Description
The degree programme in Geography focuses on understanding how the environment functions and how it is shaped by human activity. You analyse natural, social and economic phenomena across space and time and from the local to the global scale. You also explore the relationships between nature and human activity, as well as learn how to use databases, create maps, and analyse data using GIS systems. These skills will enable you to assess the conditions in which people live.
The programme places particular emphasis on studying the highly urbanised and industrialised region of Silesia. Therefore, you learn how to address environmental problems related to cities, industry and mining. You gain an understanding of human–environment relations in areas under the greatest environmental pressure.
The curriculum includes geographical, social and humanities courses as well as elective courses. An important part of the programme consists of laboratory classes and field classes, carried out in Poland and abroad. During your studies, you may also obtain teaching qualifications.
After graduation, you will be able to plan spatial development, design solutions, and forecast changes in the natural environment and the socio-economic sphere
Rekrutacja rozpoczyna się 2 czerwca
Curriculum
Link to the curriculum and study plan
Bachelor’s Studies – Geography
Duration: 6 semesters
Number of ECTS credits: 180
Selected courses:
- Biogeography – discover the distribution of plants and animals across the Earth and the factors that shape it.
- Political Geography – learn how politics shapes space and spatial processes.
- Basics of Astronomy – learn the basics about the outer space, the Earth and its place in the Universe.
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – learn how to create maps and analyse spatial data.
- Meteorology and Climatology – explore how weather and climate form and learn how to describe and analyse them.
- Basics of Computer-Aided Design – learn how to design simple drawings and technical projects in specialised software (CAD).
- Spatial Planning and Management – study how to plan the development of land, cities, and regions.
Forms of classes:
- lectures,
- practicals,
- field classes,
- seminars,
- laboratories.
Master’s Studies – Geography
Duration: 4 semesters
Number of ECTS credits: 120
Selected courses:
- Global Environmental Issues – learn to identify the most important contemporary threats to nature on a global scale (e.g. environmental degradation, pollutions, biodiversity loss) and understand their causes and effects.
- GIS Systems in the Industrial Environment – learn to work in open source GIS software (e.g. for data analysis and visualisation), create thematic maps and use spatial tools for environmental studies and assessments.
- Introduction to Predicting Extreme Weather Events – learn how to analyse meteorological and climate data, identify trends and apply basic methods to forecast extreme events (e.g. heat waves, downpours, droughts, windstorms) and assess their risk.
- Water Restoration and Reclamation – learn how to plan measures to improve the condition of rivers, lakes and reservoirs, explore methods of restoration and reclamation, and assess how to restore the natural functions of water bodies and their surroundings.
- Planning and Spatial Economy – learn the principles of spatial planning at different levels (municipality–region–country), how to read and interpret planning documents, and how spatial decisions affect development, the environment, and quality of life.
- Tourism Management – learn how tourism functions as an economic sector, how to analyse the tourism potential of regions, plan and evaluate tourism development, and understand its social, economic and environmental impacts.
- Climate of Urban and Industrialised Areas – learn how cities and industry influence the local climate (e.g. the urban heat island effect, smog and urban ventilation), how to conduct basic analyses of bioclimatic conditions, and how these phenomena affect the health and quality of life of residents.
Forms of classes:
- lectures,
- seminars,
- practicals,
- field classes,
- laboratories,
- tutorials.
Bachelor's degree majors
Geography (no major)
Gain knowledge about the Earth’s natural environment and socio-economic processes occurring in geographic space. Learn how to analyse the relationship between humans and nature, as well as issues related to the environment, spatial planning and regional development. Acquire practical skills in cartography and navigating through Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to analyse and interpret spatial data.
Geography, Nature, Business and Management Teacher Training Programme
You gain interdisciplinary subject knowledge in geography, nature and the basics of business and management, enabling you to teach several subjects at different stages of education. You will acquire comprehensive pedagogical, psychological and teaching competencies necessary to work effectively with students in primary and secondary schools
Master's degree majors
Social and Economic Geography and Spatial Management
You learn about spatial planning, how to preserve its values and how to adjust it to be more efficient. You analyse the development of cities, metropolises and regions, especially in Silesia. You study issues related to urbanisation, land restoration, the labour market, and real estate. You use GIS and drones to map and analyse space.
Reconstruction of Geographic Environment
You learn to assess the state of the environment, track environmental changes and anticipate their results. You analyse the relationship between nature and human activities. You prepare to work in mining, industrial, and urban areas. You design maps, prepare forecasts and professional evaluations for the needs of spatial planning.
Climatology
You learn how to understand weather and climate and how they affect people’s lives. You conduct meteorological measurements and analyse data and synoptic maps. You explore such issues as climate change, extreme phenomena and urban climate. You work with satellite data, radar and GIS tools.
Hydrology and Water Management
You explore the process of water circulation in nature and discover how to manage water resources. You study rivers, groundwater, lakes and wetlands. You also study flood and drought protection and water quality. Particular attention is given to water-related challenges in Silesia and other urbanised areas.
