The joint doctoral programme is interdisciplinary and innovation-oriented, based on practice-led research in digital arts and audiovisual media, combining artistic creativity, scientific-technological innovation and critical-analytical research methods. The study programme’s approach is based on the creation of an environment in which practice – an active process of (art) creation, critical reflections on it and the resulting new theory and knowledge – is the main element of the research process. An artist who carries out such research is called a “reflective practitioner”.

Lectures are held in person three times a year, for one week each, in a colloquium format.  Between colloquiums, studies are facilitated by online guided learning environments and/or off-campus consultancy and project development sites (e.g. creative industries, NGOs, government institutions, hospitals, laboratories). Research carried out in collaboration with external institutions (e.g. NGOs, creative industries, research and higher education institutions, network communities, etc.) is discussed on a case-by-case basis with the help of the Scientific Work Management Group and is coordinated by the Administrative Group. 

The achievement of the study results is ensured by the programme’s content, the extensive modules on research methodology (A1-01 and A1-02 “Academic Writing and Creative Practice”) and art and media theory (A1-03 “Theory and Methodology”) etc., as well as the student’s own active academic and research practice. The programme consists of: Theory and Creative Research Part A (Compulsory Part) – 42 CP, Thesis and Examinations Part B – 79 CP, and Competences Part C (Optional Part) – 11 CP (Teaching and organisational activities, conference papers, exhibitions, etc.) As the programme is based on individual studies, the largest amount of CPs and therefore hours is dedicated to the development of the doctoral thesis or the lead art research (70 CPs), which takes place between colloquia. 

Tasks of the Study Programme:

1. To ensure a targeted and high-quality study process, to provide students with the necessary support in the improvement of knowledge and skills and research, to attract professionals in the field of media arts and creative technologies to the study programme and research, and to promote professional development of RISEBA and LiepU teaching staff.
2. To develop a creative environment appropriate to the study and research of media arts and creative technologies and to offer multifaceted, interdisciplinary academic education, to continuously supplement the material and technical base, and to develop cooperation with creative industries and contemporary culture organizations.
3. To stimulate students’ creative potential in the development of innovative ideas, to improve the skills and abilities necessary for professionalism and research work, and to offer versatile opportunities for the presentation of research projects.
4. To provide students with versatile opportunities to participate in the cooperation network of partner universities and partner organizations and projects initiated by it, to stimulate the integration of art research projects in other scientific fields, as well as international recognition.
5. To strengthen the understanding of the culture-based economy, to provide students with the necessary support in the development of knowledge and skills and research, providing students with opportunities to acquire entrepreneurial knowledge alongside the skills and experience of cultural project management.
6. To ensure the acquisition of the highest level of knowledge for students who, upon graduation, can become experts, authors of recommendations and project evaluators in national, European Union and international organizations.

Results of the study programme:

The studies lead to the higher academic diploma of Doctor of Science, the academic degree of Doctor of Science (Ph.D.) in the Humanities and Arts Sciences. Graduates of the programme have the opportunity to pursue their academic career and/or choose different areas of the creative industries in the labour market. As a result, upon completion of their PhD studies, students become professional media artists, academic researchers and socially active citizens who have received an innovative and high-quality media arts education and who are also able to compete in the labour market, as they have the necessary specific knowledge and skills in working with different creative technologies, as well as management and marketing knowledge.

The study programme outcomes are formulated in accordance with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and Latvian Qualifications Framework (LQF) level 8 and the European Qualifications Framework for Higher Education Area cycle 3 qualification level.

Knowledge:

1. is familiar with and understands the most up-to-date scientific theories and findings, research methodologies and contemporary research methods in the field of media arts and creative technologies and at the interface between different fields.

Skills:

1. can independently evaluate and select appropriate methods for scientific research, contribute to the expansion of the frontiers of knowledge and bring new understanding to existing knowledge and its applications in practice by carrying out original research of significant scope, some of which is at the level of internationally cited publications;
2. can communicate both orally and in writing about media arts and creative technologies to the wider scientific community and society at large;
3. can independently improve their scientific qualifications, implement scientific projects and achieve achievements that meet international scientific criteria,
4. can manage research or development tasks in companies, institutions and organisations where extensive research knowledge and skills are required.

Competences:

1. is able to independently, critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate significant research or innovation tasks, independently propose a research idea, plan, structure and manage large-scale scientific projects, including international ones;
2. can make scientifically sound decisions in solving problems and defend their views in a reasoned manner;
3. can manage, coordinate and collaborate multidisciplinary media arts and creative technology teams in an international context;
4. demonstrate considerable authority, innovation, autonomy, scientific and professional independence and a sustained commitment to the development of new ideas or processes at the forefront of the work or media field, including research.

The colloquium takes place at the Architecture and Media Centre H2O6 at 4 Durbes Street, where the video, sound and editing studios are located, as well as at the MPLab Art Research Lab in Liepāja, Latvia. Doctoral students have the opportunity to earn credit points by participating in doctoral summer schools organised by partner universities – Aalto University in Helsinki (Helsinki, Finland), Technological University Dublin (Dublin, Ireland), Oslo Metropolitan University (Oslo, Norway) – as well as in the jointly organised international scientific conferences “Open Fields” and “Renewable Futures”, which are dedicated to the development of art and science research in Northern Europe and whose network includes more than 60 universities from 30 countries of the world.