Education for Tomorrow!

Education for Tomorrow!

About VENTSPILS UNIVERSITY COLLEGE Education for Tomorrow Ventspils University College is a dynamically developing modern university offering to acquire a high-quality higher education and professional skills for the students, performing research work vitally important for the economy and society of Latvia, thereby gradually becoming an internationally acclaimed university based in the Baltics. The university college has faculties of Economics and Management, Translation Studies and Information Technologies offering Bachelor, Master and PhD programmes. There are approximately 900 students studying at the university college. The best study programmes in Latvia! The high standard of education of Ventspils University College has been acknowledged by employers, international experts, students and graduates. A testimony to this quality is the 2013 rating of Latvian universities where Ventspils University College was ranked 6th, and it was assessed as the fastest improvement moving from 16th 18th in 2012 up to the 6th position. Modern, dynamic and versatile study programmes! The study programmes offered by Ventspils University College are highly demanded in the labour market and meet the sector requirements in Latvia and in Europe. The students are given opportunities to obtain practical business experience by taking advantage of the external infrastructure: Ventspils High Technology Park (VHTP), VHTP Business Incubator, Kurzeme Region Technology Transfer Contact Point, Engineering Research Institute Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre of Ventspils University College, among others. 2 80% of the students are funded from the state budget! The studies of a significant proportion of students are funded from the state budget. Students from the Kurzeme region schools are eligible to receive a EUR 200 discount for bachelor tuition fees. Government scholarships and student loans are available.

Education for Tomorrow International setting right here in Ventspils! Every year, more than 20 international students arrive from countries like Spain, France, Germany, Lithuania, Turkey, etc. to study at Ventspils University College. Starting with the academic year 2014/2015, the following bachelor study programmes will be offered on the international market: Management Studies, Computer Science, Translation Studies, Languages and Intercultural Communication, as well as master degrees in Computer Science and Electronics. Ventspils University College is active on the international arena, attracting foreign students and guest lecturers as well as implementing science projects at three institutes: Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre, Business, Innovation and Regional Development Centre, and Applied Linguistics Centre. Vast career opportunities! Graduates of Ventspils University College work for government and municipal authorities, private companies, banks, European Union institutions, as well as start their own businesses. Modern study environment! The students have access to new and up-to-date laboratories. It is very important that the latest technologies are available during the study process, for example, for students of Information Technology or Translation Studies faculties. Free-of-charge sports facilities at the city's Olympic centre! With the kind support of the Ventspils Olympic Centre, the students can play volleyball, football, basketball, floorball and can go ice-skating and swimming free of charge. The most modern student housing in Latvia! The student housing at Ventspils University College is among the best-equipped in Latvia. The housing is situated in the same building as the university, and, if it is stormy outside or it is raining or snowing, students can walk through a covered glass passage linking the housing wing to the university to get to the classes. Wi-Fi is available in the fully equipped rooms. Studying on the seashore (7 minutes' walk from the university to the sea)! 3

Are you active? So are we! Education for Tomorrow Ventspils University College a school that excites! Night-time orienteering, freshman initiation, pool, novuss, card games tournaments, karaoke and theme parties, cinema nights, charity events, boat rides, live-music balls, commemorative events on the Lāčplēsis Day you fill find this and more at the school that is waiting for you! Train your body and mind! The city of Ventspils loves sports, therefore the students have a wide range of options for their spare time activities thanks to the support of the Ventspils Olympic Centre, they can play volleyball, football, basketball, floorball, skate and swim free of charge. The Students' Council organises sports tournaments where you will feel the rush of adrenalin when competing with others! Ventspils has designated cycling lanes to enjoy a night ride through the city, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the soothing serenity that inspires you to work hard and achieve new horizons. Ventspils University College offers to participate in various interest groups: Folk dance group Strautuguns; Choir Ventus; Youth ensemble; Photography club; Debate club; Latvian Christian Student Brotherhood, and others. Housing No matter if there is storm or blizzard outside, the students can keep their feet dry while getting to the lectures through a glass-covered passageway that connects the dormitories with the university premises a true advantage for those who enjoy sleeping until the very last minute. The student housing is among the best in Latvia with fully equipped rooms, featuring Wi-Fi and waiting for their new tenants! 4 Students' Council contacts E-mail: veasp@venta.lv www.vasp.lv

