Geography Programme code: W2-S2GF19.2025

Students of the Climatology specialization gain knowledge about processes, mechanisms and regularities occurring in the atmosphere. They learn about the relationships between the atmosphere and other components of the geographical environment and gain knowledge about the impact of atmospheric processes on the functioning of society. They acquire skills in conducting an environmental impact assessment in the part concerning climate, conducting meteorological measurements and observations, interpreting synoptic maps and methods of developing climatological data for various purposes, satellite images, radar images and working with synoptic dispatches. In addition, they learn about the spatial diversity of climatic conditions and contemporary climate changes including their causes and effects. They gain information about global warming and extreme meteorological phenomena (floods, droughts, strong winds, violent storms, hailstorms, etc.) occurring in nature and their impact on human life and economic activity. They also acquire information about the city's climate including the causes and effects of air pollution concentration. The specialization also gains skills in using computer applications (EXCEL, STATISTICA, SURFER, ArcGis, etc.) useful not only in climatology.

not applicable

The Master's degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is designed for students who want to develop their geographical knowledge based on work in a GIS environment. The curriculum includes general and introductory courses, offering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Specialist courses include: cartography and geodesy, geoinformation, satellite navigation, web and mobile GIS, satellite and airborne remote sensing, unmanned aerial vehicle services, terrestrial laser scanning, database management systems, GIS programming and modeling, as well as courses covering quantitative and qualitative analysis and GIS applications in environmental research and spatial planning. Studies in GIS prepare graduates for work in local and central government, spatial planning and landscape architecture, environmental protection units, crisis management centers, business support companies, geodetic and cartographic companies and research institutions.

not applicable

Students of geography acquire knowledge and skills in understanding and interpreting the principles of the functioning of the geographical environment, as well as socio-economic and cultural activities of humans in space and time. They learn to recognize the interdependencies between elements of the natural environment and human activity and analyze phenomena and processes occurring from a local to a global scale. They acquire skills in using environmental databases and learn about Geographic Information Systems (GIS). They gain competence in the comprehensive assessment of the human living environment. Graduates of master's studies in geography meet the conditions for obtaining qualifications in the field of forecasting, programming, designing and planning changes in the natural and socio-economic environment. Geographers educated at our center know the specifics of the human-environment relationship in areas strongly transformed by human activity and are prepared to solve complex environmental problems occurring in mining, industrial and urbanized areas. The study program includes major subjects in the field of geography, humanities subjects to choose from and a block of pedagogical subjects (also to choose from), enabling them to work as teachers. Field exercises, carried out during the summer holidays, are an integral part of education. In the second cycle of studies, the program includes geographical and related subjects, closely related to the chosen specialization. Students continuing their education in master's studies, who have completed the teaching specialization in the first cycle of studies and have completed the required subjects in the field of pedagogical and didactic preparation, as well as completed a teaching internship in a secondary school, obtain qualifications to teach geography in secondary schools - in accordance with the applicable provisions of law.

not applicable

The specialization Teacher of Geography, Nature, Business and Management in the field of geography prepares interdisciplinary educators, capable of teaching several subjects at different stages of education. This is a response to the growing demand from schools for teachers with broad competences, who can flexibly adapt to the needs of the timetable and class profiles. The main goal of the specialization is to educate a teacher with solid substantive knowledge in the field of geography, nature, as well as the basics of business and management. An equally important aspect is to equip students with comprehensive pedagogical, psychological and didactic competences, necessary for effective work with students in primary and secondary schools. The study program emphasizes an integrated approach to teaching, practical didactic skills and the development of soft skills.

Internships are an integral part of the study program, carried out by students in individual fields, levels, profiles and forms of study. Internships are to help in confronting the knowledge acquired during studies with the requirements of the labour market, acquiring skills useful in the profession, learning about practical issues related to working in positions for which the student is prepared during the course of studies. The internship is to familiarize the student with professional language relevant to a specific industry and work culture. The rules for the organization of internships are set out in the Rector's ordinance. Detailed rules of apprenticeship taking into account the specifics of particular fields of study are set out in the field's of study apprenticeship regulations, in particular: learning outcomes assumed to be achieved by the student during the apprenticeship, framework apprenticeship program including a description of issues, dimension of apprenticeship (number of weeks of practice); form of internship (continuous, mid-year), criteria for choosing the place of internship, obligations of the student staying in the internship, obligations of the academic tutor, conditions for completing the internship by the student and conditions for exemption from the internship obligation in whole or in part. The number of ECTS and the number of hours are specified in the course structure.

