“Audiovisual Arts and Media Arts” is a programme where talented and up-and-coming professionals, without whom the media, arts and marketing industries are unthinkable, polish their skills.
Accredited: until 17 January 2026
The programme is currently undergoing re-accreditation.
Full-time, Part-time in person (evenings and Saturdays) every other week
Language:
English (full-time day studies), Latvian (full-time, part-time)
Credit points:
180 KP (ECTS)
Fee:
Citizens and permanent residents of Latvia, as well as citizens of other EU, EEA, and EU candidate countries:
3650 EUR (Full-time in Latvian)
3100 EUR (Part-time in Latvian)
4350 EUR (Full-time in English)
Other countries:
5500 EUR (Full-time in English)
“Audiovisual Arts and Media Arts” is a programme where talents and future professionals hone their skills — individuals without whom the fields of media, art, and marketing are unimaginable. The academic bachelor’s studies prepare specialists in audiovisual journalism, film directors, cinematographers, and film producers. The programme’s courses cover the development of TV and film projects from concept to production, management of film crews, technical possibilities for creating audiovisual content, the latest industry trends in visual, audio, aesthetic, and compositional design, various content solutions, and skills for working with information.
In addition to subjects specific to audiovisual art and media art, students also study art history and cultural theory, structures of composition and colour psychology, as well as other courses that prepare art professionals for a working environment where it is necessary not only to create, but also to plan and promote the competitiveness of art in the market.
An unmistakable advantage of this RISEBA programme is its teaching staff — outstanding personalities from Latvia, as well as from the broader international audiovisual and media environment.
Academic bachelor study programme with 4 specializations: “Film Cinematographer”, “Film Producer”, “Film Director”, “Audiovisual Journalist”.
As this is a academic study programme, both full-time day and part-time evening studies are delivered in person and, alongside the theoretical courses, there are many practical classes in the video and editing studios located in the RISEBA Architecture and Media Centre H2O6. Students of this programme have the opportunity to undergo an internship in real audiovisual industry companies and participate in various projects, working side by side with professionals in the field.
1st year
Audiovisual Technologies Fundamentals of Audiovisual Editing Principles of Creating a Photographic Image Video and Sound Re-cording Techniques Music in Communication Audiovisual Journalism Directing for Television and Film I Television and Film Production I Cinematography I Cinematography II Lighting Techniques Screenwriting Image. Space. Age. Acting I Acting II Study Work I Internship I Business English English for Audiovisual Media Arts Latvian language (for foreign students)
2nd year
360 degree Visualization Constructions of Composition and Color Psychology Multimedia and Immersive Technologies Sound Directing Audiovisual Motage Aesthetics and Production Processes The Dramatic Construction and Production of the TV series History of Film History and Theory of Art and Cuture Fundaments of Theatre History Civil Protection Internship II
Study courses in the specialisation of Film Producer:
Television and Film Production II
Television and Film Production III
Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship
Accounting
Private Funding in Culture
Public Relations and Mass Media
Working with a Set Designer
Study courses specialising in Film Director:
Basics of Computer Graphics
Aesthetics of Documentary Films
Directing Actors I
Directing Actors II
Public Relations and Mass Media
Directing for Television and Film II
Directing for Television and Film III
Study courses specialising in Film Cinematography:
Cinematography III
Cinematography IV
Aesthetics of Documentary Films
Film Technologies
Photojournalism
Basics of Computer Graphics
Gaffing of Film and Television
Study courses for the specialisation in Audiovisual Journalism:
Screenwriting I: Fiction
Screenwriting II: Documentary
Public Relations and Mass Media
Citizen Journalism
Audio Narrative: Radio Journalism and Podcasting
Photojournalism
Information Design I
3rd year
Production of 360 degree Cinematic VR Analysis and Critique of Creative Industries Creative Industries in Business and Management Legal Aspects of Intellectual Property Philosophy Social and Applied Ecology Research Work Bachelor’s Thesis Study Work II Internship III
Study courses in the specialisation of Film Producer:
Television and Film Production IV
Project Management
Study courses specialising in Film Director:
Working with a Set Designer
Directing for Television and Film IV
Study courses specialising in Film Cinematography:
Cinematography V
Working with a Set Designer
Courses of study to be completed in the Audiovisual Journalist specialisation:
Analytical and Investigative Journalism
Artificial Intelligence in Journalism and Art
Audiovisual Journalism
Information Design II
Optional course
Film Semiotics Digital Animation Dramaturgy of Film TV programming Psychology of Advertising Public Speaking Techniques Psychology of Creative Processes
RISEBA “Audiovisual Arts and Media Arts” students have the opportunity to attend elective courses at the Latvian Academy of Culture by selecting the courses of their interest on the university’s website and confirming their choice with the RISEBA Study Department.
