The study program was confirmed at the University of Maribor Senate meeting on the 17th of October 2009 and was accepted by the Council for Higher Education of Republic of Slovenia on the 18th of December 2009. The study program was confirmed again at the University of Maribor Senate meeting on the 22th of September 2015 and was accepted by The Slovenian Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education on the 15th of September 2016.

Advancement according to the study programme is possible if the student fulfils certain obligations set out by the study programme and the Statute of the University of Maribor. Conditions for transition to the 2nd study year: Students advance to the 2nd study year if they collect at least 48 ECTS credits by passing the 1st study year exams and if they have passed the exams in the following study subjects: - Selected Topics in Mathematics (6 ECTS) - Selected Topics in Mechanics (6 ECTS) - Methods of Experimental Work (6 ECTS), - Numerical Modelling and Computer Simulations (6 ECTS) - Modern Engineering Materials (6 ECTS). Students who do not fulfil all the obligations for advancement may, at their request, be granted enrolment in the 2nd study year by the Commission for Study Affairs of the University Member, if they have fulfilled more than half of the 1st year study obligations (more than 30 ECTS) and completed the above study subjects, but only if they were unable to fulfil the obligations for justified reasons which are determined in the Statute of the University of Maribor, and if it is expected that they will fulfil the obligations. Repetition of the year: A student who has not fulfilled all the obligations for transition to a higher study year may be granted a repetition of the study year by the Commission for Study Affairs of the University Member, in accordance with the provisions of the Statute of the University of Maribor.

The study programme is comprehensive and does not provide for the completion of individual parts of the programme.

Postgraduate study in the 3rd-cycle doctoral study programmes at Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of theUniversity of Maribor or at other higher-education institutions. The candidates can enrol into the 3rd-cycle doctoral study programmes in accordance with the conditions of the institution that offers the postgraduate study program.

Study programme of the Mechanical Engineering offers an excellent starting point for employment in various fields of economy, including industry branches, associated with mechanical engineering, as well as in specific branches outside industrial sector. The employment opportunities are found in top-level project and construction offices, in planning and constructing wide ranges of new products, device line-ups and constructions based on modern computer based tools, in development centers with computational modeling and analysis of complex physical phenomena for the design, manufacturing and applications, in organizations, dealing with design, development and control of modern innovative machines and devices for power generation, in companies for research, development and introduction of green energy, in companies with focus on research, development and control of complex process equipment, in companies devoted to design, intruduction and control of complex manufacturing technologies, in companies for development, introduction and control of mechanized, automated complex and robotized manufacturing procedures, in maintenance departments, in integrity management departments of quality and overall where the work procedures are somehow connected with the broader field of mechanical engineering.The graduates exceed the profession limits as heads of departments, as top experts in research and development in scientific institutes, as members or leaders of expert control agencies, as top-level experts for expert assesments in various institutions, in numerous positions in state agencies, as experts for selected engineering fields, and as specialists and researchers in university institutions.

Information on study programmes offered by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the UM is available on the website https://www.fs.um.si/studij/studijski-programi/

There are no other obligations.

Examination and assessment of students’ learning outcomes is carried out in accordance with the criteria and methods defined in the Rules on Examination and Assessment of Knowledge at the University of Maribor, available at https://www.um.si/univerza/dokumentni-center/akti/Strani/studij-na-um.aspx. Criteria and methods of assessing the knowledge within an individual study subject are part of the SUBJECT-SPECIFICation and are publicly available on the website https://aips.um.si/PredmetiBP5/main.asp. For all subjects in all study programmes of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, knowledge assessment is regulated by a single "Assessment Scale" which is available at https://www.fs.um.si/studij/informacije-o-studiju/izpitni-sistem/. Methods of ongoing assessment and evaluation of knowledge are encouraged, thus enabling students to monitor their own progress in their studies.

