The negative effects of industrial development on the environment are becoming a growing concern worldwide. How can we protect ourselves from them, while at the same time taking care of nature is what will be learned by the students of a new course at the Faculty of Environmental Engineering.

In the admission process that begins on May 16, candidates for the second degree full-time studies will find in our offer a new course delivered in English – “Environmental Quality Management”. There are 20 places on the programme for them.

Technological progress accompanies the development of every society. It is thanks to it, among other things, that we can access information quickly and that our lives become easier but also more secure. On the other hand, we gain knowledge and tools the use of which allows us to make responsible decisions and plan development in such a way as to maintain a balance between social needs and the minimum possible negative impact on the environment. That is why we need specialists in this field, and it is these specialists that we will train in the new programme launched at the Faculty of Environmental Engineering.

– The three-semester programme will provide our graduates with the skills and competencies allowing them to – broadly speaking – protect the environment from degradation. They’ll be able, among other things, to propose and manage processes of water treatment, sewage treatment, or atmosphere protection – says Karol Leluk, PhD, Vice-Dean for Research and International Cooperation. – Moreover, they’ll be able to assess the environmental impact of these activities and propose the least invasive technologies possible – he adds.

Who is this programme for?

The interdisciplinary nature of the Environmental Quality Management programme means that it is addressed to all graduates with a technical first-cycle degree. It is so because, in the course of their studies, they learn elements of chemistry, biology, physics, architecture, mathematics, construction, and mechanics, among other subjects.

– By structuring the curriculum in this way, we allow the student to develop previously acquired skills. In turn, the graduate will become a sought-after specialist with the right skill set to work in the industry – observes Martyna Grzegorzek, PhD, Eng from the Department of Environmental Engineering.

Classes on topics such as urban planning, the ethics of new technologies, or strategic management will be conducted in cooperation with other Wrocław Tech faculties. This is complemented by meetings with industry specialists.

– At our faculty, we periodically host specialists working in sectors related to the environmental engineering industry. They deliver open lectures or workshops for students of our faculty – explains Martyna Grzegorzek, PhD, Eng. – Additionally, we organise educational tours of facilities such as sewage treatment plants, water treatment plants, and other enterprises specialising in water and sewage, waste management, as well as air conditioning, heating, and energy – she adds.

And what’s in store for the graduates?

Knowledge of the rules of working at a chemical laboratory opens up employment opportunities for graduates in professional institutions such as environmental inspectorates, sanitary-epidemiological stations, or private laboratories providing environmental monitoring services.

– Importantly, all these skills are also useful outside the field of environmental engineering, e.g. in companies’ quality control laboratories and R&D departments, which often require a minimum of experience in operating basic laboratory equipment – Dr Karol Leluk points out.

EQM graduates can therefore successfully find jobs in water and wastewater management, waste treatment, and atmospheric engineering. Also, virtually every industrial plant needs specialists to monitor its impact on the surrounding environment.

– You can also steer your career towards working in research labs. Our faculty offers the best graduates the opportunity to develop their scientific careers in doctoral programmes – explains Martyna Grzegorzek, PhD, Eng.

Strong interest in programmes delivered in English

Launching the programme in English is a response not only to the demand in the labour market but also to the University’s progressive internationalisation. This translates into developing our researchers' networks involving foreign partners and increasing student mobility.

– We’re receiving more and more enquiries from abroad – from young people who want to pursue knowledge at our faculty. It’s not only candidates from India, China, Italy, France, or African countries who prevail in the admission lists. Over the past year, there have also been applications from students from Latin and South America. We couldn’t be indifferent to this – emphasises Dr Karol Leluk.

Environmental Quality Management is one of seven new programmes offered by our university as part of this year's admission action. We are launching geoenergetics, mineral resources engineering, and the circular economy among our first-cycle programmes. On the other hand, the new master's programmes are Spatial Management, Urban Mining and Occupational Health and Safety.

The summer enrolments at Wrocław University of Science and Technology start on May 16 and will last until July 7. For more information, please visit the enrolments website.