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).
International applicants for doctoral study (Czech and Slovak Republics applicants NOT included)
Submission deadline until midnight 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
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
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.
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.
Admission to Doctoral degree programmes in 2026/2027 (beginning: Autumn 2026)
— Data from the previous admission procedure (1 Jan – 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.
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.
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.
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Dynamic geology, tectonics and physics of the Earth (full-time or combined studies in czech)
What will you learn? -
Mineralogy, petrology and economic geology (full-time or combined studies in czech)
What will you learn? -
Stratigraphic geology, paleontology and sedimentology (full-time or combined studies in czech)
What will you learn?
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
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.
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
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
Crystal chemistry of uranium minerals: utilization of less-frequent spectroscopy and diffraction techniques
Supervisor: doc. Mgr. Radek Škoda, Ph.D.
The aim of the project is to deepen our knowledge of uranium crystal chemistry-. To do so, it will be necessary to undertake a complex crystallographic and spectroscopic study of uranium minerals, employing classical analytical techniques (WDS, Raman and Infrared spectroscopy, optical mineralogy) in combination with less common techniques such as PL and TRLFS spectroscopy, Extended X-ray fine-absorption structure (EXAFS) and diffraction techniques (including, e.g., total scattering) to study less accented structural features of uranium minerals. n addition to its fundamental crystal-chemical relevance, this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of uranium behavior under near-surface conditions, with direct implications for environmental processes controlling uranium mobility, stability, and potential impact
Reserved for: Ondřej Cenek
Reserved for: Ondřej Cenek
Supervisor
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
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
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
Supervisors
- prof. Mgr. Ondřej Bábek, Dr.
- Mgr. Ivo Baroň, Ph.D.
- prof. RNDr. Rostislav Brzobohatý, CSc.
- Mgr. David Buriánek, Ph.D.
- doc. Mgr. Jan Cempírek, Ph.D.
- doc. RNDr. Nela Doláková, CSc.
- RNDr. Zdeněk Dolníček, Ph.D.
- doc. Ing. Jiří Faimon, Dr.
- RNDr. Juraj Franců, CSc.
- Mgr. Petr Gadas, Ph.D.
- doc. Mgr. Eva Geršlová, Ph.D.
- doc. RNDr. Miroslava Gregerová, CSc.
- doc. Ing. Šárka Hladilová, CSc.
- doc. Mgr. Martin Ivanov, Dr.
- prof. RNDr. Jiří Kalvoda, CSc.
- doc. RNDr. Jana Kotková, CSc.
- prof. RNDr. Lukáš Krmíček, Ph.D.
- Mgr. Tomáš Kuchovský, Ph.D.
- Mgr. Tomáš Kumpan, Ph.D.
- prof. RNDr. Jaromír Leichmann, Dr. rer. nat.
- doc. Mgr. Lenka Lisá, Ph.D.
- doc. RNDr. Zdeněk Losos, CSc.
- doc. RNDr. Rostislav Melichar, Dr.
- prof. RNDr. Slavomír Nehyba, Dr.
- prof. RNDr. Milan Novák, CSc.
- Mgr. Jan Petřík, Ph.D.
- Mgr. Pavel Pracný, Ph.D.
- prof. RNDr. Antonín Přichystal, DSc.
- Mgr. Adam Říčka, Ph.D.
- doc. RNDr. Marek Slobodník, CSc.
- doc. Mgr. Radek Škoda, Ph.D.
- Mgr. Dalibor Všianský, Ph.D.
- doc. RNDr. Josef Zeman, CSc.
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: |
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