The Senate of Maribor University discussed the study programme and adopted it at its meeting on 25. 10. 2005. On 18. 11. 2005, the Council for Higher Education of the Republic of Slovenia granted accreditation in the procedure of introducing the study programme.

Grade Percentage Performance Excellent (10) 91 – 100% An exceptional/outstanding performance Very good (9) 81 – 90% A very good performance Very good (8) 71 – 80% A good/above average performance Good (7) 61 – 70% An adequate performance with shortcomings Sufficient (6) 51 – 60% A barely acceptable performance

General competences: • identifies a research problem, analyses it and finds possible solutions • has mastered standard methods, procedures and processes of the research field • uses theoretical knowledge in practise • does research independently • diligently follows professional ethics

Specific skills and competences: • solves research problems in the fields of agricultural economics and related disciplines • has improved skills in using obtained knowledge in the research fields of agricultural economics and related disciplines • uses standard empirical methods in the research fields of agricultural economics and related disciplines (econometric modelling, decision theory, empirical marketing research) • has the ability to design and implement original scientific research solutions to problems in the field • has the ability to present research results to wider audiences by publishing in scientific journals

Candidates who completed the following may apply for the 3rd-cycle (doctoral) study programme in Agricultural Economics: – A 2nd-cycle (master’s) study programme. – An undergraduate academic study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004. – A specialisation following an undergraduate professional study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004. Prior to enrolment, candidates shall pass the following courses corresponding to 30 ECTS credits under the first semester of the 2nd-cycle (master’s) study programme in Agricultural Economics: Theoretical and Empirical Analysis in Agricultural Economics (6 ECTS), Basic Research Methods in Farm Management (6 ECTS), Economics and Marketing in Agri-Food Chain (6 ECTS), Organic Farm Management (6 ECTS), and Production Systems and Sustainable Development (6 ECTS). – A study programme educating students for professions regulated by EU directives or another unified (long-cycle) master’s study programme corresponding to 300 ECTS credits.

If the number of applications exceeds the number of available enrolment places, candidates shall be ranked according to: - grade point average (80%) and - grade awarded for the thesis (20%).

Candidates may transfer between study programmes in accordance with the Higher Education Act, Criteria for Transferring Between Study Programmes and other rules. In accordance with the Criteria for Transferring Between Study Programmes, candidates may enrol: • in the second or higher year of the 3rd-cycle (doctoral) study programme in Agricultural Economics if they have ceased their studies in the previous study programme and will continue them under this study programme at the same level, or if a doctoral graduate is enrolling in a new study programme at the same level; • in the second year of the 3rd-cycle (doctoral) study programme in Agricultural Economics if they have completed: - A master of science study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004. Candidates are awarded 60 ECTS credits. - A specialisation following an undergraduate academic study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004. Candidates are awarded 60 ECTS credits. Candidates may transfer to the study programme provided they fulfil the following criteria: - criteria for enrolment in the first year of the 3rd-cycle study programme in Agricultural Economics; - 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 a competent senate committee of the faculty where the candidate intends to continue his studies.