The programme was approved by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Senate on December 19, 2008, University of Maribor Senat on February 17, 2009, and by the Council for Higher Education on March 30, 2009. On 24 April 2014, the Senate of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science accepted the application for re-accreditation of the study programme, and the Senate of the University of Maribor accepted it on 22 September 2015. On 17 March 2016, the Council of the National Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Quality Assurance in Higher Education adopted a decision extending the accreditation of the study programme.

Conditions for advancement to the second study year: A student advances to the second study year if they collect at least 48 ECTS credits out by completing the first study year obligations. The conditions for promotion under extraordinary conditions and the conditions for repetition are defined by the Statute of the University of Maribor https://www.um.si/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Statut-Univerze-v-Mariboru-uradno-precisceno-besedilo-UPB-13.pdf

The second-degree study programme Informatics and Data Technologies does not contain individual parts.

A graduate of the study programme for obtaining a second-degree master's education may continue with doctoral studies in the third-degree study programmes in accordance with the conditions determined by the higher education institution announcing the doctoral study programme.

The second-degree study programme of Informatics and Data Technologies offers the possibility of obtaining a wide range of skills, which are targeted at professional and scientific areas of informatics and communication technologies, which are inextricably linked and intertwined. The study programme complements these highly professional competencies with the range of skills and competencies that enable the creation of a multi-layered, broad and flexible graduate profile. These competencies include the areas of IT management, project management with key business and economic skills, as well as knowledge innovation management.

Information on study programmes offered by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science are available on the following website https://feri.um.si/en/study/programmes/.

There are no other obligations.

Examination and assessment of student learning outcomes is performed in accordance with the criteria and methods defined in the Rules on the Examination and Assessment of Knowledge at the University of Maribor https://www.um.si/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Pravilnik-o-preverjanju-in-ocenjevanju-znanja-na-Univerzi-v-Mariboru-stev.-A4-2009-41-AG-uradno-precisceno-besedilo-UPB1.pdf In the case of an individual study unit, the type and manner of taking the examination and the conditions for taking the examination are determined by the curriculum, which is an integral part of the study programme. The curriculum determines the share of each method of examining and assessing the knowledge, which contributes to the final assessment. For all subjects in all study programmes of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, knowledge assessment is regulated by a single Assessment Scale, which is available at the following website: https://feri.um.si/studij/vprasanja-in-odgovori/. Methods of continuous examination and assessment of knowledge are encouraged, thus enabling students to continuously monitor their own progress in their studies.

The basic goal of the 2nd level Study Programme Informatics and Data Technologies is for the graduate to acquire in-depth professional knowledge based on scientific facts from the closely related fields of Informatics, Information systems, Data Technologies and ICT management. Furthermore, the basic goal of the programme is to supplement and intertwine this knowledge with key knowledge in the fields of Information, Digital and data technology management, Project management and Innovation management, key business and economic knowledge and innovation management knowledge. These orientations are harmonised with the guidelines for the development of Informatics and Communication technologies (within the framework of the European Research Programs abbreviated ICT), the information society, with the current needs of the economy and the vision of developing labour market needs in the future. Graduates will be trained to perform highly specialised professional work, and be prepared for basic scientific research and activities related to research, development and innovation. They will be able to use the acquired knowledge in a variety of domains that are related directly or indirectly to the field of study. With the careful composition of the Study Programme curriculum, taking into account the compulsory, as well as the optional courses or modules, the Study Programme represents an opportunity for the future graduate for the optimal combination of theoretical and applied content, which complement each other and provide synergy. The programme enables competent and competitive integration of the graduate into the information society - the knowledge society. The Master's Study Programme deepens the existing theoretical, methodological and applied knowledge acquired by the student in the 1st level Study Programme, and upgrades and supplements it into a comprehensive professional and scientific research profile. Studying theoretical and methodological bases and concepts enables the appropriate placement of professional knowledge and their in-depth understanding with the possibility of original scientific and professional contributions to the profession later in the professional activities of individuals and groups. Participation in research work is also an integral part of the programme, as the Study Programme further emphasises the importance of skills for the transfer and use of theoretical and professional knowledge in solving applied, professional and work problems, especially by finding new sources of knowledge and scientific methods.

