The study program was confirmed at the University of Maribor Senate meeting on the 22th of October 2024 and was accepted by The Slovenian Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education on the 18th of September 2025

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. Students are promoted to the second year if they have accumulated at least 54 ECTS credits by passing the first-year examinations and have passed examinations in the following courses: Chemistry and Synthesis of Materials (6 ECTS), Physics of Materials (6 ECTS), Structure of Materials (6 ECTS), Modern Methods of Materials Characterisation (6 ECTS). Students who do not fulfil all the requirements for advancement may exceptionally be granted admission to the second year by the Study Affairs Committee of the Faculty of Arts or the Faculty of Arts and Science upon their request, if they have fulfilled more than half of the study requirements of the first year (more than 30 ECTS) and have completed the above-mentioned courses, if they were unable to fulfil the requirements for justified reasons as stipulated in the Statutes of the University of Maribor, and if they can be expected to fulfil the requirements.

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 the University 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.

Graduates of the Advanced Engineering Materials programme are among the most sought-after specialists in modern industry. Materials form the foundation of every product – from medical devices and electronic components to aircraft, automobiles, packaging, and future energy sources – making the knowledge gained in this programme universally applicable and highly valued. Graduates of the Master’s programme in Advanced Engineering Materials can find employment in: 1. High-Tech Companies Development of new materials, process optimisation, 3D printing, nanotechnology, batteries, composites, and smart materials – industry urgently needs experts who understand materials and their behaviour. 2. Research Institutes and Laboratories Participation in cutting-edge projects, development of advanced analytical methods, industrial research, and European projects. 3. Industrial R&D and Technology Departments Metallurgy, chemical industry, polymers, automotive, aerospace, textiles, paper, energy, packaging, and many other sectors seek experts to develop new solutions. 4. Companies in Sustainable Technologies and the Circular Economy Material recycling, development of sustainable polymers, bio-based materials, and solutions to reduce environmental impact. 5. Public Sector and Education Ministries, agencies, inspection services, universities, secondary schools, and professional institutions where understanding material properties, standards, and safety is essential. 6. Cultural Institutions and Restoration Centres Restoration of artefacts, conservation of paper, textiles, metals, and other materials – fields that value precision, understanding of material degradation, and the use of modern analytical techniques

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 Advanced Engineering Materials study programme is designed to educate top-level specialists and researchers in advanced engineering materials, in accordance with European guidelines and international standards. The programme prepares graduates to compete in domestic, European, and global job markets, offering a wide range of employment opportunities. The programme trains experts who, at both research and applied science levels, understand the interconnections and interdependencies between engineering challenges, technological solutions, and the realities of modern industry. Graduates gain in-depth knowledge of the development, production, processing, and application of engineering materials, as well as the ability to clearly interpret the relevant processes and technologies. The curriculum provides broad interdisciplinary knowledge, including fundamental natural science principles, advanced approaches and technologies for material development, and methods for characterising and evaluating their functionality and complexity. As a result, the programme develops professionals capable of innovatively approaching material development, process optimisation, recycling, and the economic and environmental assessment of material life cycles. The programme contributes to the development of Slovenia’s economic and academic environment by creating specialists who strengthen the country’s competitiveness and prospects in European and global markets. It also fosters graduate innovation, the ability to integrate various phases of the material life cycle, and the creation of market-relevant profiles, ensuring high employability and mobility. The programme offers flexibility through a selection of elective courses, allowing students to tailor their studies to their career and research ambitions. It actively promotes collaboration between researchers and industry, encourages project-based and research work, and prepares students for further education at doctoral level. Special attention is given to the applied orientation of research, particularly in final projects, strengthening long-term partnerships and cooperation between academic institutions and industry.