The learning outcomes or competencies of the 2nd level master's study programme in Mechanical Engineering, which are acquired by students during the educational process, are appropriate to the content and level of the programme. The goals of the study programme are clearly defined, as the study is based on the gradual achievement of all the necessary general competencies, as well as subject-specific ones that our graduates need to have. During the study, and especially in the last year, the goals are checked with exams of compulsory and elective learning contents, and great emphasis is placed on the content of the master's thesis, where the student must design and produce quality professional work that proves his/her ability to successfully combine the acquired knowledge and design original and innovative solutions. The knowledge test consists of two levels. The first level is the level of checking the understanding and synthesis of knowledge of typical theoretical concepts in the field of mechanical engineering, which is checked by tests and oral exams of theoretical knowledge. The second level is the verification of the ability to use the acquired knowledge for the analysis and evaluation of real engineering problems, which is verified by solving computational problems and by the preparation of seminar and laboratory tasks. The basic goal of the postgraduate master's study programme of the 2nd level of Mechanical Engineering is to acquire in-depth theoretical and professional knowledge, skills and methods of work for solving very demanding professional problems in the broad field of mechanical engineering. Through in-depth study of scientific methods, along with a variety of professional and applied study contents of the programme, the graduate will develop the ability of intensive abstract and associative thinking, synthesis of knowledge from a wide range of mechanical engineering and other disciplines, transfer of research achievements into practice and development of innovative problem-solving procedures. This orientation of the study programme is fully in line with the European orientation which emphasizes the development of new and demanding products, development of high technologies and flexible automation, use of modern tools for computer modelling of processes and systems, small-batch and individual production – in short processes and products where original and innovative knowledge is crucial.

Students of the postgraduate master's programme of the 2nd level of Mechanical Engineering will acquire appropriate general competencies during their studies, so that they will be able to solve very demanding professional problems in accordance with the high standards of work performance demanded from such educated professionals. General competencies will be acquired from the master's core knowledge of the study programme or field. We will enable students to acquire in-depth knowledge in broader professional fields, while training them to find new sources of knowledge in professional and scientific fields, to use scientific research methods in a wider range of problems and in new or changed circumstances, and to take responsibility for leading very demanding work processes and systems. These qualities will be acquired by students during the study process which will be designed in such a way that it will intensively include professional and scientific maturation through project task solving in the work environment which will be fundamental, application- or development-oriented. In addition, they will acquire other skills, abilities, values, beliefs, and positive self-image during the study process which, in addition to quality knowledge, significantly contribute to efficient use of resources, successful communication skills and contribute a significant share to performance in very demanding tasks. Graduates of the postgraduate master's study programme in Mechanical Engineering will master research methods, procedures and processes in the broader field of economic engineering in the relevant field and with professional criticism, self-critical judgment and responsibility they will be able to design, plan, and construct demanding products, systems, technologies, taking into account professional excellence, social usefulness, ethical responsibility, commitment to professional ethics and criteria for the environmental integrity of their creations. In doing so, they will use systemic concepts and principles of universality. At the same time, they will be able to perform independent technical assessment based on scientific analysis and synthesis. Students will be able to effectively connect theory and practice, including through project assignments. The broad, interdisciplinary orientation of the study contents will enable the full expansion of their creative and innovative potentials. They will be able to analyse problems, eliminate insignificant influences, make a synthesis, anticipate possible solutions, choose the best decision at a given moment and assess the consequences associated with it. They will be independent at their work, and at the same time they will develop communication skills and group work competencies in the domestic and international environment. The general competences can thus be summarized in the following items: • synthesis of basic knowledge and specific expertise in the analysis of complex problems, • ability of individual creative thinking, • ability to solve concrete work problems using scientific methods and procedures, • coherent mastery of basic knowledge and the ability to integrate knowledge from different fields, • placing new information and interpretations in the context of the basic discipline, • understanding the general structure of the basic discipline and the connection between its sub-disciplines, • understanding and applying critical analysis methods, • development of skills and abilities in the application of knowledge in a specific professional field, • use of modern computer, information and communication technology, • ability to lead group work and master communication within the organization and externally, • ability to find new sources of knowledge in the professional and scientific field, • ability to integrate the results of other disciplines into the broader field of mechanical engineering, • taking responsibility for managing the most demanding work systems and developing critical reflection.