The GIS, remote sensing, geodesy applications specialization offers professional skills and knowledge in the field of work in the GIS environment. The ability to analyze and use spatial data are essential competencies of geography graduates sought after and valued on the labor market. Education within this specialization includes the basics of working in GIS software (ArcGIS, MapInfo, Surfer), as well as using OpenSource tools (QGIS). Students learn how to use databases, perform measurements with geodetic equipment (GPS, GPRS, tachymeter, laser scanner, drone, etc.) and get to know the wide possibilities of working in the network (WebGIS). Graduates of the specialization gain knowledge and skills that allow them to comprehensively manage remote sensing data about the natural environment using the latest IT technologies. Graduates of this specialization find employment in Geodetic and Cartographic Offices, Statistical Offices, in departments of architecture and spatial planning, in crisis management centers and departments of shaping the environment of administration at all levels and wherever spatial information is used. Graduates of this specialization are also prepared to run their own business in the field of preparing maps, geodetic measurements and providing services including the preparation of studies and expertise in the field of environmental protection.

not applicable

Hydrology and water management offers specialist knowledge on the processes occurring in the hydrosphere, as well as mechanisms and principles of water management on a local, regional and supra-regional scale. They obtain detailed information on hydrological processes characteristic of: streams (rivers, streams, ditches, canals), groundwater, springs, lakes, wetlands, glaciers, seas and oceans. An important aspect of education is current knowledge on the structure of the water balance of various ranks of territorial units, including the river basins of the main rivers of Poland, Europe and the world. Education is focused on the possibilities of water use, and especially the functioning of water management (e.g. water supply, sewage disposal, protection against floods and droughts, quantitative and qualitative changes in water conditions, protection of water resources). In addition to the global dimension of hydrological issues, some classes refer to specific regional problems of the Silesian Voivodeship and the Katowice conurbation. They mainly concern quantitative and qualitative changes in water in urban areas, as well as methods of counteracting the degradation of aquatic ecosystems, e.g. renaturation of rivers, reclamation of lakes and reservoirs, protection of surface and underground waters, retention adaptation of river basins. Graduates of the hydrology and water management specialization have the knowledge, skills and social competences required for employment in institutions of various levels of state and local government administration and production or service facilities. They have professional preparation to perform functions and carry out tasks in: hydrometeorological services (e.g. Institute of Meteorology and Water Management), institutions managing water and water management (e.g. National Water Management Board, Regional Water Management Boards, Voivodeship Boards of Land Reclamation and Water Facilities, water and sewage companies), environmental protection services (e.g. State Inspectorate for Environmental Protection), administration of protected areas (e.g. national and landscape parks), government and local government administration at various levels (e.g. in environmental protection departments, planning and development departments, municipal economy departments), among others as experts in the construction of important facilities exposed to extreme hydrological phenomena and in companies conducting international operations as advisors on the hydrological conditions of individual countries of the world. Graduates of the specialization are also prepared to run their own business in the scope of preparing studies and expert opinions in the field of hydrology and water management (e.g. water-legal reports, specialist opinions, maps and plans) and broadly understood water use (e.g. water treatment, hydropower, fish farming and other aquatic organisms, sewage treatment, raw material extraction, water transport, tourism and recreation). Within the specialization "hydrology and water management" the student chooses one of two proposed specializations.

not applicable

The Landscape Change Monitoring specialization is related to the growing demand for rational management of landscape resources. In response to the new landscape policy, a specialization was created, which aims to educate specialists in the field of landscape shaping and monitoring. Studies in this specialization equip graduates of geographical studies with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, currently required on the labor market. Graduates will acquire skills in the identification and assessment of current landscapes, registration and mapping of their changes, historical and physiognomic analysis, and preparation of short- and long-term landscape forecasts based on modern GIS tools. The didactic background consists of a landscape reading station, which is the first facility of this type in Poland, and a landscape laboratory equipped with modern equipment and software, enabling analysis using GIS methods. An interdisciplinary approach and a diverse curriculum ensure that specialists are prepared to work in spatial planning offices, local government units in units dealing with landscape management, spatial planning, or landscape education, as well as in private enterprises with a similar profile. Particular attention will be paid to the issue of preparing a landscape audit and studies prepared for the needs of protection plans in landscape or national parks. Graduates will also be educated in the direction of preparing and implementing projects for the protection of the landscape and its resources.