The 2nd level Study Programme, Informatics and Data Technologies, enables the acquisition of a wide range of competencies focused on the professional and scientific field of Informatics and Data Technologies, which are linked and intertwined inextricably. The Study Programme complements high-level professional competencies with a range of knowledge and competencies that enable the creation of a multi-layered, broad and flexible profile of the graduate. These competencies include the areas of technology and business process management, intelligent information solutions, project management, modern IT platforms and architectures, IS security and security management, communication and collaboration, and digital innovation management. The key general competencies acquired through the programme include: • A very detailed knowledge of the study and professional field, • advanced computer skills, the ability to use, manage and design complex computer systems, • the ability to apply the acquired knowledge through a wide range of roles in which they may find themselves in the future, • The ability of analytical and systematic thinking, which enables them to solve specific challenges and problems in the field of the Study Programme, • Solving problems in the academic and industrial environments, • Effective teamwork, • Organising, implementing and leading scientific or industrial research projects, • Writing assignments and reports in accordance with professional standards, • Analysing and assessing the suitability of reports and projects in relation to professional standards, • Preparing and conducting seminars in accordance with professional and scientific standards, • Independently and efficiently organising time for themselves and for project groups, • The ability to integrate and participate in interdisciplinary groups in different roles in order to develop complex ICT solutions and systems in different problem areas, • The ability to search for additional knowledge in the field of the Study Programme, taking into account scientific methods and critical thinking, • The ability to assess situations, services and products related to the field of the Study Programme, as well as to be critical and self-critical, • The ability to identify, formulate, analyse and solve technical problems and present them to others or the public, • The ability to lead and decide on the method of work, nature of work, work procedure, working hours, roles, etc., • Mutual skills, • Oral and written expression and communication with engineering experts and society in general, • Research skills, • solving professional and work problems by finding sources of knowledge and using scientific methods, • Independence in research work, which enables the identification of research and development topics and their meaningful placement in practice, • The ability to find new sources of knowledge and use methods of communication among experts and between experts from different fields in order to achieve effective solutions, • The ability of system thinking, which enables the graduate to be included in interdisciplinary groups for the development of complex ICT solutions and systems in various problem areas, knowledge of methodological bases of development, • Implementation and management of ICT solutions and information systems, • The ability to carry out basic scientific research activities based on the knowledge, mastery and use of theoretical concepts, • The ability to use knowledge in practice and transfer and apply theoretical knowledge to practical problem domains, and the ability to solve problems efficiently, qualitatively and based on facts, • Cooperation and teamwork and proactivity in finding new solutions and new approaches.

With each individual study unit, students acquire general, as well as specific competencies, defined by the curriculum, which together contribute to the goals of the Study Programme. Graduates of the 2nd level Master's Study Programme in Informatics and Data Technologies acquire the following subject-specific competencies: • Explaining the importance of a methodological approach to the development of information solutions and services, • Selecting and using appropriate charting techniques and notations, • Developing business services and solutions using the principles of Service Engineering, • Developing new solutions based on the principles of reuse, • Evaluating and comparing the quality of information solutions and business services, • Defining and describing the concepts of various data technologies and services, • Defining and describing the connection of data technologies and services from the point of view of big data, • Interpreting the differences between individual data technologies and services, • Using and applying a certain type of data technology and service appropriately, • Using techniques when working with different types of data and information at different levels of use, • Implementing and introducing practical solutions when using data technologies and services, • Designing modern and efficient software solutions using appropriate data technologies and services, • Analysing and evaluating software solutions according to the suitability of the selected data technology and service, • Explaining the theoretical foundations of service-oriented architectures, • Analysing the requirements of modern complex service-oriented information systems, • Using advanced technologies and SOA methods in the design and development of information solutions, • Understanding the applicability of various intelligent methods in Machine Learning information systems, • Selecting and using an appropriate intelligent method of Machine Learning and searching for and presenting knowledge to prepare data for solving a specific task, • Using technologies and tools to develop intelligent solutions of the ensemble method and neural networks to solve real problems, • Setting up and optimising Machine Learning parameters appropriately, • Designing and developing intelligent applications and services, • Planning, implementing and managing the project of development and implementation of intelligent solutions, • Analysing and evaluating individual intelligent solutions or business Machine Learning systems with introduced knowledge systems, • Selecting, examining and using an appropriate tool to evaluate the business system, • Designing a data collection programme as a basis for optimisation and simulation of the business process and interpreting the results, • Evaluating the advantages of current control in the implementation of business processes and arguing the advantages in practice, • Advanced knowledge of operational research to solve complex problems, • Explaining the theoretical foundations of mathematical modelling and optimisation methods.