Education for Tomorrow ABOUT STUDIES Ventspils University College has three faculties Economics and Management, Information Technology and Translation Studies offering Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees. Since the academic year of 2012/2013, Ventspils University College study programmes are also open for foreign students. The high standard of education of Ventspils University College has been acknowledged by employers, international experts, graduates and students. A testimony to this quality is the 2013 rating of Latvian universities where Ventspils University College was ranked 6th, and it was assessed as the fastest improvement moving from 16th-18th in 2012 up to the 6th position. In order for the study programmes to become even more competitive, they are continuously improved and perfected. Teaching staff from Latvia and abroad are engaged in the study process. All study fields of Ventspils University College are accredited for the maximum possible period of 6 years. Ventspils University College has been accepting international students for two years running now. Starting with the academic year 2014/2015, the following bachelor study programmes will be offered on the international market: Management Studies, Computer Science, Translation Studies, Languages and Intercultural Communication, as well as master degrees in Computer Science and Electronics. Bachelor Study Programmes Academic study programme Management Science Professional study programme Management Science Academic study programme Computer Science Academic study programme Electronics Professional study programme Translation Studies in English Latvian Russian/German Professional study programme Translation Studies in German Latvian Russian/English Academic study programme Languages and Intercultural Communication Master Study Programmes Professional study programme Business Administration Academic study programme Computer Science Professional study programme Electronics Professional study programme Translation of Legal Texts Doctoral Study Programmes Interuniversity study programme Business Administration Interuniversity study programme Linguistics 5

FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT Education for Tomorrow The Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM) offers studies at all levels bachelor, master and doctor. FEM study programmes have been updated to meet the labour market demands in Latvia and elsewhere in Europe. To ensure high quality studies, in addition to lectures read by well-known lecturers in Latvia, the students of FEM have opportunities to attend lectures given by qualified foreign (Swiss, Belgian, Italian, Finnish, Belarusian etc.) lecturers. To prepare the students for practical work in entrepreneurship and business administration as thoroughly as possible, a significant part of the study process at FEM takes place beyond the classroom work in practical study sessions, various group assignments, and business games. The students have opportunities to gain the practical business experience by enjoying the options offered by external infrastructure: Ventspils High Technology Park (VHTP), VHTP Business Incubator, Kurzeme Region Technology Transfer Contact Point, Engineering Research Institute Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre of Ventspils University College, among others. Studies together with the students of the exchange programme Erasmus enable improving the English language skills, as well as gain international experience right here in Ventspils. Ever more students choose in favour of the opportunity to study a semester abroad in one of the many cooperation universities of the FEM. Whereas the close integration of the study process with science opens up great opportunities for master students to start an international academic career. Career Opportunities Graduates of FEM programmes work at public and municipal institutions and companies, such as the Ventspils City Council, Free Port of Ventspils Authority, Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Latvia, Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Latvia, State Land Service, VAS Latvijas Valsts meži, Ventspils University College, SIA Arbo, PSIA Ventspils siltums, Bucher Schörling Baltic, Ventspils High Technology Park, SIA Dendrolight Latvia, AS Baltijas Ekspresis, SIA VK Ekspedīcija, Ventspils Oil Terminal, AS Ventbunkers, Ventspils Electronics Factory, etc.; in private companies and banks AS Swedbank, AS Privat Bank, AS DnB banka, as well as establish their own businesses. Graduates Gatis Mūrnieks Advertiser, head of McCANN WorldGroup Riga, Creative Director of XXV Latvian Song Festival and XV Dance Festival. Ventspils University College has empowered me twice: First, as a student for whom the entire city became a test polygon where to implement any idea occurring during the studies, and the second time, as a lecturer with my Guerilla Marketing subject. Gvido Grīnbergs SIA Kurzemes Democentrs, Chairman of the Board Ventspils University College has made a valuable contribution to my professional development. The study years were a great stepping stone for my further activities. During the studies, I obtained a solid theoretical base supplemented with practical examples given by the lecturers. The lower number of students compared to other universities allows having individual consultations with the lecturers. Uģis Dadzis SIA Igo Mūzikas Menedžments, a creative industry manager Ventspils University College gave me the time and knowledge to decide what I want to do next. Experienced teaching staff, individual attitude, modern infrastructure, confidence-inspiring settings and a calm urban environment are the advantages and values that accompany the decision to be a part of Ventspils University College. This is a school that does not restrict, it is a free and professional environment to lay the foundation for future achievements. 6 FEM contact information: Tel. +371 636 29653; +371 636 28303 E-mail: epf@venta.lv www.venta.lv

