Geology

Doctoral degree in full-time or combined form. The language of instruction is Czech.

The programme can be studied only as a single subject with a specialization (Applied and environmental geology, Dynamic geology, tectonics and physics of the Earth, Geochemistry and hydrogeology, Mineralogy, petrology and economic geology or Stratigraphic geology, paleontology and sedimentology).

Application deadline depending on the admission procedure chosen (midnight 30 April 2026 or 15 December 2026)

What will you learn?

The aim of the Doctoral Study Program Geology is to lead PhD students to independent scientific work at a level comparable to international researchers, so that they can fully engage in scientific or research work and international scientific cooperation. The profile of the graduate of the Doctoral Study Program Geology emphasizes independent scientific work, international cooperation and communication of scientific results, and effective use of their benefits.

The Doctoral Study Program Geology is a broadly scoped program across multiple fields of geological sciences with a high number of PhD students and supervisors. It is divided into the following five specializations, in accord with the topics of student's doctoral research:

  • Dynamic geology, tectonics and physics of the Earth
  • Stratigraphy, paleontology and sedimentology
  • Mineralogy, petrology and economic geology
  • Geochemistry and hydrogeology
  • Applied and environmental geology

Rules for compiling an Individual Study Plan (ISP) are the same for all specializations, both in full-time and combined form of study. The requirements of specialization are defined by the research theme of the dissertation project and by specialized lectures. The combined form of study differs in the ISP in requirements for student presence at the training workplace.

“Understand our planet Earth!”

Further information

http://www.ugv.cz/

Career opportunities

The Ph.D. graduates will find positions mainly in basic or applied research, e.g. at universities, research institutes such as the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (Geological Institute, Archaeological Institute), state service institutions (Czech Geological Survey) and research departments of natural science museums (e.g., Moravian Museum, National Museum). In solving practical problems, graduates have good prerequisites for work in international private companies, in various departmental institutes, research, consultancy and project companies, or in business activities.

Admission requirements

Admission to Doctoral degree programmes in 2026/2027 (beginning: Autumn 2026)
— Submission deadline until midnight 30 Apr 2026

Admission procedure
The admission interview is usually in an online form and consists of three parts:
1) Elaborate 1-2 page project for the doctoral thesis including following details: name, applicant name, supervisor, current state of the problem, objectives and expected results, methodology, instrumentation, financial security, foreign contacts; proposals for internships, basic literature - max. 100 points,
2) Expertise in geology to the extent taught at university (at the level of master state exams) - max. 100 points,
3) Ability to inform in English about planned research in the framework of doctoral thesis (project presentation) - max. 100 points.

More information about admission process for international applicants in general can be found here.

Date of the entrance exam
The applicants will receive information about the entrance exam by e-mail usually at least 7 days before the exam.
Please, always check your e-mails, including spam folders.

Conditions of admission
To be admitted, a candidate must obtain a minimum of 180 points, i.e. a minimum of 60 points in each section.
Successful applicants are informed of their acceptance by e-mail and subsequently receive an invitation to the enrolment.

Programme capacity
The capacity of a given programme is not fixed; students are admitted based on a decision by the Doctoral Board after assessing their aptitude for study and motivation.

International applicants for doctoral study (Czech and Slovak Republics applicants NOT included)
— Submission deadline until midnight 15 Dec 2026

Admission procedure
The admission interview is usually in an online form and consists of three parts:
1) Elaborate 1-2 page project for the doctoral thesis including following details: name, applicant name, supervisor, current state of the problem, objectives and expected results, methodology, instrumentation, financial security, foreign contacts; proposals for internships, basic literature - max. 100 points,
2) Expertise in geology to the extent taught at university (at the level of master state exams) - max. 100 points,
3) Ability to inform in English about planned research in the framework of doctoral thesis (project presentation) - max. 100 points.

More information about admission process for international applicants in general can be found in the section Admission Process.

Date of the entrance exam
The applicants will receive information about the entrance exam by e-mail usually at least 10 days before the exam.
Please, always check your e-mails, including spam folders.

Conditions of admission
To be admitted, a candidate must obtain a minimum of 180 points, i.e. a minimum of 60 points in each section.
Successful applicants are informed of their acceptance by e-mail and subsequently receive an invitation to the enrolment.

Programme capacity
The capacity of a given programme is not fixed; students are admitted based on a decision by the Doctoral Board after assessing their aptitude for study and motivation.

Deadlines

1 Jan – 30 Apr 2026

Submit your application during this period

Admission to Doctoral degree programmes in 2026/2027 (beginning: Autumn 2026)

2 Jan – 15 Dec 2026

Submit your application during this period

International applicants for doctoral study (Czech and Slovak Republics applicants NOT included)

Study options

Single-subject studies with specialization

In the single-subject studies, the student deepens knowledge in the concrete focus of the degree programme and chooses one specialization. The specialization is stated in the university diploma.

Dissertation topics

Specialization: Applied and environmental geology

No topics currently listed.

Specialization: Dynamic geology, tectonics and physics of the Earth

No topics currently listed.