Candidates who completed the following may apply for the 2nd-cycle (master’s) study programme in Informatics and Data Technologies: a) A 1st-cycle (bachelor’s) study programme corresponding to at least 180 ECTS credits in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) (061), media communications (0688), mathematics (0541), statistics (0542), or physics (0533). b) A 1st-cycle (bachelor’s) study programme corresponding to at least 180 ECTS credits in a field not specified in the previous paragraph. Prior to enrolment, candidates shall pass the following courses corresponding to 24 ECTS credits under the 1 st-cycle (bachelor’s) study programme in Informatics and Data Technologies: Object-Oriented Programming in Java (6 ECTS), Databases I (6 ECTS), Basics of Web Technologies (6 ECTS), and IS Architectures and Patterns (6 ECTS). If the candidate has mastered course content during 1st-cycle studies, a course may be fully or partially recognized. c) An undergraduate professional study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) (061), media communications (0688), mathematics (0541), statistics (0542), or physics (0533). d) An undergraduate professional study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 in a field not specified in the previous paragraph. Prior to enrolment, candidates shall pass the following course corresponding to 24 ECTS credits under the 1st-cycle (bachelor’s) study programme in Informatics and Data Technologies: Object-Oriented Programming in Java (6 ECTS), Databases I (6 ECTS), Basics of Web Technologies (6 ECTS), and IS Architectures and Patterns (6 ECTS). If the candidate has mastered course content during 1st-cycle studies, a course may be fully or partially recognized. e) An undergraduate academic study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) (061, 068). Upon demonstrating mastery of relevant study content, 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. f) An undergraduate academic study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 in the field of mathematics (0541), statistics (0542), physics (0533), electricity and energy (0713), electronics and automation (0714), mechatronics (0788), chemistry and chemical engineering (0531), mechanical engineering (0715), building and civil engineering (0732), economics (0311), accounting and taxation (0411), finance (0412), or management and administration (0413). Upon demonstrating mastery of relevant study content, candidates are typically awarded 30 ECTS credits and may enrol in the corresponding year of study.

When selecting candidates for enrolment in the second-degree study programme Informatics and Data Technologies, the following is taken into account: success in the first-degree study programme - average grade of exams and the final work (100%).

According to the criteria for transitions, candidates enrolled in the study programmes in the field of the Information and Communication Technologies – ICT (061), Media Communications (0688), Mathematics (0541), Statistics (0542) or Physics (0533) may transfer to the second-degree study programme Informatics and Data Technologies, which at the end of their studies ensure the acquisition of comparable competencies, and according to the recognition criteria, at least half of the ECTS obligations from the first study programme, which relate to the compulsory subjects of the second study programme, are recognised. In the process of recognition, the already completed study obligations of the students are identified, which can be fully or partially recognised, and the study obligations that they must complete if they want to complete their studies according to the new study programme are determined.

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science recognises the acquired knowledge, qualifications or abilities on the basis of the Rules on the Recognition of Knowledge and Skills in the Study Programmes of the University of Maribor, which regulates the procedures for identifying, verifying and recognising knowledge and the criteria for recognising knowledge acquired through formal and non-formal learning before enrolment and during the studies at the University of Maribor. The faculty recognises the knowledge and skills of the candidates, gained before enrolment, if, in terms of scope, their content and complexity fully or partially correspond to the general or subject-specific competencies determined by the study programme in which the candidates wish to enrol or are enrolled. The basis for the recognition of knowledge and skills are the certificates or other documents: - publicly valid documents (certificates, diplomas), - certificates of completed work of the study programme or completed obligations in the study programme, - certificates of education and training providers on successful completion of education/training, certificates and other documents, - products, services, projects, publications and other author's works of candidates, - evidence of registered patents, - relevant references on practical training and work experience, - knowledge acquired through self-education and informal learning and other evidence/knowledge assessed by the Commission for Academic Affairs UM FERI. The process of identifying, verifying and recognizing knowledge and skills begins on the basis of the candidate's application, which he submits on a special form, which is an integral part of the aforementioned rulebook.

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