The programme was approved by the University of Maribor Senat on December 15, 2009, and by the Council for Higher Education on February 25, 2010. The programme was re-approved by University of Maribor Senat on June 21, 2016 and on December 21, 2017, re-accredited by the Council of Slovenian Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.

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 passing the first study year exams. 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 Mechatronics 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 students of the interdisciplinary second-degree study programme Mechatronics acquire relevant competencies to be able to conform to the standards of work performance and execute the toughest tasks, professionally and developmentally, in the field of their profession. The graduates of this programme will be able to acquire high-level knowledge, and also skills, expertise, values and positive self-esteem, which in addition to knowledge contribute significantly to work performance.

More data on the study programmes offered by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science are available on the following website https://feri.um.si/en/study/. More data on the study programmes offered by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering are available on the following website https://www.fs.um.si/en/study/study-programme/.

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/. 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 the following website: https://www.fs.um.si/studij/informacije-o-studiju/izpitni-sistem/. Methods of continuous examination and assessment of knowledge are encouraged, thus enabling students to continuously monitor their own progress in their studies.

The basic objective of the joint interdisciplinary second-degree study programme Mechatronics is to educate a broad-based Master of Engineering, who will, in addition to the knowledge and understanding acquired at the first-degree university or higher professional study Mechatronics, also demonstrate independence, creativity, innovation and critical thinking when solving more complex professional and development problems in the field of Mechatronics. Students of this study programme will be able to transfer the acquired theoretical and professional knowledge into research and development practice by studying the scientific foundations of the study programme, technological foundations, in-depth applied and systemic knowledge. Graduates of the second-degree study programme Mechatronics will be able to solve the most demanding professional and research and development problems in the interdisciplinary field of Mechatronics with innovative procedures. Moreover, they will be able to organise and manage demanding projects in their field. We intend to train graduates for further professional growth, lifelong learning, the use of available sources of knowledge, and to get acquainted with the methods of research work for further studies in doctoral programmes. Furthermore, we want to develop the ability to evaluate new technologies in terms of broader societal objectives, needs, and constraints.

Masters of the postgraduate second-degree study programme Mechatronics will, in accordance with the basic objectives within the general competencies, acquire in particular the following: • The ability to use mathematical, natural and computer knowledge in solving technical problems; • The ability to use analytical, experimental and simulation methods in solving practical problems in the field; • The ability to analyse and synthesise complex problems in the interdisciplinary field of Mechatronics with the aim of proposing technically optimal solutions taking into account the wider socio-economic consequences and limitations; • The ability to design mechatronic components and systems that will meet the set objectives and requirements in practice; • The ability to integrate theoretical knowledge, methods of research and development work and modern design tools in solving complex technical problems in the field of mechatronics; • The ability to publicly present technical, developmental, organisational and management solutions in written or spoken form; • Mastering methods and techniques for independent research work, analysis, and evaluation of results; • Autonomy in professional work, critical thinking and taking responsibility for proposed solutions; and • The ability to establish and lead development, project, and expert groups.

The subject-specific competencies acquired by the students of the second-degree university study programme of Mechatronics include, in particular, the following: • The ability to design and construct the most complex mechatronic systems, assemblies, devices, machines, and plants; • The use of methodologies for development and research in the narrower professional field; • The use and development of computer-aided mechanical engineering and electrical design, as well as modern programming languages and web systems for the management of mechatronic systems; • The use and development of procedures and tools for modelling, optimisation, and simulation of mechatronic systems; • The ability to design, develop, and use modern mechatronic production technologies and concepts; • The ability to manage the existing mechatronic production processes and technologies, analysing, evaluating and updating them; • The ability to organise the planning and management of the mechatronic production process; • The ability to ensure the appropriate quality of products by performing appropriate measurements and quality control; • The ability to provide measures for the smooth operation, maintenance and environmental integrity of products throughout their lifetime; • The ability of interdisciplinary understanding of activities in production systems; • The ability to constantly develop skills and abilities in the application of knowledge in a certain professional field; • Knowledge and understanding of the history of mechatronics development and its disciplines.