Apply at the Latvian Academy of Culture by e-mail: [email protected].
Here you can get to know some of our academic staff – individuals who not only share knowledge but also encourage and support the development of your creative potential and professional skills.
Dr. Aigars Ceplitis
Dean of the Faculty of Media and Creative Technologies, RISEBA University
Dr. A. Ceplitis is a practitioner and researcher of audiovisual arts and media arts, as well as an Assistant Professor with extensive international experience in film directing, editing, and media education. He holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Film from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts, USA) and a doctoral degree in Art Science with a focus on 360° film narratology.
In the bachelor’s programme in Audiovisual Arts and Media Arts, he teaches the courses Acting II, Audiovisual Montage Aesthetics and Production Processes, Production of 360-Degree Cinematic VR, as well as the specialized course Directing the Actor for aspiring film directors.
Alongside his academic work, Dr. Aigars Ceplītis actively participates in international projects, developing VR projects and presenting research on immersive storytelling and the evolution of cinematic language in the digital age. His work includes both virtual reality films and interactive media exhibitions.
Mg.art. Daira Abolina
Head of the Arts Department, RISEBA University
D. Abolina is one of Latvia’s most recognized film scholars and critics, with professional experience spanning both the academic field and the cultural media sphere. She actively participates in international film events, including serving on juries at film festivals such as the Venice Film Festival, the Europa Cinemas expert committee in Berlin, the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF), among others.
In the bachelor’s programme in Audiovisual Arts and Media Arts, D. Abolina leads the course Analysis and Critique of Creative Industries, as well as the specialized course Aesthetics of Documentary Films for aspiring film directors and cinematographers. Her lectures foster the ability to analyze, think deeply, and perceive cinema as a multilayered cultural form. Students appreciate her skill in combining a scholarly perspective with practical experience and an empathetic approach to the author’s work.
Mg. art. Lelde Kovalova
Guest Lecturer at RISEBA University, Film Producer, and Author
Lelde Kovalova is an experienced film producer and author who earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from RISEBA’s Media and Creative Technologies faculty. She has successfully served as a visiting lecturer in the Audiovisual Arts and Media Arts programme for over three years, providing students with both in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical skills in film and television dramaturgy. She leads the course The Dramatic Construction and Production of TV Series, sharing her extensive professional experience and encouraging students to develop skills in crafting successful stories.
As the lead producer, L. Kovalova has been involved in several significant film projects, including the TV series Bezvēsts pazudušās and Nelūgtie viesi. Additionally, she is the author of multiple books, such as Bezvēsts pazudušās (2019), Svešinieki (2020), Šoseja (2021), Tvitera tiesa (2022), and her latest psychological thriller Klusie kaimiņi (2024), which has received widespread acclaim from both readers and critics.
Mg.art. Anna Viduleja Guest Lecturer at RISEBA University, Film Director
A. Viduleja is a renowned film director and screenwriter with significant experience in the Latvian film industry. Her documentary film Podnieks par Podnieku. Laika liecinieks (2024), co-directed with A. Cilinska, received the National Film Award Lielais Kristaps for Best Feature-Length Documentary. Her feature film Homo Novus (2018), which she both directed and wrote the screenplay for, became one of the most-watched Latvian films in recent years. The film was seen by over 91,000 viewers, making it the most popular Latvian film of 2018.
