Program Overview

Earth Sciences in a Changing World

Programme Description

The Earth Sciences in a Changing World programme is an undergraduate interdisciplinary programme that offers a rigorous international and comparative perspective on the contemporary global system. Its mission is to foster creative thinking about complex global problems and to equip students with the analytical tools and cross-cultural understanding to guide them in that process. The main goal of the programme is to provide basic knowledge in geography, geology, and anthropogenic transformations in the environment and their impact on the lives of local communities and global change. Students gain the ability to observe and interpret phenomena and conduct basic analytical work both individually and in teamwork. They also develop adaptability to changing socio-economic environments, civic responsibility, and independence.

Available Programmes

• First-cycle programme
  • Study mode: full-time programme
  • Language of instruction: English
  • Profile: general academic
  • Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
  • Title: Licencjat (equivalent of Bachelor's degree)
  • Main discipline: Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Second-cycle programme
  • Not available

Programme Details

The 'Earth Sciences in a Changing World' study programme was co-created and is co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus as part of the 'Key to the Future' project—a comprehensive education development programme for key industries at the Jagiellonian University under the European Social Funds for Social Development programme.

Faculty Information

• The Faculty of Geography and Geology was established in 2017. It is one of the youngest faculties at the oldest Polish university, which, drawing on tradition, uses modern solutions. It was granted the category A by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
• Research conducted by the scientists from the Faculty of Geography and Geology uses the potential of geographic and geological sciences by addressing the current problems, dilemmas of our civilization, and the needs of the modern human. The areas of interest of research projects are, i.e., the human impact on the environment, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, or the study of Mars.
• The Faculty of Geography and Geology is located at the Campus of the 600th Anniversary of the JU Revival. The Faculty consists of two institutes: the Institute of Geography and Spatial Management and the Institute of Geological Sciences. Classes are taught in the Faculty’s buildings using cutting-edge research and didactic infrastructure (i.e., specialized labs and analysis equipment labs) and in the form of field activities in Poland and abroad.

Rankings, Distinctions, Accreditations

• Scientific category A in the main discipline of Earth and Environmental Sciences awarded to the Jagiellonian University in Kraków by the decision of the Minister of Education and Science

Curriculum Overview

In the programme curriculum, you may find information about the subjects you will attend while studying this programme. The programme indicates which subjects are scheduled for each semester of the studies, which are mandatory, which belong to the group of elective subjects (so-called optional subjects), which of them end with an exam, and which do not. Each subject in such a programme curriculum has its syllabus, which is a description of what students learn within the scope of that subject.

Student Matters

• Live and learn in Kraków
• Dormitories
• Scholarships
• Academic calendar
• Exchange programmes
• Academic Sports Association
• JU Student Government
• Safe Student
• Student Centre for Support and Adaptation
• Accessibility Center

Student’s Life

Time spent at the university is not all about education and class participation; it is also an excellent opportunity to develop hobbies and interests. Many research societies and student organizations operate at the Jagiellonian University, including faculty- and university-wide ones. These societies allow students to spend their free time actively, gain knowledge, develop their talents, participate in engaging, unconventional projects, go on research and team-building trips, participate in conferences, and meet fellow students outside the lecture halls.

Admission to Studies

Admission to study programmes at the Jagiellonian University is conducted electronically in the Online Application System. If you have any questions related to admission, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

Graduates

The graduate of the Earth Sciences in a Changing World programme has good preparation in the field of geography and geology and the ability to identify and describe the anthropogenic changes that occur in the environment. A graduate can assess the natural, social, and economic impacts of natural and anthropogenic changes in the environment. Additionally, they have mastered the basic methods of environmental management and principles of sustainable development. The graduate can independently observe, interpret, and predict phenomena, suggest a positive solution, and prepare expertise.

Further Education Possibilities

• Second-cycle programmes
• Post-diploma programmes

University in Close-up

• Nature Education Centre
• Confucius Institute
• Jagiellonian Library
• Museum of the Anatomy

Offer for School

The following events are conducted in Polish – to find out about the offer for the English-speaking audience, please get in touch with the organizer directly. Additionally, due to the current pandemic, some faculty and university events may be canceled or conducted in a form other than that described below.

We invite all schools to take part in the cycle of meetings "University Closer to You – visits to the Jagiellonian University". The aim of the meetings during the tours is to familiarize students with the history of our University through a rich educational offer (lectures, workshops, laboratory classes, etc.). The current programme of the event is available on the organizer's website – the Centre for Communications and Marketing of the Jagiellonian University.

The Jagiellonian Library offers tours of both the old and new parts of the building. The tour programme includes presentations on the history of the Library and the building itself, as well as a visit to the Department of Depositories. The offer of the Collegium Maius includes lessons on "The Trail of Science" and "The Trail of History and Art," as well as interactive online classes. We also invite you to explore the educational offer of the Botanical Garden, the Nature Education Centre, the Confucius Institute, and the Museum of Anatomy.

Other Programmes that May Interest You

• Ecology and Evolution (Faculty of Biology)
• Environmental Protection and Management (Faculty of Biology)
• Geography (Faculty of Geography and Geology) – programme in Polish
• Geology (Faculty of Geography and Geology) – programme in Polish