Graduates of the Master’s study programme Advanced Engineering Materials will be qualified for development and leadership roles in companies and organisations involved in the design, development, and production of products made from polymers, ceramics, metals, composites, paper, fibres, and other materials. Their general competencies include: • Ability to solve problems in the design of production processes. • Capacity for critical thinking and judgement in design, planning, consulting, and project work. • Commitment to professional ethics. • Ability to analyse problems, anticipate solutions, and select the best course of action based on collected and evaluated results. • Research and scientific skills for developing new, creative solutions in product design and manufacturing. • Ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practice using advanced techniques and state-of-the-art technologies. • Decision-making skills and the ability to take responsibility for managing complex work processes. • Ability to present acquired knowledge and contribute effectively to teamwork in both domestic and international environments, as well as to engage in independent and lifelong learning.

Graduates of the Master’s study programme in Advanced Engineering Materials gain the ability to apply research methods and advanced knowledge in chemistry, polymers, and surface and colloid chemistry, integrating these with processes and procedures in the broader field of engineering materials. Through professional critical thinking, self-evaluation, and responsibility, they develop expertise in material structures, including amorphous and crystalline arrangements, crystal defects, and their interactions. They can perform independent technical assessments based on scientific analysis and synthesis, applying concepts from materials physics, the physical principles of technical applications, and fostering a scientific approach to problem-solving. Graduates place new information and interpretations within the core disciplines of metallic and ceramic materials, understanding the impact of microstructure on material properties and the mechanisms involved in their preparation and characterisation. They understand polymer structures, the mechanisms of polymer responsiveness to external stimuli, and can design functional polymer structures considering chemistry, architecture, and morphology. They demonstrate creative thinking, the ability to find innovative solutions, and a research-oriented approach to designing naturally renewable and biologically active materials, their properties, and methods of production and application. Graduates can describe research methods, procedures, and processes while developing critical and self-critical judgement in material characterisation, with a solid understanding of the theoretical foundations of modern analytical methods. They can evaluate environmentally friendly technologies, critically assess environmental protection issues, ecological labelling of materials, and the concepts of the circular economy and material recycling. They also effectively link theory and practice in specialised materials and technologies, advancing their knowledge of nanomaterials, biologically active materials, colour-responsive and high-performance materials, protective materials, magnetic materials, 3D printing, and specialised technologies for material functionalisation. Graduates analyse problems, synthesise information, anticipate potential solutions, and make optimal decisions in designing and optimising technologies and processes. They participate in project management in production, from product, technology, and process development to promoting innovation-driven progress. They are proficient in designing, consulting, planning, and implementing technical solutions in engineering materials while upholding professional excellence, societal benefit, ethical responsibility, and commitment to professional ethics.