At Audiovisual Arts and Media Arts programme, A. Viduleja teaches two directing courses designed for aspiring film directors. In these courses, she shares her extensive professional experience, fostering the development of students’ creative vision, enhancing their ability to collaborate effectively with actors, and deepening their understanding of storytelling techniques as well as refining their technical skills in the art of cinema.
Mg.art. Uldis Jancis Guest Lecturer at RISEBA University, Film Cinematographer
U. Jancis is an experienced cinematographer and lighting technician with extensive practical experience in both Latvian and international film and multimedia projects. He has worked as a cinematographer and lighting technician on several significant film projects, including Rīgas sargi (2007), Tēvs Nakts (2019), and Dvēseļu putenis (2019).
In Audiovisual Arts and Media Arts programme, he teaches four courses designed for aspiring cinematographers, including Gaffing for Film and Television and Film Technologies. In these courses, U. Jancis shares his professional experience and knowledge, helping students acquire both the technical skills and creative approaches necessary to produce high-quality and visually compelling film and multimedia content.
Mg.art. Randall Galera Guest Lecturer at RISEBA University, Actor
R. Galera is an experienced actor and theatre educator who has worked extensively at the prestigious English Theatre in Vienna – one of Europe’s most renowned English-language theatres. His versatile acting skills and ability to bring both classical and contemporary characters to life on stage have been highly praised by audiences and critics alike. R. Galera places special emphasis on the emotional depth and authenticity of his characters.
Currently, he teaches the course Acting to first-year students in the English-taught stream of the Audiovisual Arts and Media Arts programme. In this course, he shares his professionalism and guides students in developing their acting skills, focusing on both voice and movement.
Mg.art. Zane Ozolina
Guest Lecturer at RISEBA University, journalist, documentary filmmaker
Z. Ozolina is an experienced journalist and documentary filmmaker actively working in the Latvian media and film industry. Her work often focuses on socially significant and current topics such as human rights, social change, and cultural heritage. Among her notable projects are the documentary series Dzīvības stāsti and Latvijas balsis, as well as the directed documentary film Cilvēki no malas, which have received recognition on Latvian Radio and other media outlets, offering a deep and analytical perspective on events and personalities.
In Audiovisual Arts and Media Arts programme, she teaches several courses focusing on journalism and information presentation, including Audiovisual Journalism and Information Design. Within these courses, Z. Ozolina shares her professional experience and theoretical knowledge, fostering students’ critical thinking, storytelling skills, and understanding of the specific characteristics of journalism and documentary film genres, preparing them for work in the media and film industries.
Ideas, aesthetics, and visual expression – take a look at a selection of creative bachelor projects by our graduates.
Graduate directors, cinematographers and producers are in great demand in TV companies, film and independent producers’ associations, websites, portals and other new media. These professionals will always find well-paid jobs in the field of video ad production. The knowledge a student gains from studies will also enable him/her to turn his/her personal creative ideas and creations into a private business.
Any student of the bachelor’s programme “Audiovisual Arts and Media Arts” who has completed at least one year of study can participate in the Erasmus+ exchange programme. A student can study for 1 or 2 semesters at one of RISEBA’s partner universities. The duration of study mobility is 2–12 months. The student does not have to pay for the period spent in the study and internship exchange programme abroad; the tuition fee is covered by the partner university, but the student continues to pay the RISEBA tuition fee. For the period spent abroad during mobility, the student is awarded an Erasmus+ scholarship to cover the costs of transport and accommodation. * Erasmus+ internship mobility provides that a student can undergo an internship in one of the companies of interest in one of the Erasmus+ programme countries. For this internship period, the student receives an Erasmus+ scholarship. The duration of internship mobility is 2–12 months. Find out more about Erasmus+ and how to apply here!
