About the Faculty

Address: Visvalža iela 4a, Rīga, LV-1050
On the map
Phone: +371 6703 4908
E-mail: hzf@lu.lv

The origins of the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Latvia can be traced back to 1919, when the Faculty of Linguistics and Philosophy was established at the University of Latvia, where it was possible to study Baltic languages, Latvian literature and culture.

Today, the Faculty of Humanities is Latvia’s leading center for in-depth studies and research  not only on Baltic (Latvian, Lithuanian) and classical (Latin, Ancient Greek) languages, literature and culture, but also on a wide spectrum of foreign languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Modern Greek, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, Estonian, Czech, Polish, Russian, as well as Arabic, Korean, Chinese and Japanese promoting intercultural communication and language learning in the context of Eastern cultures.

The Faculty of Humanities is frequently compared with the Tower of Babel, since more than 20 different languages can be heard nowadays in our lecture halls.

Eight departments of the Faculty of Humanities offer bachelor’s (undergraduate), master’s (postgraduate) and PhD (doctoral) degree programmes. The quality of the studies is guaranteed by the international accreditation of the programmes, a high level of academic staff qualification, the attraction of foreign academic staff, as well as a wide range of opportunities for student and staff international mobility.

The Faculty of Humanities is a well-known venue for various Latvian and international research activities and cultural events. The academic staff and students, working together, foster the creative atmosphere at the Faculty. The Student Council that represents the interests of students at the Faculty and at the University, organizes educational, sport and entertainment activities. The work of Student Council of the Faculty of Humanities demonstrates the sincere commitment to the ideals of the University of Latvia and the Faculty of Humanities.

Why study the humanities? 
The studies of languages, literatures, cultures and texts enhance one’s thinking, as well as the ability to evaluate – critically, analytically and objectively – facts and developments within ourselves, locally and globally. Knowledge and understanding of one’s own language, which is of the utmost importance nowadays, develop through the interaction with other languages. The study of foreign languages and cultures guarantees the stability and security of our present and future: when we learn more about the others, we not only become more tolerant, but also get the ability to stand for our values and explain them to others in a convincing way.