Frequently Aasked Questions (FAQ)

# Programme

What is the Geohazards and Climate Change programme?

Geohazards and Climate Change is a second-cycle (Master’s) degree programme taught entirely in English. It focuses on natural hazards, climate change processes, and their environmental and socio-economic impacts. The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical and analytical skills.

# Admission

Who can apply for this programme?

The programme is open to graduates of first-cycle (Bachelor’s) studies or graduates holding a Master’s degree in the same or a related field within Earth sciences or related disciplines.

# Language

In what language are the studies conducted?

All courses, examinations, and the Master’s thesis are conducted in English.

# Language proficiency

How can I confirm my English language proficiency?

Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at B2 level. EU citizens, including Polish citizens, who do not hold such a document are required to take an online English language test. Non-EU citizens applying from 1 August 2025 must submit one of the documents specified in the relevant national regulations, which include:

  • University of Cambridge, ESOL Examinations:
    • B2 First (FCE),
    • C1 Advanced (CAE),
    • C2 Proficiency (CPE),
    • B2 Business Vantage (BEC Vantage),
    • C1 Business Higher,
    • Certificate in English for International Business and Trade (CEIBT),
  • University of Cambridge, ESOL Examinations, British Council, IDP IELTS Australia: International English Language Testing System IELTS – at least 5,5 pkt:
    • Trinity College London:
      • ESOL Skills for Life – Level 1 (B2) or higher,
      • Integrated Skills in English (ISE) – ISE II or higher,
      • ISE Digital – more then 80 pkt (B2),
    • Educational Testing Service (ETS):
      • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) version Internet-Based Test (iBT) – at least 72 points,
      • Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) – at least: 785 points at Listening  & Reading and 150 points at Speaking and 160 points at Writing,
  • Pearson Assessment English:
    • Pearson English International Certificate – paper or on-line (previously Pearson Test of English General (PTE) or London Tests of English) – Level 3 (Edexcel Certificate in ESOL International Level 1 – grade Pass, Merit, Distinction) or higher,
    • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) paper version or online – at least 59 points,
  • LanguageCert (PeopleCert Qualifications (PCQ)):
    • LanguageCert International ESOL – LanguageCert Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (Listening, Reading, Writing) (Communicator B2), also named as: LanguageCert International ESOL Communicator B2 Listening, Reading, Writing or higher, together with LanguageCert Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (Speaking) (Communicator B2), also named as: LanguageCert International ESOL Communicator B2 Speaking or higher,
    • LanguageCert Academic – LanguageCert Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) (LanguageCert Academic B2) or higher,
    • LanguageCert Test of English – LanguageCert Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (Listening,  Reading, Writing, Speaking) (LanguageCert Test of English B2) or higher,
  • Education Development International (EDI), London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Examinations  Board: London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Examinations (LCCI):
    • English for Business Level 2 or higher,
    • Foundation Certificate for Teachers of Business English (FTBE),
  • European Consortium for the Certificate of Attainment in Modern Languages – Level B2 (Vantage) or higher, – telc GmbH, WBT Weiterbildungs-Testsysteme GmbH:
    • Certificate in English,
    • Certificate in English for Business Purposes,
    • Certificate in English for Technical Purposes,
    • telc English,
    • telc English Business,
    • telc English Technical,
    • telc English University.

# Enrolment

What does the recruitment process include?

The recruitment process consists of an entrance interview conducted in English. The interview focuses on selected topics related to Earth sciences.

# Interview

What are the admission interview requirements?

The interview is scored on a scale of 0–20 points. To pass the interview, candidates must obtain at least 12 points. Failure to reach the minimum score results in rejection.

# Documents

What documents are required during recruitment?

Applicants are required to upload the following documents in the online recruitment system:

  • a digital photograph,
  • a scan of the higher education diploma,
  • a document confirming English language proficiency at B2 level.

# Foreign diploma

Do I need to recognise a diploma obtained abroad?

Applicants holding diplomas obtained outside Poland must upload scans of their diplomas and any required legalisation or apostille, as well as certified translations into the language of instruction. In some cases, confirmation of diploma recognition may be required. Diploma recognition is undertaken by NAWA. The information below is taken from the web-page link: NAWA Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange :

The NAWA's Director individual recognition statement on a foreign diploma confirming:

  • completion of higher education
  • award of an academic degree

is issued:

  • after submission of the complete set of required documents in the SYRENA System – detailed information is available at the website Diploma of higher education,
  • in a form of a digitally signed PDF document,
  • in Polish,
  • free of charge.

To obtain a recognition statement on a foreign diploma

  • read the instructions given in the SYRENA - User Manual below, before submitting the application.
  • prepare scans of required documents - in PDF or JPG format, with maximum size of each file of 3 MB. Please pay attention to step 2 and step 3 described in the instructions to enter the document data correctly and attach properly:
    • diploma on which the recognition statement you wish to obtain
    • transcript of records / supplement / list of subjects and grades attached to the abovementioned diploma
    • previous document of education - document which was the basis for the admission to studies
    • transcript of records / supplement / list of subjects and grades attached to the previous diploma (if applicable)
    • translations of all the abovementioned documents (unless they are issued in: English, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian). Translations should be done by a sworn translator.
    • identity card / passport
    • document stating the change of surname
    • in the case of refugees – a refugee status document
  • fill in the application form and add scans of the required documents in the SYRENA System,
  • to submit the application correctly click the individual activation link generated in the SYRENA System and sent to the e-mail address provided in the application form,
  • check the status of your application in the SYRENA System at any time,
  • download the individual recognition statement after receiving a notification sent via the SYRENA System.

In case of technical problems, please contact us via e-mail: syrenahelp@nawa.gov.pl

# Documents format

In what format should documents be uploaded?

All documents must be uploaded as separate PDF files. Multi-page documents should be scanned and uploaded as a single multi-page PDF file. No paper documents are submitted during the recruitment process.

# Results

Where can I check the recruitment results?

Final admission results are published in the Online Recruitment System. After logging in, candidates can view information on admission or rejection.

# Duration

How long does the programme last and what degree is awarded?

The programme lasts two years and leads to the award of a Master’s degree.