Geohazards and Climate Change

Geohazards and Climate Change (Second-cycle studies)
Faculty of Geographical and Geological Sciences 

The Geohazards and Climate Change programme (second-cycle, general academic profile, within the discipline of Earth and Environmental Sciences) aims to provide students with comprehensive knowledge of climate change and geohazards, and to develop practical skills in identifying and assessing environmental risks — particularly those related to a changing climate. 

The course is designed to equip students with tools for strategic planning in the areas of mitigation and adaptation to environmental change, addressing both natural systems and social processes. It combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, preparing graduates to effectively respond to the growing challenges posed by climate change and increasing environmental threats. 

The curriculum is grounded in the long-standing research tradition of the Faculty of Geographical and Geological Sciences and incorporates the most up-to-date findings from ongoing projects in climatology, meteorology, geology, geohydrology, remote sensing, environmental management, and human geography. A strong emphasis is placed on an integrated, holistic approach that bridges natural sciences with social dimensions of environmental change. 

One of the key goals of the programme is to foster graduates’ awareness of and sensitivity to social processes affected by climate change — especially socio-environmental conflicts arising from shifting environmental conditions and emerging geohazards. 

The programme concludes with a master’s thesis written in English, focusing on a topic within the broadly defined field of Earth sciences. The thesis should demonstrate appropriate use of scientific methodology, terminology, and bibliography, and reflect a descriptive, analytical, or synthesising character. It may be based on original research conducted during the course of study. During the final examination (master’s viva), students answer three questions selected from a list of prepared topics.