not applicable

The specialization Reconstruction of the Geographic Environment prepares for work in state and private enterprises involved in planning environmental projects, mainly in areas threatened by, for example, floods and landslides. The subjects offered within the specialization allow graduates to apply a wide range of environmental reconstruction methods and prepare them to manage environmental projects. Students will also become familiar with the legal basis of environmental investment planning. As part of the specialization, we offer participation in national and international research projects carried out by scientific employees - there is a possibility of receiving references for future employers. A graduate of the specialization Reconstruction of the Geographic Environment will gain knowledge to take up work in local governments and in private enterprises involved in planning projects in areas threatened by, for example, floods or landslides. The graduate will be prepared to run their own business, including conducting environmental expertise. Students have the opportunity to publish the results of their research in good journals with a national and international reach. We also finance participation in scientific conferences for the best students both in Poland and abroad.

not applicable

The specialization of socio-economic geography and spatial management provides students with knowledge and skills related to explaining and shaping functional and spatial processes, as well as social, economic and environmental policy. The location of the center in such a specific area as the Silesian Voivodeship and the Katowice conurbation is reflected in the specialization's focus on regional issues, including in particular those related to its: urbanization and metropolisation, industrial restructuring and revitalization of space and environmental issues. The specialization also includes issues related to demographic and population processes, the real estate and labor market, the functioning and management of local government units in the spatial and infrastructural dimension. Education in the specialization includes modern research methods using GIS tools and drones. Within the specialization "socio-economic geography and spatial management", the student chooses one of four proposed specializations.

not applicable

has in-depth knowledge of geographical sciences, both natural and socio-economic, supported by current literature on the subject, knows the methods and theories explaining the complex relationships between them, has structured and theoretically based knowledge covering key geographical issues and the main development trends of the discipline [KGG2_W01]

has knowledge of applied empirical data in geographical sciences and related sciences, including statistics, GIS, forecasting natural and socioeconomic processes and knows the principles of planning geographical studies, data acquisition and tools for describing them [KGG2_W02]

knows the economic, legal and ethical conditions of various professional activities related to the field of geographical studies, and also has knowledge of selected rules and norms occurring in them, including the principles of industrial property protection and copyright and the basic principles of creating and developing various forms of entrepreneurship [KGG2_W03]

has in-depth knowledge of the dilemmas of contemporary civilization, different types of structures of socio-economic institutions and the regularities and relationships between them [KGG2_W04]

The student has in-depth knowledge of selected scientific methods and knows problems characteristic of a particular field of science unrelated to the leading discipline of the study programme. [OOD.2024_W01]

uses advanced statistical techniques and IT tools to model, forecast and solve specific problems related to geographical sciences and respects normative systems (legal, professional, ethical) [KGG2_U01]

demonstrates the ability to critically analyze and select information from various sources and correctly interprets and explains natural, social and economic phenomena, as well as the mutual relations between them, has the ability to practically use the acquired knowledge in various scopes and forms and is able to formulate and test hypotheses related to simple research problems [KGG2_U02]

can obtain, and interpret empirical data and draw appropriate conclusions from them. On the basis of data from various sources and theoretical knowledge, the graduate is able to describe, analyse and interpret the causes and the course of natural and social processes and phenomena, and can formulate their own critical opinions and propose solutions independently using the appropriate research method [KGG2_U03]

is able to use a foreign language at the B2+ level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​and specialist terminology [KGG2_U04]

is able to manage the work of a team, cooperate with other people in teamwork and take a leading role in teams [KGG2_U05]

independently plans his/her own career development, implements his/her own lifelong learning and guides others in this area [KGG2_U06]

can communicate on specialist geographical topics with a diverse audience and lead a debate [KGG2_U07]

