New fields of study at the Silesian University of Technology
From the new academic year, four new fields of study will be launched at the Silesian University of Technology. Details were presented during a press conference organized by the University. The new fields include artificial intelligence, data engineering and artificial intelligence, public security and crisis management, and defence and security systems engineering.
The Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, Prof. Marek Pawełczyk emphasized that the new fields of study are a response both to the needs of the labour market and the growing challenges related to safety and new technologies. Artificial intelligence plays a special role in the new offer of the University.
- Artificial intelligence is present almost everywhere today – from industry, through cars, to household appliances. We want to equip students with a broad knowledge, not only about generative AI, but also algorithms used in modern technologies and industry – emphasized the Rector.
He added that two new majors will be fully devoted to artificial intelligence, and graduates are to be prepared to work in dynamically developing sectors of the economy. - There is no shortage of job offers in this area in Silesia and throughout the country, - he stressed.
The other two majors are related to security, crisis management, and dual-use technologies. The Rector pointed out that contemporary threats require new competences and modern solutions.
- We are talking today not only about the military or defence, but also about responding to floods, fires, or long-term crisis situations such as a pandemic. - We need monitoring systems, drones, and technologies to support the services, - he said.
The new majors were prepared in cooperation with uniformed services and companies from the technology and armaments sector. The university also announces the development of research infrastructure – in the near future three new technological centres worth several hundred million zlotys will be created.
- We have also established the Centre for Defence and Dual-use Technologies because thinking about defence, we also look at how modern technologies can serve ordinary citizens and support security in everyday life, - said The Rector, Prof. Marek Pawełczyk.
As emphasized by the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education Prof. Anna Chrobok, Silesian University of Technology constantly adapts its didactic offer to what is happening in the world and on the labour market.
- We analyse the most important reports which clearly show that the future belongs to engineers with not only technical competence, but also the ability to cooperate with other industries, continuous learning, and flexible response to changes, - she said.
She added that a modern engineer must be prepared not only for designing and solving technical problems, but also for continuous professional development.
- We want to equip our students with a solid engineering foundation, and at the same time prepare them for the fact that in the future they will improve their competences and sometimes even change industries. Today, this is one of the key competences on the labour market – emphasized the Vice-Rector.
Director of the Centre for Defence and Dual-use Technologies at the Silesian University of Technology Prof. Arkadiusz Mężyk emphasized that the University, by launching new majors, is now in line with the most important priorities related to building the technological and security potential of Poland and Europe.
- Recent years have brought a difficult geopolitical situation and many crises, but at the same time they have shown the huge potential of Polish industry and national research and development centres. Thanks to this, we are observing a very dynamic development of new technologies and production – he noted.
He added that the development of the defence industry also means a growing demand for modern engineers. - We want to educate graduates prepared to support crisis management, but also to work on the development of the modern defence industry and its research and development facilities - emphasized Prof. Mężyk.
The need to educate specialists in the field of security and crisis management was also discussed by the Director of the Silesian University of Technology Branch in Rybnik, Dr Hab. Zygmunt Łukaszczyk, Prof. SUT. He emphasized that new fields of study at the Silesian University of Technology are a response to contemporary civilization challenges and threats related to both climate change and geopolitical situation.
- Security is the word that is being declined by all cases today – we are talking about universal, civil, energy or personal security. We need to prepare modern staff that will be able not only to respond to crisis situations, but above all to counteract them. Prevention is crucial today, says Prof. Łukaszczyk.
As he emphasized, graduates of new faculties will be able to find employment in both industry and public administration as well as services responsible for security and crisis management.
The curricula of the new majors were created in cooperation with external experts, representatives of services and industry. Both military, firefighters, rescue, and medical services, as well as industry specialists were involved in the creation of the study programs.
Monika Kruczek, President of Zakłady Mechaniczne Bumar-Łabędy, stressed that the cooperation of the University with industry is of key importance for the development of modern technologies and the preparation of staff responding to current needs.
- The development of technology in the armaments industry is very dynamic today, which is why we need new engineers with appropriate education. Silesian University of Technology guarantees us graduates prepared for the specific needs of the plant – emphasized the President of Bumar- Łabędy.
She added that new majors at the Silesian University of Technology are the majors of the future. - Engineers related to defence and modern technologies will be highly sought after on the labour market - emphasized Monika Kruczek.
The importance of new majors for the services responsible for security was also discussed by the senior Brigadier Wojciech Piechaczek, Deputy Commander of the Municipal State Fire Service in Gliwice. He stressed that the development of modern technologies requires not only appropriate equipment, but above all well-prepared specialists.
- Buying modern equipment is not enough. We need competent people who will be able to use it in activities related to saving lives and property. Therefore, new fields of study at the Silesian University of Technology are a great opportunity for us to acquire professional and well-prepared officers - he noted.
The importance of cooperation between the University and the military and services was also highlighted by Major Tomasz Żyłczyński, head of training at the AGAT Military Unit. As he emphasized, modern technologies used in the army today require specialist knowledge and constant improvement of personnel.
- Cooperation with the Silesian University of Technology gives us access to knowledge, modern technologies and specialists who help train soldiers in new areas. Graduates of these faculties may in the future join the ranks of the army as people already prepared to work with modern systems and technologies - emphasized the major.
The practical dimension of new fields of study and the need for close cooperation between the services was also highlighted by Bożena Frej, commander of the Municipal Guard in Gliwice. As she emphasized, contemporary challenges today require the joint action of many institutions responsible for the safety of residents.
- Today, security is not only about modern technologies, but also the ability of all services to cooperate and respond to crisis situations - from floods and fires to threats related to public security. Graduates of the new faculties at the Silesian University of Technology will undoubtedly be prepared to operate in such a broad and modern security system, - said the commander of the Municipal Guard in Gliwice.
Recruitment for studies at the Silesian University of Technology will begin on the 1st of June 2026. Candidates will have more than 60 courses to choose from. The Silesian University of Technology has prepared over 9500 places in the upcoming summer recruitment.
