The study programme was approved by the Senate of the University of Maribor on 25. February, 2008 and adopted by the Council for Higher Education of the Republic of Slovenia on 5 May, 2008. The study programme has received international accreditation in the USA by the AACSB (AACSB International, 777 South Harbour Island Boulevard, Suite 750, Tampa, Florida 33602 USA).

In order to advance to the 2nd year of study, the students must fulfil study requirements in the minimum of 45 ECTS points. In order to advance to the 3rd year of study, the students must fulfil all study requirements from the 1st year of study and the requirements from the 2nd year of study in the minimum of 45 ECTS points.

The programme doesn't allow for the recognition of partial completion of programme.

A doctor of science may continue his/her post-doctoral study abroad.

A doctor of science may find employment in research institutions, at a university or faculties, in research and development organisations, corporate entities and state administration.

The methods of knowledge evaluation and assessment are regulated by the Rules on the evaluation and assessment of knowledge at UM (‘Pravilnik o preverjanju in ocenjevanju znanja na UM’), which are available at: https://www.um.si/univerza/dokumentni-center/akti/Strani/studij-na-um.aspx. The rules and course syllabi determine the methods of ongoing assessment and assessment of knowledge and thus monitoring the student's own progress in studies.

• comprehensive and critical thinking and understanding together with the ability to analyse and synthesise; • ability to apply modern concepts and models to diagnose and solve problems (decision-making) at the level of a company or a broader society (e.g. economic regulation) by using the most demanding quantitative and qualitative methods for analysis and assessment; • effective oral and written communication within the context of formal research approaches and the explanation of complex economic and business phenomena; • ability for comprehensive analysis, interpretation and utilization of analytical methods and models; • efficient use of information and communication technologies; • ability to understand the diversity and complexity of economic developments in a dynamic environment; • ability for independent planning and implementation of research in the fields of business operations, management and economics; • understanding of broad dimensions of management and the environment, especially of their European, technological and ethical aspects; • creation of new methods for solving the most complex research problems in the field of economics and business sciences; • ability to present research findings in domestic and international scientific periodicals; • formation of original scientific solutions for the socioeconomic environment.

Candidates who completed the following may enrol in the doctoral (3rd-cycle) programme “Economics and Business”: - A master’s (2nd-cycle) programme; - An undergraduate programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004; - A bachelor’s vocational programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 and a specialisation programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004. Prior to enrolment, candidates must fulfil study obligations corresponding to 36 ECTS credits under the master’s (2nd-cycle) programme “Economic and Business Sciences”: - two basic courses of the programme, - two basic courses of the track, - two elective courses of the track, - A master’s programme (MSc) adopted prior to 11 June 2004. Upon enrolment, students are awarded 60 ECTS in accordance with relevant legislative provisions. The Faculty’s Academic Affairs Committee decides on the recognition of study obligations; - An undergraduate programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 and a specialisation programme. These candidates are awarded 60 ECTS in accordance with relevant legislative provisions. The Faculty’s Academic Affairs Committee decides on the recognition of study obligations.

If there is greater demand than there are places available, candidates shall be ranked according to: - academic performance under the master’s (2nd-cycle) programme (grade point average and grade awarded for the master's thesis) – 30%; - grade in the elective exam (oral exam) – 70%.