PhD PROGRAMS

An accredited, contemporary, and innovative PhD program is offered at the Chemistry Department from the academic year 2023/24, covering a wide range of chemical areas. This program is intended for students who have completed master’s studies in chemistry and related sciences in the country or abroad, acquiring 300 ECTS credits.

 

The PhD Studies in Chemistry are fully aligned with the European Qualifications Framework corresponding to the level of obtaining the title of Doctor of Sciences. Upon completion of the studies and defense of the doctoral dissertation, the title of Doctor of Chemical Sciences is conferred – 480 ECTS. The purpose of PhD Studies in Chemistry is to equip students for the development and application of scientific and professional achievements in the field of chemical sciences, as well as for advanced experimental research in the field of chemistry.

PhD Studies in Chemistry aims to educate experts for independent and team research in chemical sciences. The program is designed to prepare students to work in multidisciplinary teams, fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities. Students work in an environment where perseverance, consistency, scientific integrity, and work ethic are highly valued.

 

Students are allowed to actively participate in shaping their professional and scientific education in the chosen chemical field by selecting subjects and research topics, advancing their knowledge to the level of a Doctor of Chemical Sciences.

 

Through this study model, candidates acquire skills in planning and conducting experiments, as well as presenting and disseminating results in the form of scientific papers in scientific journals or at scientific conferences. Students qualify for the development of new technologies and procedures to contribute to the development of chemical sciences and society in general. After completing the doctoral studies program, doctors of chemical sciences are qualified to work in industry, educational, and research institutions, among others.

 

Where can I find the application?

The admission to the third cycle of studies – PhD Studies in Chemistry is announced every year, specifying the necessary documents that must be included in the study application, as well as the deadline for submission. The announcement for student enrollment in the first year of the third cycle of studies in the academic year 2023/2024 at public higher education institutions can be found here.

 

What is required for the admission?

For admission to PhD Studies in Chemistry, it is necessary to submit:

(1) birth certificate;

(2) a certificate of citizenship not older than six months;

(3) a certified copy of the diploma for the first and second cycles, or a certified copy of the diploma for undergraduate and master’s studies for students under the old non-Bologna program, or the equivalence of the title obtained under previously valid regulations equated with the title obtained upon completion of the second cycle of studies (originals are submitted for inspection when submitting documents);

(4) an annex to the diploma for the first and second cycles of studies (certified copies) or a certificate of passed exams for undergraduate and master’s studies, with an average grade;

(5) curriculum (for students under the old, non-Bologna program);

(6) proof of payment of administrative enrollment fees;

(7) bibliography.

 

Candidates who meet the conditions prescribed by Article 5 of the Rules of Studying in the third cycle of studies have the right to apply for the competition for admission to the University of Banja Luka.

 

Where can I find the list of expenses?

The candidate bears the costs of PhD Studies in Chemistry. The list of expenses is adopted by the competent bodies of the University of Banja Luka. The list of expenses of the University of Banja Luka for the academic year 2023/2024 can be found here.

 

Where can I work as a Doctor of Chemical Sciences?

Doctor of Chemical Sciences has many career opportunities. They can work at universities, in research and development laboratories in the pharmaceutical, food, and oil industries, generally in the energy sector, engage in chemical analysis in public and private institutes and laboratories, provide consulting services, or work in regulatory agencies. They can also start entrepreneurial ventures and develop their own companies. The choice depends on personal interests and goals.

 

Are the PhD Studies in Chemistry at the University of Banja Luka aligned with similar programs?

The curriculum of PhD Studies in Chemistry is fully aligned and compatible with similar programs at other universities in the region, Europe, and the world. This allows our students access to resources, mobility, and diploma recognition, ultimately enhancing and ensuring the quality of the research conducted by the students. During their studies, our students can spend an exchange period for research purposes and choose subjects at relevant global universities.