Overview
The geology program includes stratigraphic and historical geology, structural geology, paleobotany, zoopaleontology, mineralogy, crystallography, geochemistry, economic geology, and petrology. Stratigraphic and historical geology studies the geological processes and laws of the Earth’s past, including environmental reconstruction and chronostratigraphy. Structural geology deals with the study of geological structures of various sizes and their interrelationships. Paleobotany examines past plants, including their evolution and environmental impact. Zoopaleontology tracks the evolution of animals from the earliest stages and reconstructs fossil communities. Mineralogy and crystallography study mineral phases and their properties, including applications in technology and environmental protection. Geochemistry integrates the chemical composition of Earth’s processes and models their behavior. Economic geology investigates processes leading to the accumulation of useful components in Earth’s crust. Petrology focuses on the study of metamorphic, magmatic, and sedimentary rocks and their relation to geotectonic processes.
Application for the programme starting in the winter semester by:
30. 4. 2025
Detailed information about the study programme
Offer of dissertation topics:
- Behaviour of trace elements in a continental subduction
- Numerical modeling of the volcanic plumbing system at Reykjanes Peninsula Oblique Rift
- Study of Pliocene floras of Central Europe with emphasis on the Slovak sites of Dreveník and Hajnáčka
- Quantification of mineral formation in hydrated and dry rocks with reaction overstepping during high-pressure metamorphism
Profile of the graduate
The graduate is an expert in the geosciences, equipped with a broad theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. He or she is familiar with fundamental theories and concepts and understands the scientific problems, including those that overlap with other disciplines, such as biology, chemistry and physics. Having a deep knowledge and ability to think creatively, the postgraduate is able to carry out fundamental and applied research. He or she is experienced in analytical and experimental methods, allowing for achievement in the progress of knowledge and in developing new theories and methods. The graduate presents research results at national and international conferences, writes scientific articles and research projects, and is able to convey scientific problems to the public in a comprehensive manner. In the area of fundamental research, the graduate is able to join scientific teams at universities or research institutions in the Czech Republic or abroad. He or she becomes an expert and an executive or leader of specialized teams in the institutions of state authorities. In other circumstances, the graduate joins private companies that deal with applied geosciences, environmental sciences, waste management, and mineral or hydrocarbon exploration. The graduate is able to critically evaluate problems and find optimal solutions.
Application submission
The application is submitted electronically through the Charles University study information system. The completed application must be submitted electronically in the study information system no later than on 30. 4. 2025 for study programmes starting in the winter semester (October) and no later than on 15. 12. 2025 for study programmes starting in the summer semester (April).
The admission fee is 100 EUR and it is paid for each submitted application.
Entrance exam
The regular date of entrance exam for all doctoral programmes starting in the winter semester (October) is 9. – 20. 6. 2025, an alternative date is 23. – 27. 6. 2025.
The regular date of entrance exam for all doctoral programmes starting in the summer semester (April) is 4. – 5. 2. 2026, an alternative date is 11. – 12. 2. 2026.
The request for an alternative day is submitted and approved via the electronic information system.
The form of the entrance exam is an oral interview, which mainly concerns the issues of the planned dissertation and the candidate’s knowledge within the field of expertise of the given study programme.
Find more information in:
- Conditions of the admission procedure for doctoral study programmes at the Faculty of Science, Charles University, for study programmes starting in the winter semester (October)
or - Conditions of the admission procedure for doctoral study programmes at the Faculty of Science, Charles University, for study programmes starting in the summer semester (April).
Important links
Applicants with specific needs
If you have a physical handicap, you can apply for a modification of the entrance exam. For more information read the Conditions of the admission procedure for doctoral study programmes.
Departments involved in this programme
- Institute of Geology and Paleontology
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources
- Institute of Petrology and Structural Geology
- Institute of Hydrogeology, Engineering Geology and Applied Geophysics
Guarantor of the study programme
prof. RNDr. Stanislav Opluštil, Ph.D.
stanislav.oplustil@natur.cuni.cz
Do you have a question?
Complete information about the admission procedure can be found on the website for applicants. For questions, please contact the admissions contact persons.