GIS, Remote Sensing, and Geodesy
You learn to work with spatial data and create digital maps. You use GIS, GPS and satellite imagery. You analyse environmental and social data and work with online maps. You acquire skills that are highly valued on the labour market.
Geography, Nature, Business and Management Teacher Training Programme
You prepare to work as a teacher of several subjects (geography, nature, business and management) at different educational stages. You also acquire qualifications in line with the Polish core curriculum. You learn modern teaching methods, working with GIS and conducting field classes. You acquire comprehensive psychological and teaching competencies necessary to work effectively with students in primary and secondary schools. The major is available to graduates of 1st cycle studies majoring in Teacher Training Programme.
Landscape Change Monitoring
You learn to recognise landscapes, track their changes and assess their condition. You create maps, analyses and forecasts using GIS. You work in a state-of-the-art landscape laboratory. You acquire the skills needed in landscape planning and conservation
Graduation requirements
To take the final examination, you must:
- pass all the learning outcomes specified in the curriculum,
- confirm the required knowledge of a foreign language,
- receive a positive thesis grade.
You complete your studies when you pass the diploma examination
After completing your studies, you will receive a higher education diploma confirming your qualifications.
Detailed information on the rules for awarding diplomas and the requirements for the diploma thesis can be found in the Rules and Regulations of Studies at the University of Silesia and the Diploma Award Regulations
Admission Process
Admission to studies at the University of Silesia is conducted via the Online Application System (IRK): irk.us.edu.pl
In IRK, you can enrol for studies and check all the necessary information, including what the admission process looks like, what the deadlines are, how much the admission fee is and what documents you need to submit.
Questions? Send an email to the International Admissions Office or visit rekrutacja.us.edu.pl and irk.us.edu.pl
Admission Requirements
Admission process is based on the results of the secondary-school leaving certificate (written part).
We take into account the following results:
- geography – 50% of the score,
- one subject of choice: mathematics, biology or citizenship education – 30%,
- a modern foreign language – 20%.
If you passed the subject:
- at primary level, the score is calculated with a conversion factor of 5,
- at extended level, the score is calculated with a conversion factor of 1.
If a subject has been passed at both levels, the higher score will be taken into account.
If you did not pass any of the required subjects, you can still take part in the admission process but you receive 0 points for it.
The score of the bilingual examination in a foreign language is converted as if it were the extended level (with a conversion factor of 4/3), with a maximum score of 100%.
Limit of places: 50
The 2nd cycle studies are open to students who have completed their Bachelor’s, Engineer’s or Master’s degree (or hold an equivalent diploma recognised in Poland) in Geography or related fields. The degree programme has a limited number of places.
Admission is determined by the grade on your diploma and your grade point average.
If you have completed a different programme or studied at a different university, we will review your curriculum. If curriculum differences arise, you will be required to complete paid supplementary courses within the timeframe specified by the Dean.
If you select a teaching major, we will check your previous teaching background. If necessary, you will be required to complete paid supplementary courses to complete the missing curriculum elements.
To begin studying this programme, you must provide a medical certificate stating that you have no health contraindicators.
Major: Geographic Information Systems (degree programme in English)
The major is open to students who have completed degree programmes in Geography or related fields. For other fields, the admission decision is made by the admission committee after having analysed the curriculum.
The admission process is divided into two stages:
Stage 1 – You need to confirm your English language proficiency of at least B2 level. If you don’t have such a certificate, the committee will test your language skills during an interview. The interview is graded on a 0-20 point scale. You must score at least 10 points to move to the second stage. No participation or a lower score means rejection.
Stage 2 – Admission is determined by the grade on your diploma and your grade point average.
Limit of places: 25
Point Thresholds
We do not set minimum point thresholds for any field of study at the University of Silesia.
Committees create ranking lists during the admission process. Admission thresholds change every year, as they depend on the number of candidates, their high school graduation exam results, and the applicable qualification rules.
Additional Criteria
To begin studying this programme, you must provide a certificate from your doctor. The doctor confirms that there are no health contraindications and you are able to pursue this degree programme.
Internships and Work Experience
Compulsory internship in the Geography degree programme is required only during the Bachelor’s degree studies. You must complete 60 hours of internship, according to the selected major.
At the Master’s level, internships are not compulsory but you may choose to undertake them voluntarily.
During your studies, you will also learn outside the classroom. You can:
- take a paid internship and earn money at the same time,
- go on a study visit to observe practical work in the field or in a company.
- participate in workshops and training courses that teach specific skills.
Thanks to this, after graduating from the University of Silesia, you will be able to apply your knowledge in practice. You can work in laboratories, in companies or pursue a scientific career. Studies will prepare you well for this
Cooperation
During your studies, you can benefit from the programme’s cooperation with institutions and universities in Poland and abroad.
During your studies, you can go abroad with Erasmus+. You can go to one of 31 countries. There, you will do an internship or study for a whole year or one semester. You can study in Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Greece, Spain, Lithuania, Germany, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey and Italy, among others.