The student has advanced skills to set scientific questions and analyse problems or to solve problems practically on the basis of the course content, experience and skills gained in a particular field of science unrelated to the leading discipline of the study programme. [OOD.2024_U01]

is ready to critically evaluate the knowledge he/she possesses, understands the need to familiarize himself/herself with the current state of research, recognize the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems and seek expert opinions in the event of difficulties in solving a problem on his/her own [KGG2_K01]

is ready to fulfill social obligations, inspire and organize activities for the social environment, initiate actions for the public interest, think and act in an entrepreneurial way [KGG2_K02]

is ready to perform professional roles responsibly, taking into account changing social needs, including observing and developing the principles of professional ethics and working to ensure compliance with these principles [KGG2_K03]

The student has in-depth knowledge of selected scientific methods and knows problems characteristic of a particular field of science unrelated to the leading discipline of the study programme. [OOD.2024_KS01]

knows and understands in depth the basics of educational philosophy and pedagogical axiology, the specificity of the main educational environments and the processes taking place in them [KN_W01]

knows and understands in depth classical and contemporary theories of human development, upbringing, learning and teaching or education and their application values [KN_W02]

knows and understands in depth the role of the teacher or educator in modeling students' attitudes and behaviors [KN_W03]

knows and understands in-depth the standards, procedures and good practices used in pedagogical activities (preschool education, teaching in primary and secondary schools, technical schools and vocational schools, special schools and special and integration departments, in various types of educational centres and continuing education [KN_W04]

knows and understands in-depth the issue of inclusive education, as well as the ways of implementing the principle of inclusion [KN_W05]

knows and understands in depth the differentiation of students' educational needs and the resulting school tasks regarding the adjustment of the organization of the education and upbringing process [KN_W06]

knows and understands in depth the methods of designing and conducting diagnostic activities in pedagogical practice [KN_W07]

knows and understands in depth the structure and functions of the education system – objectives, legal basis, organization and functioning of educational, upbringing and care institutions, as well as alternative forms of education [KN_W08]

knows and understands in depth the legal foundations of the education system necessary for the proper implementation of educational activities [KN_W09]

knows and understands in depth the rights of children and people with disabilities [KN_W10]

knows and understands in depth the principles of occupational health and safety in educational, upbringing and care institutions and the legal responsibility of teachers in this regard, as well as the principles of providing first aid [KN_W11]

knows and understands in depth the processes of interpersonal and social communication and their regularities and disruptions [KN_W12]

knows and understands in depth the basics of functioning and pathologies of the speech apparatus, principles of voice emission, basics of functioning of the organ of vision and balance [KN_W13]

knows and understands in depth the teaching content and the typical difficulties students have in mastering it [KN_W14]

knows and understands in-depth teaching methods and the selection of effective teaching aids, including Internet resources, supporting the teaching of a subject or conducting classes, taking into account the diverse educational needs of students [KN_W15]

knows and understands the rudiments of the philosophy of education and pedagogical axiology, the peculiarities of the main educational environments and the processes taking place in them [KN.2023_W01]

knows and understands classical and contemporary theories of human development, upbringing, learning and teaching or education as well as their application values [KN.2023_W02]

knows and understands standards, procedures and good practices used in pedagogical activities (pre-school education, teaching in primary and secondary schools, in technical and vocational schools, in special needs schools and in special needs and inclusive facilities, in various types of educational centres and lifelong learning centres [KN.2023_W04]

is able to observe pedagogical situations and events in depth, analyse them using pedagogical and psychological knowledge and propose solutions to problems [KN_U01]

is able to select, create and adapt, to a greater extent, materials and resources to the diverse needs of students, including information and communication technologies, as well as work methods in order to independently design and effectively implement pedagogical, teaching, educational and care activities [KN_U02]

is able to recognize the needs, possibilities and talents of students to a deeper degree, and to design and conduct activities supporting the integral development of students, their activity and participation in the education and upbringing process and in social life [KN_U03]

is able to design and implement teaching programs to a greater extent, taking into account the diverse educational needs of students [KN_U04]

is able to design and implement educational and preventive programs to a greater extent in terms of educational and preventive content and activities aimed at students, their parents or guardians and teachers [KN_U05]

is able to create educational and teaching situations to a greater extent that motivate students to learn and work on themselves, analyze their effectiveness and modify activities in order to achieve the desired educational and teaching effects [KN_U06]

