The study program was confirmed at the University of Maribor Senate meeting on the 17th of November 2009 and was accepted by the Council for Higher Education of Republic of Slovenia on the 25th of February 2010. The study program was confirmed again at the University of Maribor Senate meeting on the 27th of September 2016 and was accepted by The Slovenian Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education on the 19th of October 2017.

Advancement according to the study programme is possible if the student fulfils certain obligations set out in the study programme and the Statute of the University of Maribor. Conditions for transition to the 2nd study year: A student advances to the 2nd study year if he/she acquires at least 50 ECTS credits by passing the 1st study year exams and if he/she has passed the exams in the following study subjects: Methods of Experimental Work (6 ECTS) Transfers (6 ECTS) Environmental Analytics (6 ECTS), Ecoengineering (6 ECTS) Students who do not fulfil all the obligations for advancement may, at their request, be granted enrolment in the 2nd study year by the Commission for Study Affairs of the University Member, if they have fulfilled more than half of the 1st year study obligations (more than 30 ECTS) and completed the above study subjects, but only if they were unable to fulfil the obligations for justified reasons which are determined in the Statute of the University of Maribor, and if it is expected that they will fulfil the obligations. Repetition of the study year: A student who has not fulfilled all the obligations for transition to a higher study year may be granted a repetition of the study year by the Commission for Study Affairs of the University Member in accordance with the provisions of the Statute of the University of Maribor.

The study programme is comprehensive and does not provide for the completion of individual parts of the programme.

Postgraduate study in the 3rd cycle study programmes at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of University of Maribor or at other higher-education institutions. The candidates can enrol into the 3rd cycle study programmes in accordance with the conditions of the institution that offers the postgraduate study program.

The 2nd cycle master`s study programme of the Environmental engineering - because of wide and quality competences, obtained during study - offers to graduates excellent base for employing in different kind of working organisation. Beside of their fundamental qualification for doing engineering tasks they have wide range of theoretical knowledge for easier employing in different economy and noneconomic areas. Basic knowledge of technical discipline offers to graduates good opportunities to employ in different kind of industry branches either in noneconomic organisations for solving the environmental engineering issues.

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.

With the postgraduate master's study programme of the second level of Environmental Engineering, the graduate acquires in-depth theoretical and special professional knowledge, skills and methods of work for solving very demanding professional problems in the field of environmental engineering. Through in-depth study of scientific methods, along with a variety of professional and applied study contents of the programme, the graduate will develop the ability of intensive abstract and associative thinking, synthesis of knowledge from a wide range of basic knowledge and other disciplines, transfer of research achievements into practice and development of innovative problem-solving procedures. This orientation of the study programme is fully in line with the European orientation which emphasizes the development of new methods, new technologies and products based on state-of-the-art knowledge and the use of modern tools for computer modelling of processes and systems. In addition, the goal of the postgraduate master's study programme of the second level of Environmental Engineering is to ensure the inclusion of graduates in research and development units in companies and institutes, and to enable a continuous and scientifically connected transition to doctoral studies. With an up-to-date programme, which largely draws study contents from scientific research activities of teachers, and by encouraging creativity and independent work of students, we will meet the expectations of society from higher education institutions and highly educated professionals who will complete the postgraduate master's study programme of the second level of Environmental Engineering.