Education for Tomorrow Professional Bachelor Study Programme Management Science Academic Bachelor Study Programme Management Science Prepares qualified management specialists for work in private enterprises, as well as in public and municipal companies and organisations. Programme contents: Company management, economics, finance, entrepreneurship, accounting, marketing, logistics, statistics and higher mathematics, informatics of economics, law, philosophy and psychology. Internship: At public, municipal, and private companies and production plants. Professional Master Study Programme Business Administration Prepares highest level specialists in business administration capable of managing a company in the environment of globalisation, integration, and "new economics". Programme contents: Management (organisation theory, strategic management, finance and investment management, project management, innovation economy and management, human resources management, crisis management, management psychology); marketing (marketing in a global market system, international marketing planning and management, quality management systems); law (labour law, etc.); accounting (management accounting, international accounting standards); information technology (the latest information technologies in business, management information systems, electronic business systems, etc.); as well as quantitative decision-making methods, monetary theory models, foreign language for business, etc. Interuniversity Doctoral Study Programme Business Administration The programme is implemented by Ventspils University College, BA School of Business and Finance, and Riga International School of Economics and Business Administration. Prepares highest level specialists doctors of management science. The programme is intended for specialists with work experience in management of commercial operations and administration of organisations. The students' contribution in the study process serves as the base for the study strategy, by sharing knowledge and independently managing the study process. Case-studies and other materials are used to develop comprehension of theory application, to solve problems of practical nature. The management matters are considered by applying the research-based approach. Programme contents: The compulsory, partially optional, and optional study courses cover the key fields of theory in business administration: strategic management, financial management, marketing management, risk and crisis management, quality management, management economics. 7

FACULTY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES Career Opportunities Graduates Education for Tomorrow The faculty has spacious, state-of-the-art laboratories. Labour market-oriented study programmes ensure the preparation of skilled specialists. Lecturers from Lithuania, Belarus, Estonia, France, Belgium, and Germany also participate in implementing the study programmes at the faculty. Graduates of Ventspils University College bachelor study programme Computer Sciences work at public and municipal institutions and companies, such as SIA FMS Software, Ventspils Electronics Factory, SIA EuroLCDs, SIA TestDevLab, Ventspils Digital Centre, SIA Accenture, AS Ventbunkers, AS Digital Mind, Baltic Technology Group, TELE2, SIA Latvisoft, as well as at their own businesses. Evita Vaviļina Assistant in the VIRAC Cross-border DISCOS project "Extension of JRTC (Joint Research and Training Centre) for diffuse real-time signal processing and control systems development"; 2nd year student of the master study programme Electronics The student groups at universities are often too large for the lecturers to be able to pay sufficient attention to each student. Ventspils University College offers an individual approach from the lecturers, which was very motivating for me and made my studies more effective resulting in better personal development. Karina Šķirmante Ventspils University College and the Engineering Research Institute International Radio Astronomy Centre of Ventspils University College, a lecturer The studies at Ventspils University College (VeA) were a good start for a successful career for me, as VeA taught exactly what was needed to become a specialist able to compete in the market. VeA stands out with a knowledgeable and helpful teaching staff, good technical resources and the opportunities to take part in exciting and challenging projects. After choosing to participate in an exciting project implemented by VeA, I am still continuing here, now as a member of staff. Alekss Fišmeisters SIA Molips (web solutions), SIA Alekss (mechanical engineering, woodworking), Chairman of the Board, VeA has given me a great eco-environment to begin with a beautiful, clean town, state-of-the-art study facilities, a nice dormitory room with a sea view, extremely helpful lecturers, business incubators where to apply the knowledge and test the skills, unforgettable parties, study companions and great friends! 8 FIT contact information: Tel. +371 636 29654; +371 636 28303 E-mail: itf@venta.lv www.venta.lv