A subject-specific competence is an activity that is developed to the extent that it enables the individual to effectively perform the activity in the work process to which it relates. Subject-specific competence means the direct use of specialist or applied knowledge and is developed in simulations, case studies and in the direct use of knowledge in problem solving. The graduate of the postgraduate master's study programme of the 2nd level of Mechanical Engineering is an expert with broad and in-depth theoretical and methodological knowledge for solving very demanding problems in planning, leading and implementing development, research and scientific tasks in a wide field of mechanical engineering and various jobs. The study by fields and modules enables the student to create a professional profile by choosing the appropriate subject sets that coincide either with his/her individual interests or with the needs for specialist knowledge in a particular organization. Subject-specific competences are listed for each curriculum separately. The main subject-specific competencies developed by the postgraduate master's study programme of the 2nd level of Mechanical Engineering, which are an upgrade of the above, can be summarized in the following items: • ability to master and deepen knowledge in the professional fields on which they will focus (e.g., design of technical systems, development engineering, joining of engineering materials, transport systems, energy engineering, process engineering, environmental engineering, advanced processing technologies and systems, metrology and quality, management of production technologies, computer engineering modelling, engineering design) and interdisciplinary approach to problem solving, • ability to design, evaluate and manufacture technologically demanding products and systems that can be marketed in global markets, • ability to find new sources of knowledge in the professional and scientific field, • development and application of scientific research methods in a wider range of problems and thus a quick response to new circumstances at home and in the world, • mastering new technological procedures and processes, • ability to find new solutions and scientific research approach in the design and manufacture of products related to new techniques and cutting-edge technologies, • integrated approach to the development, manufacture and optimization of products and plants taking into account several factors, e.g. functional properties, shape, manufacture, assembly, economics, management, maintenance, ecology, • ability to integrate the results of other disciplines into the broader field of mechanical engineering, • ability of individual creative thinking, • ability to solve concrete work problems using scientific methods and procedures, • coherent mastery of basic knowledge and the ability to integrate knowledge from different fields, • placing new information and interpretations in the context of the basic professional discipline, • understanding the general structure of the basic professional discipline and the connection between its subdisciplines, • understanding and applying critical analysis methods, • development of skills and abilities in the application of knowledge in a specific professional field, • use of modern computer, information and communication technology, • ability to lead group work and master communication within the organization and externally, • taking responsibility for managing the most demanding work systems and developing critical reflection.

Candidates who completed the following may apply for the 2nd-cycle (master’s) study programme in Mechanical Engineering: 1. A 1st-cycle (bachelor’s) study programme in one of the following fields: mechanics and metal trades (0715), chemical engineering and processes (0711), building and civil engineering (0732), inter-disciplinary programmes and qualifications involving engineering, manufacturing and construction (0788), or physics (0533). 2. A 1 st-cycle (bachelor’s) study programme in one of the following fields: chemistry (0531), mathematics (0541) software and applications development and analysis (0613), environmental protection technology (0712), electricity and energy (0713), motor vehicles, ships and aircraft (0716), textiles (clothes, footwear and leather) (0723), or mining and extraction (0724). Prior to enrolment, candidates shall pass the following courses corresponding to 30 ECTS credits under the 1 st-cycle (bachelor’s) study programme, a supplementary study programme, or by taking bridging exams: Mathematical Analysis (6 ECTS), Linear Algebra (3 ECTS), Vector Analysis (6 ECTS), Differential Analysis (3 ECTS), Mechanics I (6 ECTS), and Mechanics II (6 ECTS). 3. An undergraduate professional study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 in one of the following fields: mechanics and metal trades (0715), chemical engineering and processes (0711), building and civil engineering (0732), or interdisciplinary programmes and qualifications involving engineering, manufacturing and construction (0788). 4. An undergraduate professional study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 in one of the following fields: chemistry (0531), physics (0533), mathematics (0541), software and applications development and analysis (0613), environmental protection technology (0712), electricity and energy (0713), motor vehicles, ships and aircraft (0716), textiles (clothes, footwear and leather) (0723), or mining and extraction (0724). Prior to enrolment, candidates shall pass the following courses corresponding to 30 ECTS credits under the 1st -cycle (bachelor’s) study programme, a supplementary study programme, or by taking bridging exams: Mathematical Analysis (6 ECTS), Linear Algebra (3 ECTS), Vector Analysis (6 ECTS), Differential Analysis (3 ECTS), Mechanics I (6 ECTS), and Mechanics II (6 ECTS). 5. An undergraduate academic study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 in one of the following fields: mechanics and metal trades (0715), chemical engineering and processes (0711), building and civil engineering (0732), or interdisciplinary programmes and qualifications involving engineering, manufacturing and construction (0788). Candidates are typically awarded 60 ECTS credits and may enrol in the second year of study provided they satisfy the transfer criteria laid down in the accredited study programme. 6. An undergraduate academic study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 in one of the following fields: chemistry (0531), physics (0533), mathematics (0541), software and applications development and analysis (0613), environmental protection technology (0712), electricity and energy (0713), motor vehicles, ships and aircraft (0716), textiles (clothes, footwear and leather) (0723), or mining and extraction (0724). Candidates are awarded 30 ECTS credits and may enrol in the corresponding year of study. 7. A specialisation following an undergraduate professional study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 in one of the following fields: mechanics and metal trades (0715), chemical engineering and processes (0711), building and civil engineering (0732), or inter-disciplinary programmes and qualifications involving engineering, manufacturing and construction (0788). Candidates are typically awarded 60 ECTS credits and may enrol in the second year of study provided they satisfy the transfer criteria laid down in the accredited study programme. 8. A specialisation following an undergraduate professional study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 in one of the following fields: chemistry (0531), physics (0533), mathematics (0541), software and applications development and analysis (0613), environmental protection technology (0712), electricity and energy (0713), motor vehicles, ships and aircraft (0716), textiles (clothes, footwear and leather) (0723), or mining and extraction (0724). Candidates are awarded 30 ECTS credits and may enrol in the corresponding year of study.

