Social Geography and Regional Development

This doctoral study programme is organized by the Faculty of Science in English and the studies are subject to tuition. There is an alternative option for the international applicants to be accepted in the free programme administered in Czech with the possibility of receiving a scholarship. The study language of the programme is still English (Czech is the administrative language). Before officially applying, please contact us at admission@sci.muni.cz to find all the necessary information related to the scholarship and see our FAQ’s.

Submit an application

International applicants for doctoral study (Czech and Slovak Republics applicants NOT included)
Submission deadline until midnight 15 December 2024.

What will you learn?

The study program Social Geography and Regional Development (SGRD) focuses on the study of the spatiality of social life. The Faculty of Science at Masaryk University is a traditional specialization, whose content reflects the changing society and its manifestations in the area. The interpretation of this situation also reflects the deepening knowledge of geographic and related scientific disciplines as well as improving methodological approaches. The SGRD is characterized by a comprehensive view, allowing the interpretation of social, economic, environmental, political and cultural processes in their interrelationships and wider contexts. Another characteristic feature of the field is the sensitivity to scale of studied phenomena and processes, ie the interest in interpreting processes taking place at different hierarchical levels and respecting (accentuating the importance of relationships between these levels). Thematically, the research focuses on, for example, the spatio-temporal organization of society, transformation and developmental changes in the Czech environment, peripheral-rural-border regions, regional and sectoral policies, as well as political-geographical topics. Students are encouraged to communicate with specialists in related fields while retaining a synthesizing geographic perspective. At the same time, however, the study is significantly linked to the practice of regional development (public administration), where graduates often find employment. The study program is open to graduates with master's degree in geography or related fields, including from other faculties and universities.

“'' Man in Society - Society in Space ''”

Practical training

It is NOT a mandatory part of the SGRD doctoral program. Within the framework of studies, cooperation with relevant institutions can be established.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the SGRR doctoral program can apply the acquired qualifications especially in academic workplaces, research and departmental institutions, or also in the private sector. They are able to carry out independent scientific and research activities in the area of basic, eventually. applied research. In a broader sense, they are ready to carry out all activities related to scientific work, ie. to deal with conceptual issues, scientific and organizational activities, as well as teaching and transferring experience. A certain specificity is the application of graduates in practice, ie at higher positions in regional development institutions at various hierarchical (administrative) levels of public administration.

Admission requirements

Admission procedure
Prospective students who graduated from the Master's degree in Geography and Cartography or related field, need to choose a topic for their PhD thesis and a supervisor according to the range of available dissertation topics. The entrance examination will take place before the Commission, with regards to the following requirements:
- The full scope and content of graduate (masters) studies in Geography and Cartography focusing on regional geography and regional development
- A written English essay on the anticipated objectives, methods, and results of the proposed doctoral dissertation in the range of 1-2 pages and an oral presentation of the subject matter in English
- Submission of the PhD thesis, and professional publications if any
- Carrying out at least part of the examination in English.

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 total of 50 out of 100 points, so that at least half of the required points are achieved 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

2 Jan – 15 Dec 2024

Submit your application during this period

Submit an application

Dissertation topics

Single-subject studies

No topics currently listed.

Study information

Provided by Faculty of Science
Type of studies Doctoral
Mode full-time Yes
combined Yes
distance No
Study options single-subject studies Yes
single-subject studies with specialization No
major/minor studies No
Standard length of studies 4 years
Language of instruction English
Collaborating institutions
  • The Czech Academy of Sciences
  • Ústav výzkumu globální změny AV ČR
Doctoral board and doctoral committees
Tuition fees
The studies are subject to tuition, fees are paid per academic year
€3,000
Find out more

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