Comenius University of Bratislava, located in the Slovak Republic, offers a three-year study programme in Environmental Studies at the Faculty of Natural Sciences. This programme is specifically designed to meet the needs of the labour market. Graduates will have a good understanding of the components of the environment, including human impacts, and gain knowledge in interdisciplinary fields of study. This article will explore the Environmental Studies programme at the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Comenius University of Bratislava, including the admission process, admission requirements, and the course curriculum.
Admission Procedure
The basic condition for admission to the Environmental Studies programme is the successful completion of secondary school with a high school diploma. The applicant must have knowledge of the English language at a level that enables them to study in English, including a high school diploma with the English language final exam or an internationally recognized certificate in the English language (minimum level B2). For foreign applicants who choose to study in Slovak, knowledge of the Slovak language is the most important condition for admission. In this case, a foreign applicant must take an entrance test on knowledge of the Slovak language, and in case of insufficient knowledge, take an intensive Slovak language course before the start of the semester.
Application Form
A complete application consists of various documents, such as a CV, descriptions of the student’s achievements, secondary school reports, and more. It also includes forms for school officials to complete on behalf of the applicant. Please note that if the application is incomplete, the review process will not begin until all required forms are received. The application should be sent by email to katarina.milickova@uniba.sk (English study programmes) or prif.so@uniba.sk (Slovak study programmes).
Admission Exam
For all bachelor study programmes (English and Slovak) at the Faculty of Natural Sciences CU, applicants will be admitted without admission exams if the number of registered applicants does not exceed the capacity of the study programme. If the number of applicants exceeds the capacity of the study programme, decisions on admission are made by the faculty after careful evaluation of all applications. Evaluation is based on a combination of factors such as student’s achievements, secondary school reports and an entrance examination. For the Environmental Studies programme, the admission interview will be conducted online via communication programs such as MS Teams, Zoom, or Skype, and it will consist of multiple-choice questions (MCQ) in English. The approximate distribution of questions is as follows: Biology – 33 %; Chemistry – 33 %; Geography – 33 %. Applicants will receive details about the admission exams during April 2023.
Nostrification
Successful applicants from abroad and Slovak citizens graduating high school abroad must deliver a document of the equivalence of secondary school studies (so-called nostrification) to the Department of Student Affairs of the faculty on the day of registration for studies. The nostrification process usually takes 1-2 months. We therefore recommend applying for nostrification immediately after obtaining your high school diploma!
Course Curriculum
The Environmental Studies programme at the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Comenius University of Bratislava is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of environmental issues, both locally and globally. The programme is structured to cover different disciplines and topics related to the environment. During the three-year programme, students will gain knowledge in interdisciplinary fields of study characterizing the basic biotic and abiotic components of the landscape, ecology, landscape ecology, biodiversity, chemistry, geochemistry, and the protection of natural resources. Attention is also given to environmental planning, sustainable development, and the risk assessment of geological hazards. The programme includes both theoretical and practical courses, which provide students with the necessary skills to work in different fields of environmental science.
In the first year of the programme, students will focus on foundational courses in natural sciences such as biology, chemistry, and physics. The curriculum will also cover mathematics, statistics, and environmental policy. During the second year of the programme, students will delve into courses that provide a comprehensive understanding of environmental sciences, including environmental microbiology, geology, and climatology. In the third year of the programme, students will have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of environmental science that aligns with their interests and career goals. They can choose from courses such as environmental law, environmental impact assessment, and environmental management.
Students are also required to complete a thesis project in their third year, which allows them to apply the skills and knowledge they have acquired throughout the programme. The thesis project can be either research-based or practical, and students will have the opportunity to work with faculty members on research projects related to environmental sciences.
Apart from the core courses, the Environmental Studies programme at the Faculty of Natural Sciences also provides students with opportunities for hands-on learning experiences through field trips, laboratory exercises, and internships. Students will have the opportunity to visit natural reserves and protected areas, conduct experiments in the laboratory, and work on projects in collaboration with local organizations and communities.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Environmental Studies programme at the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Comenius University of Bratislava will be well-equipped to pursue a variety of careers in environmental science. They will have developed a range of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis, which are highly valued in the labour market. Graduates can work in a variety of sectors such as government agencies, environmental consulting firms, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
The programme also prepares students for further studies at the graduate level in environmental science or related fields. Graduates can pursue a Master’s or Ph.D. programme in environmental science, ecology, conservation, or sustainable development.
Conclusion
The Environmental Studies programme at the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Comenius University of Bratislava provides students with a comprehensive understanding of environmental science and its applications. The programme is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in natural sciences and interdisciplinary fields of study related to the environment. The hands-on learning experiences provided by the programme prepare students to work in various sectors of environmental science and contribute to sustainable development. Graduates of the programme are well-equipped to pursue further studies at the graduate level or pursue careers in environmental science.
