Slovenia - Master's studies

University level second cycle study programmes according to the Bologna process: The second cycle offers one type of study programmes. A general requirement for admission is a successfully completed first-cycle programme. Bridging requirements, amounting from 10 to 60 credit points, can be set for applicants having completed the first cycle programme in an inadequate field. Second cycle programmes include 60 to 120 credit points. Their actual duration must be designed in connection with the appropriate first-cycle programme.

Programmes in the same field must not exceed five years altogether (3+2, 4+1). University level second stage before the Bologna process:  At the post-graduate level, programmes lead to the degree of Specializacija, Magisterij and Doktorat znanosti. The entrance requirement for studies leading to the Specializacija is a first degree. Programmes last between one and two years and end with the defence of a thesis. Students who have successfully defended a thesis are awarded a Specializacija degree with the professional title of Specialist in a specific field. This leads to employment in a given profession or to the continuation of studies leading to a Magisterij, subject to students meeting certain requirements. The entrance requirement for programmes leading to the Magisterij is an academic first degree or a professionally- oriented first degree, the latter being an exception rather than a rule. Specific entrance requirements for individual programmes leading either to Magisterij or Doktorat znanosti are stipulated by the higher education institutions offering the individual programmes and the university statute. Programmes leading to the Magisterij last for two years, ending with the defence of a thesis. Students who have successfully defended a thesis are awarded the title of Magister znanosti in a specific field of study or Magister umetnosti. The Magisterij leads either to employment or to doctoral studies. The entrance requirements for programmes leading to the Doktorat znanosti are either an academic first degree or a Magisterij degree. Doctoral study programmes following a first degree Diploma last for four years. Doctoral study programmes following a Magisterij degree last for two years. Students who have completed a Magisterij degree can continue their studies for another two years in order to obtain their doctoral degree and the title of Doktor znanosti. Students who have enrolled in four-year doctoral studies can interrupt them and complete them at the Magisterij level instead.