If the number of applications exceeds the number of available enrolment places, candidates shall be ranked according to: – grade point average including the thesis: 100%.

In accordance with the Criteria for Transferring Between Study Programmes, candidates may enrol: - in the second year of the 2nd-cycle (master’s) study programme in Mechanical Engineering if they have ceased their studies in the previous study programme in the field of mechanics and metal trades (0715), chemical engineering and processes (0711), building and civil engineering (0732), inter-disciplinary programmes and qualifications involving engineering, manufacturing and construction (0788), or physics (0533) and will continue them under this study programme at the same level. Candidates may transfer to the study programme provided they fulfil the following criteria: - criteria for enrolment in the first year of the 2nd-cycle study programme in Mechanical Engineering; - they are transferring from a study programme leading to the acquisition of comparable competences or learning outcomes; - at least half of the study obligations evaluated according to the ECTS credit system of the previous study programme relating to compulsory courses of the new study programme are recognised. The transfer shall be addressed by the Committee for Academic Affairs of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. In accordance with the Rules on the Recognition of Knowledge and Skills in Study Programmes of the University of Maribor, the candidate shall submit to the faculty: - an application for the recognition of knowledge and skills at the University of Maribor; - proof of fulfilled study obligations (exams) including grades and ECTS credits; - validated course syllabi according to which knowledge was acquired; - a receipt of payment for the recognition procedure. If under the recognition procedure enough fulfilled study obligations is recognized that the candidate meets the criteria for enrolment in the second year of the 2nd-cycle (master’s) study programme in Mechanical Engineering, enrolment in the second year is approved and study obligations required for completion of the new study programme are laid down. If the number of applications exceeds the number of available enrolment places, candidates shall be ranked according to grade point average.

Criteria for recognition of knowledge and skills are regulated by the Rules on Recognition of Knowledge and Skills in Study Programmes of the University of Maribor which regulate the procedures for identifying, verifying, and recognizing knowledge and criteria for recognizing knowledge and skills acquired by candidates through formal and non-formal learning prior to enrolment and while studying at the University of Maribor. The rules can be found at https://www.um.si/univerza/dokumentni-center/akti/Strani/studij-na-um.aspx. The basic criterion for recognition is the comparability of knowledge acquired elsewhere with learning units, skills and competences. Examination, in terms of content and complexity, whether they fully or partially correspond to the general and/or subject-specific competencies determined by the study programme.

A student who completes all the obligations prescribed by the study programme and thus collects at least 120 ECTS credits completes his/her studies.