Education for Tomorrow Academic Bachelor Study Programme Computer Sciences Prepares specialists of computer sciences, who can flexibly adapt to professional activity under changing labour market circumstances. Programme contents: Programming languages (C, C++, Java, C#), software development tools (MS Project, Power Designer, Grade, Crystal Report etc.), database technologies, information system analysis and design, computer network administration and design, information and communications (voice, data, audio, video) technologies, network technologies, mathematical analysis, discrete mathematics, basics of economics, basics of entrepreneurship, etc. Academic Bachelor Study Programme Electronics Prepares specialists in electronics for the needs of regional electronics manufacturers, providing a fundamental knowledge base, including knowledge in modern electronics, mathematics, physics, information technologies. Programme contents: Basic knowledge in digital and analogue electronics, integrated circuit programming, signal processing, higher mathematics, physics, etc. Acquisition of professional skills: In-depth knowledge in manufacturing technologies of electronic devices, testing and verification, computerised circuit design, microcontroller programming, as well as process modelling in electronic systems. Academic Master's Study Programme Computer Science Prepares specialists in mathematical basics of computer sciences, processing and analysis of digital images and information obtained from satellites with extended knowledge in higher mathematics, basic natural and engineering sciences, prepares students for individual scientific research work. Programme contents: A special course in higher mathematics, variation calculus, spatial statistics, numeric optimisation methods, general astronomy, remote probing basics, digital image processing, computer graphics, digital cartography and GIS, MATLAB tools, satellite navigation methods, introduction to radio astronomy, diagnostics equipment and software, medical signal processing, etc. Professional Master Study Programme Electronics Prepares highly qualified specialists in electronics, who can work with modern electronic hardware, are proficient in the fields of design, operation, and repairs, as well as have a good command of modern information and computer technologies and can creatively use them in their everyday work. Programme contents: Antenna engineering, radio frequency and microwave devices, devices for the transmission and reception of radio signals, information transformation methods and schemes, automatic control systems, signal transfer in optical systems, etc. Internship: At public, municipal, and private companies and production plants. 9

FACULTY OF TRANSLATION STUDIES Education for Tomorrow The study programmes of the Faculty of Translation Studies (FTS) are contemporary, dynamic and versatile, an important feature is the use of up-to-date translation technologies. The teaching staff consists of highly qualified language experts, experienced lecturers and practising translators and interpreters. It is a quality brand for translation studies at the master level, corresponding to harmonised standards in translator education. FTS study programmes offer an opportunity to become qualified in translation in several EU working languages. The faculty is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for learning interpreting and translation skills: the linguistics room, interpreting booths, software for translations. Career Opportunities The level of qualification of the Faculty of Translation Studies graduates enables them to perform translation assignments: at public and municipal institutions and enterprises; at private companies, including translation offices and agencies, as well as in the international translation labour market in the European Union institutions. Graduates Kaspars Kļaviņš Director of the translation agency Mestako Ventspils University College and its experienced lecturers have given an invaluable contribution to my professional career. The knowledge, experience, and contacts gained at Ventspils University College serve as a sound and stable foundation for building my further professional growth and career. Ventspils University College it means experienced, professional, and encouraging lecturers, as well as a modern and well-arranged study environment. I am a patriot of Ventspils University College, and I know that it prepares the best translators in Latvia. That is why 90% of employees of our company are graduates of Ventspils University College. Dina Bērziņa Deputy Director of the Internal Audit Service of the European Commission Ventspils University College has given me an opportunity "to taste" studies in Latvia and abroad (1 year in France). And now I have been living in Belgium for more than 3 years already. Besides knowledge and language skills, VUC has given me motivation to improve and strive for the main goal to find my field of work, towards which I am still progressing. I am currently working on obtaining another master degree in human rights to continue my career in this field in the EU institutions or at UN. 10 FTS contact information: Tel. +371 636 29655; +371 636 28303 E-mail: tsf@venta.lv www.venta.lv