This cooperation broadens your experience and gives you access to an international academic environment.
Contact
More information soon.
Co nas wyróżnia
01.
Elastyczność
Tworzysz własną ścieżkę dzięki różnym formom dydaktycznym oraz świadomemu wyborowi zajęć, opiekunów naukowych i specjalizacji.
02.
Praktyka
Stawiamy na praktykę: staże w firmach, warsztaty oraz zajęcia z ekspertami. Poznasz realia rynku pracy i zasady komercjalizacji badań.
03.
Rozwój
Realizujesz własne projekty badawcze pod okiem mentorów. Wspieramy koła naukowe oraz wyjazdy na wymiany w programach ERASMUS+ i MOST.
04.
JAKOŚĆ
Kształcimy na najwyższym poziomie, co potwierdza akredytacja PKA. Zajęcia prowadzi kadra o wysokich kwalifikacjach i uznanym dorobku naukowym.
Graduate zone
Career Paths
After graduation, you will be able to find employment:
- in offices and institutions monitoring the state of the environment, e.g. collecting data about air, water and green areas;
- in research institutes where data are analysed and reports are prepared;
- in government services dealing with weather forecasting, river research, or terrain analysis;
- in city and municipal offices dealing with planning space development, roads and investment areas;
- in tourism, e.g. in travel agencies or national parks;
- in marketing departments of cities and regions, where materials and offers are prepared for local residents and tourists,
- in companies and institutions that deal with nature conservation or land planning;
- in schools if you acquire a teaching qualification;
- as someone who works with maps and data, e.g. analysing changes in the environment or in cities.
Graduate Knowledge
Bachelor’s degree:
- have a basic understanding of geographical facts and phenomena, can describe and explain them;
- apply mathematics and statistics to analyse environmental and socio-economic data;
- collect and analyse data concerning the nature, people and economies;
- understand how people create societies and economy and how these arrangements change;
- identify issues of the contemporary world, e.g. related to city development, environment and economy;
- are able to assess the effect these issues have on people and space;
know principles of work, including law, ethics and occupational safety; - understand how to apply geographical knowledge in business and original projects.
Master’s degree:
- have a solid understanding of physical geography and socio-economic geography, and understand how these areas are interconnected;
- understand complex relationships between the natural environment, society and the economy;
- use data and research methods, including statistics and GIS, to describe and forecast changes;
- plan geographical research, collect data and select appropriate tools for analysis;
- understand contemporary global challenges, such as urban development and environmental and economic change;
- understand how social and economic institutions function and how they shape space;
- know principles of work, including law, ethics and occupational safety;
- understand the basics of entrepreneurship and know how to apply geographical knowledge in practice.
Graduate Skills
Bachelor’s degree:
- independently solve complex and non-standard geographical problems;
- apply regulations and professional standards relevant to professional practice;
- search for information in databases and select the most relevant data;
- plan field observations and research and conduct measurements;
- analyse collected data, combine information and draw conclusions;
- select appropriate methods and tools, including laboratory, statistical and computer-based methods;
- analyse and predict phenomena such as environmental, social and economic processes;
- explain geographical phenomena in a way that is understandable to specialists;
- participate in discussions and clearly present your views;
- prepare written texts and presentations, such as reports and analyses;
- organise your work and cooperate effectively within a team;
- learn independently and plan your further professional or academic development;
- communicate in a foreign language at B2 level in professional contexts.
Master’s degree:
- use statistical methods and computer software to model changes, predict phenomena and solve specific problems;
- act according to the law, professional standards and ethical principles;
- search for information from various sources, compare them and select reliable data;
- explain environmental, social and economic phenomena and show how interconnected they are;
- apply knowledge in practice, including conducting basic research and testing hypotheses;
- collect data, analyse it and draw clear conclusions;
- describe processes and identify their causes;
- formulate independent opinions and propose practical solutions;
- communicate in a foreign language at B2+ level in professional context;
- lead a team or take responsibility for an important role within a group;
- plan your career, pursue lifelong learning and support the development of others;
- discuss geographical issues with different audiences and participate in debates.
Social Skills
Bachelor’s degree
- critically assess your knowledge and continuously update it when new challenges arise;
- engage in lifelong learning in order to better understand environmental and social changes;
- value expert knowledge and seek support when solving problems independently is difficult;
- take responsibility for your actions and engage in matters important to your community;
- initiate activities for the common good, such as supporting local communities or the environment,
- act in an entrepreneurial manner, perform tasks reliably and make sound professional decisions;
- recognise professional dilemmas and resolve them responsibly;
- follow professional ethical principles and maintain high standards of work.
Master’s degree
- critically assess your knowledge and refer to the latest research findings;
- apply knowledge when solving problems and consult experts when necessary;
- engage in social issues and act for the benefit of your community;
- initiate activities important for the public good;
- think and act entrepreneurially, including in professional contexts;
- take responsibility for your professional role;
- follow ethical principles and respond when they are violated;
- adapt your actions to changing social needs.