Students of the postgraduate master's programme of the second level in Environmental Engineering will acquire appropriate general competencies during their studies, so that they will be able to solve very demanding professional problems in accordance with the high standards of work performance demanded from such educated professionals. General competencies will be acquired from the core knowledge of the master's programme. We will enable students to acquire in-depth knowledge in broader professional fields, while training them to find new sources of knowledge in professional and scientific fields, to use scientific research methods in a wider range of problems and in new or changed circumstances, and to take responsibility for leading very demanding work processes and systems. These qualities will be acquired by students during the study process which will be designed in such a way that it will intensively include professional and scientific maturation through project task solving in the work environment, which will be fundamental, application- or development-oriented. In addition, they will acquire other skills, abilities, values, beliefs, and positive self-image during the study process which, in addition to quality knowledge, significantly contribute to the efficient use of resources, successful communication skills and to performing very demanding tasks. Graduates of the postgraduate master's study programme of the second level of Environmental Engineering will master research methods, procedures and processes in the broader field of environmental engineering in the relevant field and with professional criticism, self-critical judgment and responsibility they will be able to design, plan, advise, plan and implement technical solutions in the field of environmental protection, taking into account professional excellence, social usefulness, ethical responsibility, commitment to professional ethics and criteria for the environmental integrity of their creations. In doing so, they will use systemic concepts and principles of universality. At the same time, they will be able to perform independent technical assessment based on scientific analysis and synthesis. They will be able to place new information and interpretations in the context of the basic discipline, understand the general structure of the basic discipline and the connections between its sub-disciplines. They will be trained in individual creative thinking, finding new solutions and scientific research approach in the design and manufacture of products related to new techniques and cutting-edge technologies. Students will be able to effectively link theory and practice, including through project assignments. The broad, interdisciplinary orientation of the study contents will enable the full expansion of their creative and innovative potentials. They will be able to analyse problems, eliminate insignificant influences, make a synthesis, anticipate possible solutions, choose the best decision at a given moment and assess the consequences associated with it. They will be independent at work, and at the same time they will develop communication skills and group work competencies in the domestic and international environment.

The graduate of the postgraduate master's study programme in Environmental Engineering is an expert with broad and in-depth theoretical and methodological knowledge for solving very demanding problems in planning, leading and implementing development, research and scientific tasks in the field of environmental engineering and various jobs. Subject-specific competences are listed for each curriculum separately. The main competencies developed by the postgraduate master's study programme of the second level of Environmental Engineering can be summarized in the following items: • ability to master and deepen knowledge in the chosen scientific field (e.g., construction and design of technical and environmental systems, computer modelling of technical and environmental systems, computer and experimental modelling of environmental phenomena, advanced concepts of environmental management), • ability to search for new sources of knowledge in the scientific and professional field of environmental protection, • ability to design, evaluate and manufacture advanced technologies, innovative products and systems that are or will be marketable on world markets, • mastering new technological procedures and processes, • mastering new procedures in environmental process technology, • integrated approach to waste management, • ability to integrate the results of other disciplines into the broader field of environmental engineering, • coherent mastery of basic knowledge and the ability to integrate knowledge from different fields, • understanding and application of environmental analysis methods, • ability to model detailed environmental systems, • ability to use modern computer simulation tools for virtual modelling of environmental systems, • understanding the economics of environmental protection, • knowledge of advanced wastewater treatment procedures, • understanding of environmental geology, • impact of energy production on the environment and the prevention of the negative effects of these processes, • knowledge of hazardous substances released into the environment, • knowledge of legislation, strategies, and controls in environmental protection, • understanding of transmission phenomena in environmental systems.