Education for Tomorrow Professional Bachelor Study Programme Translation studies in English Latvian Russian/German Professional Bachelor Study Programme Translation Studies in German Latvian Russian/English Prepares specialists, who can provide translation services for public and municipal institutions, private companies, including translation agencies and the European Union (EU) bodies. Specialisation: Translation into two official EU languages (for English translators in German and for German translators in English). Study programme contents: Written translation courses, conference interpreting (simultaneous and consecutive interpreting) linguistics and intercultural communication courses, language technologies, foreign languages: English, German, Russian, French, Spanish. Internship: The students' internship positions include the State Language Centre, foreign embassies in Latvia, Latvian and foreign companies, as well as public authorities (the Parliament of the Republic of Latvia, ministries of the Republic of Latvia, Latvian customs, etc.), municipal institutions (Ventspils, Liepāja and other city councils). Academic Bachelor Study Programme Languages and Intercultural Communication Prepares intercultural communication specialists with foreign language skills necessary to work for multinational companies, international organisations and the European Union institutions. Programme contents: Foreign languages (English, German, French, Spanish, Russian), intercultural communication skills, psychology, cultural studies, knowledge of economic, political, social and cultural processes in the society. Internship: Multinational companies, external relations departments of public and municipal institutions Professional Master Study Programme Translation of Legal Texts Prepares highly qualified translators of legal texts not only from English (the 1st foreign language) into Latvian and vice versa, but also from French or German (the 2nd foreign language) into Latvian in line with the Latvian and EU labour market demands. Programme contents: The translation sector (private law, public law, European Union law, European Union law, international organisation law), legal linguistics, translation of the European Union laws, translation of documents of international organisations, computerised translation, organisation and administration of translation work. Application of the attained knowledge and skills in practice. The programme has been included in the prestigious cooperation network organised by the European Commission, European Master's in Translation. Interuniversity Doctoral Study Programme Linguistics The interuniversity doctoral study programme in linguistics of Ventspils University College and the Liepāja University: Latvian diachronic linguistics, Latvian synchronous linguistics, applied linguistics and contrastive and comparative linguistics. Prepares specialists with research, academic, and organisational work competence in linguistics. Programme contents: Studies of theory and methodology of the sector and subsectors (linguistic theory and methodology, scientific workshops, specialisation courses in line with the linguistic subsector, scientific language studies of two foreign languages), research work (articles and publications, doctoral thesis), doctoral student conference, academic practice. Acquisition of professional skills: Written and oral scientific communication skills, independent research work, and team work, including, organising a doctoral student conference, preparing articles for publishing. 11