Candidates who completed the following may apply for the 2nd-cycle (master’s) study programme in Mechatronics: 1. A 1st-cycle (bachelor’s) study programme in one of the following fields: mechatronics (0788), mechanics and metal trades (0715), industrial engineering – mechanical engineering (0788), electricity and energy (0713), industrial engineering – electrical engineering (0788), electronics and automation (0714), motor vehicles, ships and aircraft (0716), or physics (0533). 2. A 1st cycle (bachelor’s) study programme in one of the following fields: mathematics (0541), statistics (0542), software and applications development and analysis (0613), or chemical engineering and processes (0711). Prior to enrolment, candidates shall pass the following courses corresponding to 20 ECTS credits under the 1 st -cycle (bachelor’s) study programme, a supplementary study programme, or by taking bridging exams: Basics of Electrical Engineering (6 ECTS), Machine Elements (8 ECTS), and Mechatronics Electronics (6 ECTS). 3. An undergraduate professional study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 in one of the following fields: mechatronics (0788), mechanics and metal trades (0715), industrial engineering – mechanical engineering (0788), electricity and energy (0713), industrial engineering – electrical engineering (0788), electronics and automation (0714), motor vehicles, ships and aircraft (0716), or physics (0533). 4. An undergraduate professional study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 in one of the following fields: mathematics (0541), statistics (0542), software and applications development and analysis (0613), or chemical engineering and processes (0711). Prior to enrolment, candidates shall pass the following courses corresponding to 20 ECTS credits under the 1st-cycle (bachelor’s) study programme, a supplementary study programme, or by taking bridging exams: Basics of Electrical Engineering (6 ECTS), Machine Elements (8 ECTS), and Mechatronics Electronics (6 ECTS). 5. An undergraduate academic study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 in one of the following fields: mechatronics (0788), mechanics and metal trades (0715), industrial engineering – mechanical engineering (0788), electricity and energy (0713), industrial engineering – electrical engineering (0788), electronics and automation (0714), motor vehicles, ships and aircraft (0716), or physics (0533). 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: mathematics (0541), statistics (0542), software and applications development and analysis (0613), or chemical engineering and processes (0711). 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: mechatronics (0788), mechanics and metal trades (0715), industrial engineering – mechanical engineering (0788), electricity and energy (0713), industrial engineering – electrical engineering (0788), electronics and automation (0714), motor vehicles, ships and aircraft (0716), or physics (0533). 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: mathematics (0541), statistics (0542), software and applications development and analysis (0613), or chemical engineering and processes (0711). Candidates are awarded 30 ECTS credits and may enrol in the corresponding year of study.

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

In accordance with the Criteria for transitions between study programmes, the candidates enrol: • In the second or higher year of the master’s degree study programme of the second-degree study programme Mechatronics, when it comes to the termination of education according to the first study programme in the field of Mechatronics (0788); Metallurgy and Mechanical Engineering (0715); Economic Engineering - Mechanical Engineering (0788); Electrical Engineering and Energetics (0713); Economic Engineering - Electrical Engineering (0788); Electronics and Automation (0714), Motor vehicles, ships and aircrafts (0716), and continuation of studies according to the same study programme of the same degree. Transition in accordance with the criteria for transitions is possible if the candidate meets the following conditions: • They meet the conditions for enrolment in the first year of the master’s degree study programme of the second-degree study programme Mechatronics; • They transfer from the study programme, which at the end of the study ensures the acquisition of comparable competencies or learning outcomes; • Upon transition, at least half of the obligations under the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (hereinafter referred to at: the ECTS) from the first study programme, which relate to the compulsory subjects of the second study programme were recognised. The transition from one study programme to another study programme is decided by the Study Affairs Committee of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering or Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. In accordance with the Rules on the Recognition of Knowledge and Skills in the Study Programmes of the University of Maribor, the candidate must submit the following to the faculty: • An application for the recognition of knowledge and skills at the University of Maribor: • A certificate of completed study obligations (exams) with the obtained grades and number of credit points; • A validated curricula according to which knowledge has been acquired; • A proof of payment of the procedure. If at least as many ECTS credits are recognised in the recognition process at the time of transfer, so that the conditions for enrolment in the senior year of the master’s degree study programme of the second-degree study programme Mechatronics will be met, the candidate is granted enrolment in the second or higher year of the subject study programme. They are assigned the missing obligations they must complete if they want to graduate under the new study programme. The selection of candidates with enrolment restriction will be based on the average grade of the study.

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering 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 or Commission for Academic Affairs UM FS.

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