University of Latvia Concludes an Agreement with University of Lincoln UK on a Dual Award Programme in Computer Science

British Ambassador to the Republic of Latvia, H.E. Mr. Keith Shannon took part in a virtual partnership signing ceremony and congratulated the Universities by saying: “I warmly welcome this exciting partnership between the University of Lincoln and the University of Latvia and the enhanced study opportunities it will bring in the field of computer science. It is a great example of UK higher education and scientific sector’s commitment to collaboration with international partners on higher education, research, science and technology initiatives.”

After signing the agreement, the University of Latvia Vice-Rector for Natural Sciences, Technology and Medicine, Professor Valdis Segliņš, says: “I am honoured to announce the collaboration with the University of Lincoln, one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. At the University of Latvia, we are constantly seeking better ways to provide our students with high-quality study programmes and look for international collaboration opportunities with leading universities worldwide. It is essential for us to develop new programme directions to offer students innovative and future-oriented, sustainable, labour market-oriented education in the new global reality. With the establishment of an academic partnership between the University of Lincoln and the University of Latvia, we see an opportunity to develop and provide an educational model that meets all our goals and takes a step towards broader research collaboration.”

Professor Guntis Arnicāns, Dean of the Faculty of Computing, University of Latvia, acknowledges: “The sustainable development of the Latvian ICT labour market requires approximately three thousand new degree-awarded IT specialists every year. The demand for young, highly qualified specialists is high, and even all Latvian higher education institutions together are currently unable to meet this demand. In addition, there is a certain “brain drain” of potential students to foreign universities every year. By offering the opportunity to study in Latvia and obtain not only a degree from the University of Latvia but also a degree from the University of Lincoln, recognized in United Kingdom, we aim to give Latvian students the opportunity to gain experience abroad and become more competitive in the labour market and make Latvian education more attractive to international students. Together with our colleagues from the University of Lincoln, we are ready to offer an exciting study experience to capable and motivated students that will open up a wide range of career opportunities both in Europe and worldwide.”

The Dual Award programme in Computer Science has been developed using both universities' long-term experience to provide students with the knowledge and skills required in the labour market. The content of the bachelor's study programmes in computer science at both universities and the study results to be achieved were carefully compared and evaluated. As a result, students will have the opportunity to acquire the study courses offered by the University of Latvia and acquire study courses offered by the University of Lincoln. Students will also be provided with access to University of Lincoln faculty consultations, a library, and various events, joint projects with students studying in the UK, and the University of Lincoln degree after completing their studies.

The University of Lincoln is a popular choice and a leading University for many reasons. The University has been named “Modern University of the Year” in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021 and has been awarded a top five-star overall score in the prestigious “QS Stars” rating system of global universities. The University of Lincoln was awarded Gold – the highest standard possible - in the national Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2017, an independent assessment of teaching quality in UK higher education. This award reflects their exciting teaching methods, great support for students and excellent employment outcomes.

The Bachelor's degree programme in Computer Science at the University of Lincoln is accredited by the “British Computer Society (BCS)”, representing the IT industry.  The University of Lincoln is also partnered with the “Institution of Analysts and Programmers (IAP)”. The University of Latvia Bachelor's degree study programme “Computer Science” has already twice been accredited at the European level and is the only study programme awarded the "Euro-Inf Quality Label". Furthermore, for four years consecutively, employers in Latvia have recognized this programme as the most recommended study programme in Latvia.

Admission to the Dual Award programme will begin shortly. Detailed information on admission will be available on the website of the University of Latvia.

• More about the Dual Award programme