PhD in Geosciences – Geography (3 years, 180 ECTS)

Name and the Goals of the Study Programme

Title of the study programme is PhD in Geosciences (Geography).

Type of the Study and the Outcome of the Education Process

Study cycle: PhD academic studies.

Professional Title, Academic, or Scientific Title

Professional title is PhD in Geosciences (Geography).

Admission Conditions

Conditions for enrolment in the study programme:

• completed bachelor and master academic studies in duration of five years;
• appropriate position on the ranking list within the approved students’ enrolment quota;
• candidates can enrol in the first year of PhD academic studies if they fulfil the following conditions:

1. to have taken part in two national or one international conference prior to enrolling in the first year of PhD academic studies, which is proved by submitting a published paper or an abstract, and he or she has to be the first author of at least one paper or presentation on a scientific conference;
2. to have been the first author or-co-author of one M51 category scientific paper or 2 papers of М52 or M53 categories, which is proved by submitting a published paper(s) or a confirmation that the paginated paper had been accepted, or by submitting the DOI number of the paper accepted.

The Structure of the Study Programme

Structure of the PhD in Geosciences (Geography) study programme in duration of three years comprises 1 compulsory and 7 elective courses. Total ECTS credit score for all three years of studies is 180 ECTS credits, where the elective courses credit score is 77 ECTS credits.

The Time Allotted for the Realization of Particular Study Forms

The Study Programme lasts three years.

Credit Values of Particular Courses

Credit score of the study programme is 180 ECTS (30 ECTS in the first semester, 30 ECTS in the second semester, 30 ECTS in the third semester, 30 ECTS in the fourth semester, 30 ECTS in the fifth semester, and 30 ECTS in the sixth semester). PhD dissertation is awarded with 44 ECTS credits.

Diploma Work

PhD academic studies carry at least 180 ECTS credits, taking into account the previously accumulated credit score of at least 300 ECTS on bachelor and master academic studies. PhD dissertation is a final part of the study programme in PhD studies.

Way of Choosing Courses from the Other Study Programmes

Elective courses belonging to other study programmes are given in elective courses list and available for the candidates’ choice.

Transferring from Another Study Programme

Conditions for transfer from other study programmes within the related fields are defined in accordance with the valid study programmes at the Faculty of Sciences in Novi Sad.

Purpose of the PhD in Geosciences (Geography) study programme is development of science and education of professionals competent to do original and independent research and develop new technologies and procedures, thus contributing to advancement of the society in general, as well as to critically assess research of others in the field of Geosciences i.e. Geography.

Purpose of the study programme is in line with the mission and goals of the Faculty of Sciences, Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management and Geography in narrow terms.

Goals of the study programme include acquiring scientific and academic skills, development of creative skills and mastering specific practical skills needed for further career in science.

Goals of the study programme of PhD academic studies are in line with contemporary trends and developments of disciplines in Geography worldwide.

Goals of the study programme of PhD academic studies are in line with the main tasks and goals set by the higher education institution where the programme is carried out.

Goals of the study programme include obtaining competencies, scientific and academic skills, and methods used in acquiring them. In addition, goals include development of creative skills and mastering specific practical skills needed for professional work and acquiring methodological procedures needed in up-to-date scientific research.

Goals of the study programme have to be state clearly and unambiguously.

Goals of education in Geography on the level of PhD academic studies can be categorized according to elements:

• Obtaining knowledge in contemporary research in Geography;
• Geographic approach to scientific problems;
• Mastering up-to-date methodical techniques in scientific research in Geography.

1. Obtaining knowledge in contemporary research in Geography is the first and foremost goal of conducting PhD academic studies in Geography. Mastering this knowledge leads to high-quality scientific results. Elements of the knowledge in Geography in the field of contemporary research in Geography are:

• state-of-the-art facts in Geography (scientific knowledge on geographic objects, phenomena, processes and relations);
• scientific relations in Geography (spatial relations are the result of spatial interaction between objects and phenomena either closer to each other or further away from each other, or the relation is expressed as a specific position with regard to side of the world or geographic coordinate system;
• Causal relations have a logical character and express the relation between objects and phenomena according to the cause and effect principle;
• Geographic relations can be internal which refer to interior of a geographic unit, and external, which act among geographic units. Relations can be direct or indirect;
• geographic regularities are present both in geographic processes going on in geographic layer and in certain geospheres.

2.  Geographic approach to scientific problems is a result of a specific methodological structure used in tackling scientific problems. Main features of the geographic approach are spotting the spatiality, complexity of observation, ability to find causal relations, finding variety, determination of individuality, genetic approach, ability to group all geographic facts, relations and laws into defined categories and systems.

3. Methodological techniques in state-of-the-art scientific research in Geography; Geography as a science allows remarkable scientific results provided that the work on geographic facts is permanent and that up-to-date methods are used. The skill of scientific research having a practical side, taking into account that it includes a system and order of procedures depending on which geospehere or type of geospace it refers to, nowadays has a growing importance in modern societies.

By completing the PhD in Geosciences (Geography) study programme, students obtain the following general competences:

• to analyze, synthesize, and predict solutions and consequences;
• to master research methods, procedures and processes;
• to develop critical, self-critical opinion and approach;
•  to apply knowledge in practice;
• to develop communication skills and agility, together with operation with immediate social and international environment;
• professional ethics.

By completing this study programme, students acquire the following course-specific skills:

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the discipline within the field of Geography;
• Problem solving by using scientific methods and procedures;
• Integrating fundamental knowledge in various disciplines and its application;
• Following and application of novelties in profession;
• Developing skills and proficiency in applying knowledge in a certain field;

Using ICT in mastering knowledge on geographic layer and its spheres (lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, pedosphere, sociosphere), which are interrelated and mutually interactive.