Masters Study Programme "Physics"

Valdemārs has studied at Leibniz University Hannover. His research interests include Computer modelling, model experiments, research of thermoelectric MHD flows, induction heating. He works as a research assistant at the Institute of Physics of the University of Latvia, co-author in Magnetohydrodynamics 2023 ¾ journal and co-author for a TMS poster.

UL master’s programme – solid foundation for future studies and research career.

The courses I took in UL in the previous semesters before my study visit at Leibniz University directly helped me understand the courses I took abroad much better and to acquire more knowledge out of them. UL courses provide a good foundation for further studies.

Opportunity to develop the skills needed for creative, independent work.

The courses I picked were more general and theoretical, involving free-form teaching – the tasks are less defined and requiring more input from students to complete. I think free-form is a good approach as at the master’s level, when student has the knowledge and ability to complete various tasks with less guidance, while having guidance accessible, when necessary. The programme offers an opportunity to specialize in a more theoretical or practical direction.

Well-equipped laboratories.

The laboratories are equipped to enable laboratory tasks to be completed in full while having the potential for creative freedom. Here, too is an aspect of creative freedom – when you formulate a clear idea and need for something, it can be arranged with relative ease. In general, the time in the laboratories can be scheduled conveniently, so in effect, you have more choices in your approaches to research your idea.

All of the staff are welcoming, easy to reach.

Future studies – global outlook

I plan to pursue an PhD in physics, preparing to write my thesis at the University of Greenwich, London, as the Institute of Physics has a collaboration with them and my colleague has finished his thesis there. This choice is mainly due to new perspectives, funding, research supervision options and research topic availability.

Even during my PhD studies, I plan to continue work in Institute of Physics. In the long-term aim to return to Latvia as due to country’s size, there is comparatively less competition for research positions, scholarships and funding, while also having international collaborations with other universities. In effect, I feel like my contribution in Latvia is more meaningful in multiple aspects – here, I have the potential to have direct influence in shaping the system.

Scholarships and employment

I received two 1-year scholarships from UL Foundation during my bachelor’s studies and started work in Institute of Physics in my last and 3^rd year of bachelor’s.Combining this work with my studies was easy as most of my work duties were relevant for both of my theses. This was more noticeable during my master’s studies, especially my 3^rd, Erasmus exchange semester. Abroad, I had more varied choice for courses, and I was able to pick out all courses that were directly relevant for my thesis. Courses during my 1^st and 2^nd semesters were less directly relevant, but nevertheless important for developing overall technical and soft skills relevant for master’s students and further study which I could notice in my exchange semester.

I have confidence that most employers would be interested in my adaptive and general problem-solving skill by using math, computers and physical experiments. The necessity to present my work in conferences, lectures and when applying for scholarships has given me the soft skills that are relevant in most career’s.

In future, I would be happy to take part in companies that would finally achieve stable nuclear fusion or institutions that have rich history of great researchers, to add my part to their legacy.

University of Latvia education: Benefits

My studies up to now have been successfully government-funded, covering study fees, and I have won scholarships. Hence, I was able to focus on my studies. The physics department is motivated and has inspiration to further improve physics education in Latvia. Overall, this positive feedback loop with the physics faculty gives me great confidence that the study quality in Latvia will continue to improve. Together with the modern university building, physics studies in Latvia in the coming years should be at least equal if not better when compared to studies aboard.

The approach of many tutors and professors to structuring their courses and the tasks they gave were influenced by their research. The surprising depth of the topics covered, and tasks given is most likely because the professors incorporated aspects of their research into their teaching.

Student life

An aspect where UL programme significantly excels at is the student life that is mainly driven by the physics student council. The events hosted by the physics student council are significantly more engaging, with more participation and history than what I saw abroad. The student's mindset and comradery that gets passed down, which is less tangible and measurable, but nevertheless crucial is in a great spot.

Practical advice – convenient location, affordable living

Studies are in mostly the same building, House of Science, on campus. There are plenty of affordable accommodation options both closer and further from House of Science, but even the further options are no more than ~1h away via accessible, reliable public transport. Public transport options for students are convenient and affordable with students’ discount. Living expenses are overall quite affordable with fairly priced canteen in House of Science. A significant motivator for me to continue my studies at the master’s level were the mentioned and work-related student benefits.

3 key things about the postgraduate studies at the University of Latvia

Depth of courses: I could acquire practically all of my courses, and they were interesting and relevant to me. These courses prepared me for the future work and study opportunities abroad, which were first tested during my Erasmus exchange.

Great student life and various student benefits: I was able to engage in facilitating and participating in the student experience, with a new perspective during my postgraduate studies. Previously listed practical advantages allowed me to focus more on my actual studies rather than technical aspects of studying.

Open future career and study opportunities: My Erasmus exchange semester was straightforward because the faculty was open to enable me to start and finish my studies abroad. I notice many other internship options open to postgraduate students. Due to the already existing collaborations of my UL workplace, Institute of Physics of the University of Latvia, has with University of Greenwich, I’m able to seamlessly continue my studies. Due to this openness, I am keener to return to Latvia in the long term after obtaining my doctorate, in order to uphold and improve the opportunities given to me.

Kristiāns was a visiting student at Technical University of Wien, and Valencia University. Topic of thesis – “Quantum chemistry using augmented plane wave methods”., His specialisation is Density functional theory and quantum chemistry. For three years, Kristiāns has been working at Electronic Structure Research Group, University of Latvia.

Research-based studies

One of the strong points of UL is the possibility to partake in research early on. This allows one to try different fields of research to find the one that fits best. Researchers and professors are friendly and welcoming to students joining their research. The university laboratories are well equipped for training and research.

In my future career, I am still considering the choice between academic and industry career.

The University of Latvia gives an opportunity to students, allowing them to participate in research early on, – this opportunity is not readily available in bigger universities.

Agris Bužs has studied at Utrecht University, Research Master's Degree programme in Theoretical Physics. His specialisation is electron quantum optics. For three years, Agris has been conducting laboratory research at the University of Latvia, Nanoelectronics Theory Group, currently modelling 2 electron scattering on electrostatic saddle potential.

Research-based studies

Master’s studies at the University of Latvia offer extensive selection of courses in experimental physics. In my experience, laboratories at UL are accessible and staff is welcoming, – you just need to ask.

I became involved in research at the University of Latvia already in my second year of Bachelor’s studies, and the workload in my research group was adjusted according to my study obligations.

I am envisaging teaching theoretical physics as a part of my future career.

In my field, tutors and professors are involved in research, for example, Assoc. Prof. Ģirts Barinovs and Prof. Vjačeslavs Kaščejevs. Their assistance in developing my research skills and practice has been invaluable.