Education for Tomorrow INTERNATIONAL STUDIES Ventspils University College offers international experience to both its students and lecturers through the ERASMUS programme (starting from 2014 - ERASMUS+). This programme gives the students an opportunity to study for one semester in one of the 64 partner universities in 20 countries. Ventspils University College has been welcoming international students for two years running now. Starting with the academic year of 2014/2015, the following bachelor study programmes will be offered on the international market: Management Studies, Computer Science, Translation Studies, Languages and Intercultural Communication, as well as master degrees in Computer Science and Electronics. In the academic year of 2013/2014, Ventspils University College is receiving more than 20 international students and almost 60 VeA students have taken the opportunity to gain international experience. At the same time, to ensure the internationalisation of the study process, the university invites lecturers from other countries who participate in the existing courses or give complete courses of their own. International studies are a great opportunity for students going abroad and for those visiting. It is a great opportunity to practice foreign languages, learn new cultures, meet new friends and make contacts, all the while acquiring new academic skills in a new environment. For ERASMUS students, it is an opportunity to challenge themselves in a new, unfamiliar environment and become more independent. Elviss Brauns Exchange student at Lisbon Polytechnic Institute, Portugal Participating in ERASMUS is like going into a world of the unknown, which is full of surprises. ERASMUS always means taking a step forward in life. It is a challenge that will broaden your horizons, give great opportunities, reward you with new contacts and, most importantly, give you the confidence to aim even higher in life. My biggest gains from ERASMUS are my new friends from various European countries, discovering and learning new culture and becoming more independent. If you have a chance to participate in ERASMUS - do not think twice! Leonard Embola Dipoko Full-time student of Languages and Intercultural Communication, from Cameroon Ventspils University College is the perfect place to study. The university gives me the opportunity to obtain high-quality education with the help of skilled lecturers and good options for development. The environment of VeA allows me to combine the studies with extra-curricular activities. The university is located in a beautiful city, where it is easy to communicate with people outside the VeA thanks to the overall high level of English use. The university has a well-equipped library with a good selection of books. Guntars Dreijers, TSF docent Visit to Nowy Sacz Professional University, Poland The main destination of the visit was the Institute of Foreign Languages. While meeting the teaching staff, I learned about the study programmes, discussed the scientific work and how it is organised, and I also met with the management of the institute. We discussed the strengths and weaknesses of individual study programmes of both universities. The visit resulted in closer professional ties, work-specific experience - methodology work at the institute, discussion of further forms of cooperation, such as video-conferencing. 12

Education for Tomorrow Ventspils University College Lifelong Learning Centre Offers: The broadest learning opportunities for career development and selfimprovement individually or in a group, personally or in a company, for all age groups and levels of proficiency; Study programmes specifically adapted for the needs of companies; Preparatory courses for national exams (English, Latvian, maths, physics) for 12th grade secondary school pupils taught by experienced lecturers of Ventspils University College. Why entrust your career development and self-improvement with Ventspils University College Lifelong Learning Centre? A modern and convenient learning environment Professional, experienced, and encouraging lecturers of Ventspils University College Versatile and interesting education programmes relevant for the labour market demands A certificate of Ventspils University College A flexible payment system. Contact information: Tel.: +371 63629650, +371 27738823, E-mail: mic@venta.lv Address: 101 Inženieru Street, D building, 1st floor, room 105 www.venta.lv/muzizglitiba Also follow us on: twitter.com/vea_mic and draugiem.lv/veamic Ventspils High Technology Park Business Incubator VHTP Business Incubator is an excellent place for young entrepreneurs who want to be in a dynamic business environment and to establish important business contacts and develop collaboration. The VHTP Business Incubator offers its customers a wide range of support services to develop the business idea quicker and more successfully: infrastructure and secretariat services and funding for implementation of business projects. The students of Ventspils University College have developed a close collaboration with the VHTP Idea Study (pre-incubator), which helps the authors of business ideas to evaluate their idea and make the first development steps (assessment of the market potential, development of a business plan, finding the first customers and partners, etc.). Andrejs Frišfelds A graduate of Ventspils University College, Member of the Board of SIA TestDevLab SIA TestDevLab commenced the cooperation with the VHTP Business Incubator in late 2012 by establishing an IT company working in the field of software development and testing in Ventspils. Thanks to this cooperation, SIA TestDevLab is using the state-ofthe-art premises and office equipment of the Business Incubator and receives funding for local and international marketing projects and entrepreneur training. This allows us to provide world-class software testing and development services to our customers. Find out more about VHTP Business Incubator and the Idea Studio at: www.vatp.lv 13