is able to work with students to a greater extent to stimulate their interests and develop their talents, appropriately select teaching content, tasks and forms of work within self-education and promote students' achievements [KN_U07]

is able to develop students' creativity and independent, critical thinking skills to a greater extent [KN_U08]

is able to effectively and in-depth animate and monitor the implementation of students' team educational activities [KN_U09]

is able to use the assessment and feedback process to a greater extent to stimulate students in their work on their own development [KN_U10]

is able to monitor students' progress, activity and participation in the school's social life to a greater extent [KN_U11]

is able to work in-depth with children with special educational needs, including children with adaptation difficulties related to migration experience, coming from culturally diverse environments or with limited knowledge of the Polish language [KN_U12]

is able to responsibly organize the student's school and extracurricular work to a greater extent, while respecting his or her right to rest [KN_U13]

is able to effectively and in-depth implement activities supporting students in making conscious and responsible educational and professional decisions [KN_U14]

is able to use the Polish language correctly to a greater extent and use subject terminology correctly and appropriately to the age of the students [KN_U15]

is able to use the speech apparatus to a greater extent in accordance with the principles of voice production [KN_U16]

is able to provide first aid to an advanced degree [KN_U17]

is able to independently develop knowledge and pedagogical skills to a greater extent using various sources, including foreign languages ​​and technologies [KN_U18]

is ready to use universal ethical principles and norms in professional activity to a greater extent, guided by respect for every person [KN_K01]

is ready to build a deeper relationship based on mutual trust between all entities in the upbringing and education process, including the student's parents or guardians, and to involve them in activities that support educational effectiveness [KN_K02]

is ready to communicate in depth with people from different backgrounds and with different emotional states, resolve conflicts through dialogue and create a good atmosphere for communication in the classroom and outside of it [KN_K03]

is ready to make decisions related to the organization of the educational process in inclusive education to a greater extent [KN_K04]

is ready to recognize the specifics of the local environment to a greater extent and to cooperate for the good of students and this environment [KN_K05]

is ready to design activities aimed at developing a school or educational institution and stimulating the improvement of the quality of work of these institutions [KN_K06]

is ready to work in a team, take on different roles and cooperate with teachers, educators, specialists, parents or guardians of students and other members of the school and local community [KN_K07]

has advanced general knowledge about the qualities of enterprising people and methods of improving them, as well as interpersonal skills and creative thinking [KN_NDP_BiZ_W01]

has advanced knowledge of project management, its scope, stages and goals [KN_NDP_BiZ_W02]

has in-depth knowledge of the characteristics of the market economy, types and market mechanisms, as well as market economy entities [KN_NDP_BiZ_W03]

has in-depth knowledge of financial market institutions and the household budget. Understands the role of social and property insurance in everyday life [KN_NDP_BiZ_W04]

is able to use the knowledge they have to analyze personal finances. Understands the circulation of money and knows attitudes towards money [KN_NDP_BiZ_U01]

communicates with the environment on matters related to the implementation of one's professional career and job search. Is able to present himself/herself and formulate his/her professional goals and lead a debate [KN_NDP_BiZ_U02]

plans and organizes individual and team work related to enterprise management and running one's own business, directs the work of the team [KN_NDP_BiZ_U03]

is able to independently plan and implement his/her own lifelong learning, evaluates and supplements knowledge in the field of business and management, initiates activities for the public interest, thinks and acts in an entrepreneurial manner, maintains the ethos of the profession [KN_NDP_BiZ_K01]

has in-depth knowledge of the immediate area, including knowledge of species, ecosystems and threats to human life and health [KN_NDP_PdG_W01]

has in-depth knowledge of human physiology, the functioning of the human body and knows the principles of caring for human health and well-being [KN_NDP_PdG_W02]

identifies living organisms and the ecosystems in which they live to a greater extent and implements the principles of counteracting environmental threats [KN_NDP_PdG_U01]

describes in depth and implements the principles of caring for human health and well-being [KN_NDP_PdG_U02]

critically evaluates the knowledge acquired in the field of nature education, which is constantly updated, and is characterized by a pro-ecological attitude and initiating projects for the protection of nature and human well-being, upholds the ethos of the profession, [KN_NDP_PdG_K01]