Why study Computer Science at University of Latvia? Part 3
One of Europe’s pioneers in quantum computing
One of the three most significant centres in Europe for research on quantum computing is the Centre for Quantum Computing, which was created at the Faculty of Computing and is led by renowned scientist Professor Andris Ambainis. The other two centres are in Paris and Amsterdam. The study team has about 20 members right now. The group frequently welcomes postdoctoral researchers from other nations, such as the United States, Brazil, Turkey, Poland, India, Russia, etc. Students participate in research and write publications while they are still in school.
Knowledge export and a network for quantum programming
The idea to form a stakeholder group and disseminate their expertise to others was developed by FC researchers in response to the development of the quantum computer and the capacity to attempt to programme something on it. As a result, the “QLatvia” project was created, in which our researchers participated. In the summer of 2019, they took part in the “QDrive” activity and drove to several European nations, covering a total of 10,000 kilometres while holding 11 seminars in 8 nations. There had already been 21 workshops held by the end of December 2019. Additionally, the workshop attendees were keen to carry on their collaboration, and today all of these nations have come together in a big initiative called “QWorld.”
As they study, students have already gained practical work experience.
All graduates of the bachelor’s programme at the Faculty of Computing have real-world work experience because the study programmes there require an industry internship that begins in the second year of study. FC graduates already obtain promotions after graduation and work on challenging worldwide projects, in contrast to graduates from many foreign colleges who do not begin their employment until after graduation. The faculty collaborates with 60 to 80 businesses annually where students do internships.
Double diploma programmes
The University of Lincoln UK and the University of Latvia carefully and meticulously collaborated to establish the Dual Award programme in computer science, drawing on the experience of both institutions. The curriculum is thought to offer knowledge that businesses need.
Students have the option to enrol in the Baltic IT Leadership Programme “Computer Science and Organizational Technologies” and earn diplomas from UL, RTU, RBS, and Buffalo University in the US state of New York through this collaboration.
The contract for this dual degree programme is currently being extended after several master’s degree candidates from the Faculty of Computing successfully completed their studies at the University of Latvia and the Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden and received a double diploma.
A chance for students to carry out their initiatives
We established a project studio called DF LAB with diverse technologies a few years ago, where students can participate in numerous health technology initiatives in addition to designing different prototypes for their study projects. For instance, both students and recent graduates contributed to the creation of the just-released skrinings.lv breast health site.
