Master’s Study – International and Diplomatic Studies postgraduate

International and Diplomatic Studies II is a second cycle interdisciplinary master’s programme lasting two years and amounting to 120 ECTS.

 After fulfilling the requirements for the completion of this study programme, the graduate is awarded the title of Master of International and Diplomatic Studies.

 Date of last accreditation by the Slovenian Quality Assurance Agency: 21 March 2013.

International and Diplomatic Studies II is designed to educate experts in the field of diplomacy and international relations at the national and European level. It is intended both as academic education towards the doctoral degree, as well as professionalization for demanding working environments. This study programme is divided into two optional specialized fields. One of them is called International Field of Study, which provides competences to work professionally in the field of international relations and comparative law. Another one is called Diplomacy and it provides competences to work professionally in the field of diplomacy. This programme follows the principles of the Bologna Declaration, taking into consideration globally acknowledged educational practice and combining theoretical and applicative knowledge.

International and Diplomatic Studies II educates future experts from the field of international and diplomatic studies. Its theoretical and methodological elements, as well as the applicability of delivered knowledge is on the one hand the basis for further study, especially within the study programme of International and Diplomatic Studies III, and the source of professional competences, knowledge and skills on the other hand. Graduates can find employment in diplomacy, foreign policy, international (business) relations, and administration both in public and private sector. They can find employment in Slovenia as well as in the EU because this degree is recognizable according to the Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region.

Foreign candidates who have completed education abroad meet the enrolment conditions if they finished:

• The 1^st cycle study programme from the field of law, social and behavioral science or business and administration.
• The 1^st cycle study programme from the field of humanities or other professional fields. In this case, the candidate has to pass the following bridging exams: Basics of Law; Basics of Constitutional Regulation; and Basics of Civic Law.
• The 1^st cycle study programme or study programme for obtaining higher education in other technical fields, adopted prior to 11 June 2004, however, they have to pass bridging exams, specified by the Study Commission with regard to the technical field of their previous studies.

Candidates can complete the additional study requirements during their 1^st cycle study or by passing exams prior to enrolling in this study programme.

Other conditions may be determined by individual bilateral agreements of transnational education or mobility.

Criteria for Transferring

Transfers are possible between study programmes of the same cycle (2^nd). They are possible between study programmes which on completion of studies ensure the acquisition of comparable competences, and between which it is possible, under the recognition criteria, to recognize at least half of study requirements under the ECTS from the first study programme relating to compulsory courses of the second study programme.

 The Study Commission decides on the possibility of transfer. It identifies the already completed study obligations and fully or partially recognizes them. It then determines the obligations required to complete this study programme. Based on this, it may require from the candidates to complete additional obligations to enroll in the higher year or semester.

 Other conditions may be determined by individual bilateral agreements of transnational education or mobility.

Recognition of Prior Knowledge

Recognition of formally acquired knowledge:

Candidates may request recognition of knowledge acquired within an accredited study programme of the same cycle or level at another higher education institution. Courses may also be recognized which the candidates completed during the study of this programme at another higher education institution, but only if they differ from the courses that the candidates have already completed within International and Diplomatic Studies II.

 Recognition of informally acquired knowledge:

Candidates may request recognition of knowledge at the comparable level acquired within informal education outside accredited study programmes (professional exams, projects, scientific or professional works and publications, other copyright works, active participation at summer schools and competitions).

 Decisions on recognition are adopted by the Study Commission. For informal prior knowledge, maximally of 10 credits may be recognized, which count for optional courses within International and Diplomatic Studies II only.

 Other conditions may be determined by individual bilateral agreements of transnational education or mobility.

Selection Criteria in Case of Limited Enrolment

In case of limited enrolment, the Study Commission will decide on selection of candidates based on the average grade at the first cycle study (80% of selection grade) and based on the grade of the diploma thesis (20% of selection grade).

 Other conditions may be determined by individual bilateral agreements of transnational education or mobility.

Conditions for Progression and Completion of Studies

In order to progress into the second year, the candidate must have completed all courses of the first two semesters or acquired at least 40 credits including all bridging exams either through study or by recognition.

 Graduating in International and Diplomatic Studies II requires completing all courses and completing as well as successfully defending the master’s thesis according to the New University regulations.