qualified master’s-level specialists are trained – people who can successfully compete in the Latvian and European labour market and have intellectual potential which ensures the qualitative development of the media, public relations, advertising and other industries, also improving the effectiveness of state and local government operations, facilitating the development of the field of communication studies, and improving the quality of life of Latvia’s residents. The results of the programme can be compared to the 7th level of the European qualifications framework.
Master’s degree recipients have:

Knowledge:
– deeper and more extensive knowledge about communication studies, the social sciences and academic work so as to create a foundation for critical thinking and creativity, as well as the ability to work in various related areas;
– deeper and more extensive knowledge in one of the areas of studies – business communication, communication studies, the communication of organisations, political communication, and journalism;
– deeper and more extensive knowledge about the methodology and academic ethics of communication studies and the social sciences when it comes to research projects.

The ability to put knowledge to use:
– establishing critical understanding of communication and/or their various areas in terms of processes and practices;
– identifying innovations in the area of communication;
– continuing studies at the doctoral level;
– establishing a highly qualified career as a specialist, expert and/or leader in national government, business, NGOs, the media, and scientific institutions;
– conducting scholarly and/or specifically professional activities which are based on original ideas and research;
– engaging in professional work in line with the codes of ethics and professional standards of professional organisations in the area of journalism, public relations and advertising, as well as those of the Latvian Science Council.

Skills:
– making ongoing use of theories, methods and problem resolution skills in the field of communication studies and other social sciences so as to engage in research work and/or to engage in highly qualified professional functions;
– offering well argued explanations and discussions about complicated and systemic issues related to the field of communication studies and the relevant professional areas, dealing both with specialists and diverse audiences;
– being able to develop competences in the field of communication in an independent way, focusing on the relevant area of specialisation, taking responsibility for the work results and analysis of personnel groups, engaging in business operations, ensuring innovations in the field of communication, conducting research, continuing studies, and developing new theoretical and practical approaches.

Competences:
– independent formulation and critical analysis of complicated scientific and professional issues in the area of communication, justifying decisions that are made and engaging in additional analysis;
– integration of knowledge from the fields of communication studies and other areas, thus making an investment in the creation of new knowledge and the development of research and professional methods;
– acceptance of ethical responsibility for scientific and/or professional activities (including ones which are conducted under unforeseeable or complicated circumstances) which can have an effect on society and the environment.

 

Qualification acquisition requirements

Previous education
Higher education qualification of LQF level 6 (academic or professional bachelor) in the same or compatible branch of science or professional field laid down by higher education Institution
Ways to acquire 
Qualifications can be acquired in the framework of education programs or in the evaluation and recognition of non-formal knowledge, skills and competences acquired (in vocational education LKI Levels 2-4).
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Formal (through education programmes)
ECTS credit points 
The unit of the volume of Latvian higher education studies - 1 credit point corresponds to one week of study work in full-time studies (40 credit points per study year).

1 The credit point of Latvia corresponds to 1,5 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credit point.
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120
Duration of study 
Duration of qualification in full-time studies
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1-2 years

Qualification document

Qualifications Framework level

EQF level

European Qualifications Framework (EQF) has 8 levels (1 – the lowest, 8 – the highest).

Levels reflect the complexity level of acquired knowledge, skills and competences (learning outcomes).


Go to the Glossary section
?

7

LQF level

Latvian Qualifications Framework (LQF) has 8 levels (1 – the lowest, 8 – the highest).

Levels reflect the complexity level of acquired knowledge, skills and competences (learning outcomes).

LQF covers stages of education starting from the basic education (level 1 – special basic education) to the highest education (level 8 – doctoral studies).


Go to the Glossary section
?

7

Qualification field, stage and type

Thematic field (ISCED 2013)
International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) developed by UNESCO.
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Journalism and information (032)

Detailed field: (ISCED 2013)

Journalism and reporting (0321)

Education
Stages of Latvian education system included in the LQF:
- basic education
- secondary education
- higher education
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Higher education

Qualification type
ITypes of Latvian education:
-General education
-Professional education
-Academic education
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Academic

Full or partial

Full qualification

Other information

National Education Information System

National Database of Education Opportunities

Active qualification

Period for issuing qualification: 2013-2021

Last changes: 06.09.2021

Posted: 07.05.2016