Specialization: Geochemistry and hydrogeology

Mineral-water interaction
Supervisor: doc. Ing. Jiří Faimon, Dr.

Uchazeč před přihlášením musí konzultovat konkrétní téma a možnosti jeho zpracování se školitelem.

Supervisor

doc. Ing. Jiří Faimon, Dr.

Specialization: Mineralogy, petrology and economic geology

Applications of isotopes to igneous petrogenesis
Supervisor: prof. RNDr. Lukáš Krmíček, Ph.D.

Objectives:
The research aims to study the petrogenesis of igneous rocks and their minerals using state-of-the-art stable (non-radiogenic) and radiogenic isotopes. The outcomes will contribute both to unravelling the petrogenesis and to better description of the distinctive mantle and crustal isotope reservoirs and components and their potential links to individual orogenic cycles.

Focus:
Doctoral research projects focus on various stable (e.g., Li, B, Mg) and radiogenic isotopes (e.g., Sr, Nd, Pb, Hf, Os) in mantle-derived or crustal igneous rocks and their minerals. Doctoral projects cover both field sampling and laboratory works using research instrumentation of Department of Geological Sciences at the Masaryk University and collaborating institutions such as the Institute of Geology of the Czech Academy of Sciences or German Research Centre for Geosciences. The results of doctoral research projects will be published in the world's leading Q1 geological journals such as Lithos or Gondwana Research.

Examples of potential doctoral research projects:
1) Boron isotope geochemistry of axinite
2) Boron isotope geochemistry of tourmaline
3) Lithium isotopes in diamondiferous kimberlites and lamproites as tracers of source components and processes related to supercontinent cycles
4) Mg and Hf isotope composition of lamproitic rocks
5) Sr–Nd–Pb isotope signature of amphiboles in alkali basalts from Cerová Vrchovina Mts.

Please note that before applying for doctoral studies, interested candidates are required to contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lukáš Krmíček, Ph.D. (lukas.krmicek@gmail.com) for discussion of study/research possibilities.
Supervisor

prof. RNDr. Lukáš Krmíček, Ph.D.

Crystal chemistry and crystal structure of minerals and their synthetic analogues
Supervisor: doc. Mgr. Jan Cempírek, Ph.D.

Notes

EN Before applying, please, consult the specific topic of your thesis with the thesis supervisor. -- CZ Před podáním přihlášky prosím konzultujte přesné téma vaší práce s budoucím vedoucím práce.

Supervisor

doc. Mgr. Jan Cempírek, Ph.D.

Deposits of rare elements in magmatic and metasomatic systems
Supervisor: doc. Mgr. Jan Cempírek, Ph.D.

Notes

EN Before applying, please, consult the specific topic of your thesis with the thesis supervisor. -- CZ Před podáním přihlášky prosím konzultujte přesné téma vaší práce s budoucím vedoucím práce.

Supervisor

doc. Mgr. Jan Cempírek, Ph.D.

Geochemistry, petrology and mineralogy of granitic systems
Supervisor: doc. Mgr. Jan Cempírek, Ph.D.

Notes

EN Before applying, please, consult the specific topic of your thesis with the thesis supervisor. -- CZ Před podáním přihlášky prosím konzultujte přesné téma vaší práce s budoucím vedoucím práce.

Supervisor

doc. Mgr. Jan Cempírek, Ph.D.

Specialization: Stratigraphic geology, paleontology and sedimentology

Integrated stratigraphy of carbonate sedimentary archives
Supervisor: Mgr. Tomáš Kumpan, Ph.D.

The research aims to analyse records of palaeoenvironmental changes in Palaeozoic and Mesozoic carbonate and carbonate-clastic mixed rocks sequences using the multiproxy stratigraphic approach. Palaeoclimatic and palaeoceanographic changes and biotic responses are reconstructed using a combination of petrology, biostratigraphy, geochemistry and petrophysics. Results will contribute to a better understanding of interactions between biotic and abiotic factors and processes forming carbonate sequences, and provide tools for high-resolution stratigraphic correlations.

Examples of potential doctoral research projects:
1) Devonian red limestones in Central and Southern Europe and their palaeoclimatological and palaeoceanographic implications
2) Searching for biogenicity and alteration patterns of non-skeletal carbonate grains
3) Integrated stratigraphy of the Moravian platform Jurassic

Before initiating the formal application process to doctoral studies, all interested candidates are required to contact supervisor Tomáš Kumpan (kumpan@sci.muni.cz) for an informal discussion.

Supervisor

Mgr. Tomáš Kumpan, Ph.D.

Study information

Provided by Faculty of Science
Type of studies Doctoral
Mode full-time Yes
combined Yes
distance No
Study options single-subject studies No
single-subject studies with specialization Yes
major/minor studies No
Standard length of studies 4 years
Language of instruction Czech
Doctoral board and doctoral committees

Do you have any questions?
Send us an e-mail to

doc. RNDr. Zdeněk Losos, CSc.

Consultant

e‑mail:

You are running an old browser version. We recommend updating your browser to its latest version.