The 2nd cycle study programme Advanced Engineering Materials is open to students who have completed: - First degree programmes in the relevant fields of study: Biochemistry (0512), Chemistry (0531), Chemical Engineering and Processes (0711), Metallurgy, Mechanical and Metal Engineering (0715), Manufacturing Technologies (072), Interdisciplinary Educational Activities/Outcomes, mainly Engineering, Manufacturing Technologies and Construction (078). - First cycle study programmes in other fields of study: Biology (0511), Physics (0533), Environmental Technology (0712), Motor Vehicles, Ships and Aircraft (0716), Civil Engineering (0732); provided that prior to enrolment in the study programme the candidate has fulfilled the study requirements essential for the continuation of the study programme to the extent of 22 ECTS, which may be fulfilled during the first cycle studies, in the advanced study programmes, or by passing differential examinations prior to the enrolment in the study programme. Materials (4 ECTS), General Chemistry (8 ECTS), Foundations of Classical Physics (4 ECTS), and Analytical Chemistry II (6 ECTS). - Higher professional study programme adopted before 11.6.2004 in the following fields of study: Biochemistry (0512), Chemistry (0531), Chemical Engineering and Processes (0711), Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering and Metalworking (0715), Production Technologies (072), Interdisciplinary Educational Activities/Outcomes, mainly Engineering, Production Technologies and Civil Engineering (078). - A higher education vocational study programme adopted before 11 June 2004 in another field of study: Biology (0511), Physics (0533), Environmental Technology (0712), Motor Vehicles, Ships and Aircraft (0716), Civil Engineering (0732); if, before enrolment in the study programme, the candidate has completed the study requirements prerequisite for the continuation of studies to the extent of 22 ECTS, which may be completed during the first cycle studies, in the advanced study programmes or in the second cycle studies, or in the second cycle studies, in the following fields of study. by passing differential examinations prior to enrolment in the study programme. Materials (4 ECTS), General Chemistry (8 ECTS), Foundations of Classical Physics (4 ECTS), and Analytical Chemistry II (6 ECTS). - Bachelor's degree programme taken before 11.6.2004 in the following relevant fields of study: Biochemistry (0512), Chemistry (0531), Chemical Engineering and Processes (0711), Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering and Metalworking (0715), Manufacturing Technologies (072), Interdisciplinary Educational Activities/Outcomes, mainly Engineering, Manufacturing Technologies and Construction (078). Such a candidate will normally be awarded 60 ECTS within the programme of study and will be enrolled in the second year of study if, with the obligations awarded, he/she fulfils the conditions for transfer laid down by the accredited programme of study. - Bachelor's degree programme taken before 11 June 2004 in another field of study: Biology (0511), Physics (0533), Environmental Technology (0712), Motor Vehicles, Ships and Aircraft (0716), Civil Engineering (0732). Such a candidate shall be awarded 30 ECTS within the study programme and shall be enrolled in the relevant year of study accordingly. - A higher professional degree programme adopted before 11 June 2004 and a specialisation degree programme adopted before 11 June 2004 in the following relevant fields of study: Biochemistry (0512), Chemistry (0531), Chemical Engineering and Processes (0711), Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering and Metalworking (0715), Manufacturing Technologies (072), Interdisciplinary Educational Activities/Outcomes, mainly Engineering, Manufacturing Technologies and Construction (078). Such a candidate will normally be awarded 60 ECTS within the programme of study and will be enrolled in the second year of study if, with the obligations awarded, he/she fulfils the conditions for transfer laid down by the accredited programme of study. - A higher professional study programme adopted before 11 June 2004 and a specialisation study programme adopted before 11 June 2004 in other fields of study: Biology (0511), Physics (0533), Environmental Technology (0712), Motor Vehicles, Ships and Aircraft (0716), Civil Engineering (0732). Such a candidate shall be awarded 30 ECTS within the study programme and shall be enrolled in the relevant year of study accordingly.

In selecting candidates for admission to the second cycle AEM study programme, the following performance in the first cycle of studies is considered: average mark in the final thesis: 100 %.

Candidates enrol according to the "Criteria for Transfers Between Study Programmes": - to the second year of the AEM Master's degree programme, in the case of a withdrawal from the first degree programme in the field of study Chemistry (0531); Chemical Engineering and Processes (0711); Textile, Clothing, Footwear and Leather Technology (0723); Wood, Paper, Plastics, Glass and Related Technology (0722); Environmental Sciences (0521) and further study on the same degree programme. Transition under the transfer criteria is possible if the candidate fulfils the following conditions: - meets the requirements for entry to the first year of the AEM Master's degree programme, - transfers from a study programme that provides comparable competences or learning outcomes at the end of their studies, - at least half of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) requirements from the first programme of study which relate to the compulsory courses of the second programme of study are recognised at the time of transfer. The decision on the transfer from one study programme to another is made by the Study Affairs Committee of the FS or FKKT. In accordance with the Regulations on the Recognition of Knowledge and Skills in Study Programmes of the University of Maribor, the candidate must submit to the faculty: - applying for recognition of skills at the University of Maribor, - a certificate of completion of the study requirements (exams) with the grades and number of credits obtained, - the validated curricula on which the knowledge was acquired, - proof of payment for the procedure. If at least enough ECTS credits are awarded in the recognition process at the time of the transfer to fulfil the conditions for enrolment in the upper year of the second cycle of the AEM Master's degree programme, the candidate will be granted enrolment in the second year of that programme. They shall be given the missing requirements which they must fulfil to graduate in the new programme.

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.