RESEARCH Education for Tomorrow Ever since Ventspils University College was established, the scientific and research work has been one of the key activities besides the ongoing study process. On20 May 2013, VeA obtained the status of a scientific institution (registered in the Scientific Institution Register), which means that the university complies with the national criteria for scientific institutions, including at least a half of the academic staff having a doctor's degree, the university publishing scientific articles, having scientific infrastructure at its disposal, etc. The Engineering Research Institute Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre of Ventspils University College - a major international player. The Engineering Research Institute Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC) will celebrate its 20 years of operation in 2014 and it has implemented and continues to implement more than 40 scientific, research, and infrastructural development projects. More than LVL 2.4 million have already been invested in the Irbene radio telescope complex and a further investment of LVL 5 million is expected by September 2015 for the modernisation of the centre's scientific infrastructure is planned. Scientists of the institute have proven their competence with internationally recognized publications and participation in EU-financed research projects in cooperation with the leading centres for radio astronomy in Germany, Netherlands, Russia, Japan, Poland, Ukraine, Italy and many other countries. Moreover, ERI VIRAC contributes significantly to applied research. Since 2006, more than 150 scientific or academic orders placed by more than 100 companies and organisations from Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Denmark, Finland have been fulfilled. In 2013, the antenna site of Ventspils University College was supplemented with a club radio station using the callsign YL1VA, and it is currently the only professional HAM radio class radio station in the universities of Latvia. International experts have recognised ERI VIRAC as a worldclass research institute. Together with the satellite base station being developed in Irbene, VeA is planning to participate in international academic and commercial aerospace and satellite technology research cooperation programmes. Contact information: Tel.: +371 63628303, +371 29230818, E-mail: virac@venta.lv or infovirac@venta.lv Website: www.virac.eu 14

Education for Tomorrow Applied Linguistics Centre The Applied Linguistics Centre (ALC) of Ventspils University College was established in June 2006 and on 4 January 2007 it was entered into the Register of Scientific Institutions of the Republic of Latvia. Its director is Dr. philol. professor Juris Baldunčiks. Six leading researchers and five researchers work at the ALC. Two of the leading researchers for some time now have been working in the capacity of experts at the Latvian Science Council and as members of the doctoral council in linguistics at Ventspils University College and Liepāja University. One of the ALC researchers is also a member of the Latvian language expert commission of the State Language Centre. ALC scientific research is performed in two linguistics subsectors in applied linguistics, as well as in comparative and contrastive linguistics. Centre for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Regional Development The Centre for Entrepreneurship, Innovations, and Regional Development of Ventspils University College was established in the autumn of 2012 to become the most significant entrepreneurship, innovations and regional development research institution in the Baltic states. The primary aim of the centre is to carry the name of Ventspils University College and of Latvia in the world as of a place where high added-value scientific work is performed focused on the needs of entrepreneurs and regional development in the fields of entrepreneurship, innovations, and regional development. To reach this aim, internationally recognised researchers from the United Kingdom, Finland, Denmark and other universities have been involved in the work of the centre. The centre also serves as a resource for improving the quality of Ventspils University College study programmes and as one of the tools helping the university to provide qualified services to companies, thereby strengthening the link between the academic and private sector in Ventspils, Latvia, and the Baltic states. Kurzeme Region Technology Transfer Contact Point Nowadays, innovations and creative activity promote progress of the humanity. To develop this tendency, the Kurzeme Region Technology Transfer Contact Point (KRTTCP) was created at Ventspils University College and it is one of the Latvian knowledge transfer and commercialisation centres. The main aims of KRTTCP is to develop collaboration between the Engineering Research Institute Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre of Ventspils University College and Applied Linguistics Centre and entrepreneurs, as well as to promote and encourage cooperation between scientists and entrepreneurs of Latvia and other countries of the European Union, while ensuring intellectual property protection. Learn more: ktpk.venta.lv 15

Ventspils University College Inženieru iela 101a, Ventspils, LV-3601 LATVIA Tel. +371 636 29657; +371 636 28303 Fax +371 636 29660 E-mail: venta@venta.lv www.venta.lv Twitter.com/VpilsAugstskola Facebook.com/VentspilsAugstskola Draugiem.lv/VeA YouTube.com/VentspilsAugstskola Linkedin.com/company/ventspils-university-college