Program Overview

Introduction to the Geology Program

The Geology program at Jagiellonian University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's composition, structure, and processes. The program combines basic disciplines of natural sciences with knowledge on the environment, basic economics, and technical sciences, meeting environmental and economic needs.

Program Description

The Geology program produces specialists and competent employees of geological service, industrial companies, educational units, and public institutions concerned with the area of regional development, economy, infrastructure, or environmental protection. Students gain deep geological knowledge and abilities to use it to work for the benefit of the public interest and the development and preservation of geological heritage.

Available Programs

• First-cycle program:
  • Study mode: full-time
  • Language of instruction: Polish
  • Profile: general academic
  • Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
  • Title: Licencjat (equivalent of Bachelor's degree)
  • Discipline: Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Second-cycle program:
  • Study mode: full-time
  • Language of instruction: Polish
  • Profile: general academic
  • Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
  • Title: Magister (equivalent of Master’s degree)
  • Discipline: Earth and Environmental Sciences

Curriculum Overview

The program curriculum includes information about the subjects attended during the studies, indicating which subjects are scheduled for each semester, which are mandatory, and which belong to the group of elective subjects. Each subject has its syllabus, describing what students learn within the scope of that subject.

Faculty Information

The Faculty of Geography and Geology was established in 2017 and is one of the youngest faculties at Jagiellonian University. It was granted the category A by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The Faculty consists of two institutes: the Institute of Geography and Spatial Management and the Institute of Geological Sciences.

Rankings and Distinctions

• Positive evaluation of the study program rating awarded by the Polish Accreditation Committee (PKA)
• The Ranking of Study Programs prepared by the ‘Perspektywy’ Education Foundation:
  • 1st place in 2019, 2024, and 2025
  • 2nd place between 2020 and 2023
• Scientific category A in the discipline of Earth and Environmental Sciences awarded to Jagiellonian University in Kraków by the decision of the Minister of Education and Science

Student 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 Jagiellonian University, including faculty- and university-wide ones.

Admission to Studies

Admission to study programs at Jagiellonian University is conducted electronically in the Online Application System. Detailed information about admission to this study program, including the method of calculating the result, qualification criteria, fees, deadlines, and a list of required documents, is available on the Online Application System.

Graduates

Graduates in the field of Geology have knowledge, abilities, and competencies appropriate for geological works at a professional level. They may work at state geological services, geological, geophysical, and industrial companies, exploration and extraction units at oil companies, geological services at mines, state administration, educational units, and public institutions working in the area of regional economic development, infrastructure, or environmental protection.

Further Education Possibilities

• Doctoral School, e.g., Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences
• Post-diploma programs
• Other second-cycle programs

Research Areas

Research conducted by scientists from the Faculty of Geography and Geology uses the potential of geographic and geological sciences by addressing current problems, dilemmas of our civilization, and the needs of the modern human. The areas of interest of research projects include the human impact on the environment, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, or the study of Mars.