Circular Economy and Social Entrepreneurship

Academic Master Study Programme

From resources to responsibility – become a leader in circular thinking. From idea to sustainability – become a driver of change with a positive impact on society and the environment.

This is the only master′s program in Latvia that combines the principles of the circular economy with the values of social entrepreneurship, preparing professionals who are able to create sustainable, innovative, and socially significant initiatives.

The program is particularly suitable for young professionals, graduates, and socially responsible entrepreneurs who want to combine business thinking with environmental and social sustainability goals.

Here, management meets the circular economy and social responsibility. You will learn how to create and develop businesses that address real-world problems, from climate change to social inequality. The program content is based on the latest trends and strategic thinking, complemented by design thinking, research, and innovation.

You will develop the ability to:

create new business ideas in the field of circular and social economy;
apply analytical and creative approaches to solving complex problems;
work with impact – both locally and globally.

Graduates of the program implement changes in areas of importance to society, both in Latvia and internationally, and work as:

social entrepreneurs,
sustainability and innovation managers,
project managers in the non-governmental sector,
or policymakers in the field of sustainable development.

Degree to be achieved: Academic Master of Social Sciences in Management and Administration

Period of studies: 2 years

Language: English / Latvian

Accreditation: Study direction is accredited till August 26, 2027.

Admission requirements

Previous education:

Social Science Bachelor degree or second level professional higher education in economics or management
Social Science Bachelor degree in other fields and at least 2 years experience in company or its department management
English level B2 or International English language certificate:
TOEFL iBT – 72+
TOEFL PBT (paper-based test) - 513+
IELTS - 5.5 - 6.0
TOEIC – 605+
FCE (First Certificate in English) – 160+
CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English) – 160+
CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English) - 160+
Cambridge English: Business Vantage (BEC Vantage) – 160+
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE A) – 59+
Cambridge English Linguaskill – 160+ Duolingo - 100+

Admission reguirements for foreign students are available HERE.

Learning outcome or the study program

Aims of the Study programme:
To provide students with a set of knowledge, skills and competences in the area of circular economy and social entrepreneurship in accordance with the 7th framework level of the Latvian educational classification. Prepare competitive specialists and entrepreneurs for Latvian and international market in the area of circular economy and social entrepreneurship in order to attain sustainable development goals.
Learning outcomes of the Study programme:
Knowledge	Know and understand the main management, circular economy and social entrepreneurship theory, associated concepts and related notions and terms. Know and understand the processes and consistencies of circular economy, social entrepreneurship and related fields. Know and understand the latest trends and developments in circular economy, social entrepreneurship and related fields.
Skills	Able to provide arguments in discussing the aspects of management, circular economy and social entrepreneurship. Able to correctly apply qualitative, quantitative methods, as well as a variety of tools (including digital) to evaluate information in terms of critical analysis and a variety of scientific and professional challenges of circular economy, social entrepreneurship and related fields Able to organize and carry out a study in the area of circular economy and social entrepreneurship in accordance with academic ethical principles. Able to reflect in writing and orally present the tasks carried out or the results of research.
Competences	Able to independently formulate and critically analyze scientific and professional problems in the area of company management, circular economy, social entrepreneurship and related fields at national and individual level. Able to generate ideas and solutions for sustainable development of business in accordance with ethical and social responsibility standards.

Period of studies

Full-time studies - 2 years

Study schedule is designed for employed students and those who have other important tasks during the day:

on-line video lectures according to study schedule from 18:30 to 20:30 twice a week (IMPORTANT: those are online lectures not records, thus professors and students can communicate, show different documents, answer questions etc.);
all lectures later could be watched as records until the end of the study course (very important to those who cannot attend lectures due to objective reasons or are late to lectures);
seminars, teamwork, discussions, consultations - according to study schedule from 09:00 to 17:00

Study courses

MANDATORY STUDY COURSES

Introduction in studies
Environmental policy
Sustainable development
Corporate social responsibility
Circular economy
Research methods and organization of academic work
Legal framework for circular economy and social entrepreneurship
Design thinking
Startup entrepreneurship
Social entrepreneurship

COMPULSORY ELECTIVE STUDY COURSES

Strategic and change management
Academic English
Financial Management of Companies
Intellectual capital management
Intercultural communication
Integrated management systems
Labor, environmental and civil protection (if not completed at previous education levels)

FINAL EXAM

Master Thesis

CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Ask a question

Cookies