POSTGRADUATE STUDIES IN GEOTURISM
Postgraduate Studies in Geotourism at the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Wroclaw are addressed to people working or wishing to undertake activities in the tourism industry, who have completed their bachelor’s degree (6th level of Polish Qualifications Framework).
See: Geotourism postgraduate program
The geotourism industry is increasingly significant in Poland, as reflected by the growth of key indicators associated with it. For instance, in the pre-pandemic period from 2000 to 2019, overnight stays in Poland surged by 82%, with those by foreign tourists rising by an impressive 157%. In 2018, the tourism sector contributed a total added value of PLN 140 million, nearly PLN 36 billion in wages and salaries, and provided 1.36 million jobs. A notable feature of Polish tourism is its diverse offerings. The country supports a range of tourism types, including geotourism, which focuses on geological sites.
Geotourism offers several attractions. A significant benefit of this form of recreation is the opportunity to spend time outdoors, near natural geological features. Sites like rock exposures, quarries, decommissioned mines, shafts, adits, dumps, caves, and springs —whether ordinary, mineral, or medicinal — are drawing more individuals interested in their histories and the geological phenomena evident within them. As a result, the tourism sector notes a rise in geotourism enthusiasts. New geoparks are emerging, local authorities are prioritizing the preservation of geotourism locations and ensuring their accurate representation, and a growing number of businesses are offering excursions related to mineral exploration or caving. Dolnośląskie voivodeship is undeniably one of the most rapidly expanding geotourism areas in Poland.
However, the swift growth of geotourism presents certain challenges, including the potential degradation of geological sites and the dissemination of unreliable geological information. To address these issues, the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Wroclaw offers postgraduate studies in Geotourism. The curriculum strongly emphasizes the principles of sustainable development. This focus is evident in courses related to the protection of geological sites and practicing geotourism in ways that don’t harm these sites.
Target students of the Postgraduate Studies offer
Postgraduate studies in Geotourism are addressed to a wide range of students: both those who have had previous contact with geology (for example, geology, geography and tourism graduates) and those who have not had any experience in this field before.
The study offer is aimed in particular at the following groups of people:
- Employees of local governments — especially those interested in the development of geotourism and the protection of geological sites in municipalities, poviats and voivodeships;
- Entrepreneurs undertaking business in the field of geotourism (organizers of geological trips);
- Entrepreneurs and employees of the hotel industry, travel agencies wishing to expand their offers in the direction of geotourism;
- Geography teachers wishing to increase their competence in geology needed in teaching geography;
- Employees of national parks, scenic parks, geoparks, forestry and conservation institutions wishing to increase their knowledge in the protection of natural geological sites;
- Tour guides and pilots.
Qualification procedure:
Submission of a complete set of documents. Recruitment schedule and rules available at:
https://rekrutacja.uni.wroc.pl/kierunek/geoturystyka-studia-podyplomowe/
Rules of payment:
PLN 4200 (say: four thousand two hundred Polish zlotys) for 2 semesters, payable in accordance with the agreement for the provision of educational services, there is no enrollment fee.
Qualifications obtained after graduation:
After completing the Postgraduate Studies in Geotourism, each student will have comprehensive knowledge, skills and social competencies in the field of geology, mining and environmental protection in relation to the needs of those wishing to operate in the field of geotourism in the broadest sense.
See: Postgraduate studies learning outcomes
Each student, upon graduation, will receive an indefinite certificate of completion of Postgraduate Studies in Geotourism.
Teaching staff description:
Postgraduate studies in Geotourism are conducted both by a staff of experienced geologists from the University of Wroclaw, as well as by recognized practitioners working in organizations such as the Lower Silesian Chamber of Tourism, UNESCO Muskau Bend Geopark, UNESCO Świetokrzyski Geopark, and the Kraina Wygasłych Wulkanów Association — Kaczawskie Mountains and Highlands. Competent and experienced staff will allow to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge, which they will be able to use in their professional practice.
See: Teaching staff description
Contact
Head of postgraduate studies: Dr. Piotr Wojtulek, PhD (piotr.wojtulek/at/uwr.edu.pl)
Secretary of the Recruitment Committee: Adam Wojtyna, MSc (adam.wojtyna/at/uwr.edu.pl)