Candidates who completed the following may apply for the 2nd-cycle (master’s) study programme in Environmental Engineering: 1. A 1st cycle (bachelor’s) study programme in one of the following fields: engineering and engineering trades (071), interdisciplinary programmes and qualifications involving engineering, manufacturing and construction (0788), environmental protection technology (0712), mechanics and metal trades (0715), textiles (clothes, footwear and leather) (0723), chemical engineering and processes (0711), electricity and energy (0713), engineering and engineering trades not elsewhere classified (0719), building and civil engineering (0732), biological and related sciences (051), biology (0511), biochemistry (0512), environmental sciences (0521), chemistry (0531), earth sciences (0532), or physics (0533). 2. A 1st-cycle (bachelor’s) study programme in one of the following fields: mathematics (0541), inter-disciplinary programmes and qualifications involving natural sciences, mathematics and statistics (0588), database and network design and administration (0612), software and applications development and analysis (0613), materials (glass, paper, plastic and wood) (0722), mining and extraction (0724), architecture and town planning (0731), community sanitation (1021), occupational health and safety (1022), or transport services (1041). Prior to enrolment, candidates shall pass the following courses corresponding to 13 ECTS credits under the 1 st-cycle (bachelor’s) study programme, a supplementary study programme, or by taking bridging exams: Mathematical Analysis (6 ECTS) and Chemistry (7 ECTS). 3. An undergraduate professional study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 in one of the following fields: engineering and engineering trades (071), inter-disciplinary programmes and qualifications involving engineering, manufacturing and construction (0788), environmental protection technology (0712), mechanics and metal trades (0715), textiles (clothes, footwear and leather) (0723), chemical engineering and processes (0711), electricity and energy (0713), engineering and engineering trades not elsewhere classified (0719), building and civil engineering (0732), biological and related sciences (051), biology (0511), biochemistry (0512), environmental sciences (0521), chemistry (0531), earth sciences (0532), or physics (0533). 4. An undergraduate professional study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 in one of the following fields: mathematics (0541), inter-disciplinary programmes and qualifications involving natural sciences, mathematics and statistics (0588), database and network design and administration (0612), software and applications development and analysis (0613), materials (glass, paper, plastic and wood) (0722), mining and extraction (0724), architecture and town planning (0731), community sanitation (1021), occupational health and safety (1022), or transport services (1041). Prior to enrolment, candidates shall pass the following courses corresponding to 13 ECTS credits under the 1st -cycle (bachelor’s) study programme, a supplementary study programme, or by taking bridging exams: Mathematical Analysis (6 ECTS) and Chemistry (7 ECTS). 5. An undergraduate academic study programme adopted prior to 11 June 2004 in one of the following fields: engineering and engineering trades (071), inter-disciplinary programmes and qualifications involving engineering, manufacturing and construction (0788), environmental protection technology (0712), mechanics and metal trades (0715), textiles (clothes, footwear and leather) (0723), chemical engineering and processes (0711), electricity and energy (0713), engineering and engineering trades not elsewhere classified (0719), building and civil engineering (0732), biological and related sciences (051), biology (0511), biochemistry (0512), environmental sciences (0521), chemistry (0531), earth sciences (0532), 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), inter-disciplinary programmes and qualifications involving natural sciences, mathematics and statistics (0588), database and network design and administration (0612), software and applications development and analysis (0613), materials (glass, paper, plastic and wood) (0722), mining and extraction (0724), architecture and town planning (0731), community sanitation (1021), occupational health and safety (1022), or transport services (1041). 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: engineering and engineering trades (071), inter-disciplinary programmes and qualifications involving engineering, manufacturing and construction (0788), environmental protection technology (0712), mechanics and metal trades (0715), textiles (clothes, footwear and leather) (0723), chemical engineering and processes (0711), electricity and energy (0713), engineering and engineering trades not elsewhere classified (0719), building and civil engineering (0732), biological and related sciences (051), biology (0511), biochemistry (0512), environmental sciences (0521), chemistry (0531), earth sciences (0532), 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), inter-disciplinary programmes and qualifications involving natural sciences, mathematics and statistics (0588), database and network design and administration (0612), software and applications development and analysis (0613), materials (glass, paper, plastic and wood) (0722), mining and extraction (0724), architecture and town planning (0731), community sanitation (1021), occupational health and safety (1022), or transport services (1041). Candidates are awarded 30 ECTS credits and may enrol in the corresponding year of study.

If the number of applications exceeds the number of available enrolment places, candidates shall be ranked according to: – grade point average including the thesis (100%).

In accordance with the Criteria for Transferring Between Study Programmes, candidates may enrol: - in the second year of the 2nd-cycle (master’s) study programme in Environmental Engineering if they have ceased their studies in the previous study programme in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction (07), or natural sciences, mathematics and statistics (05) and will continue them under this study programme at the same level. Candidates may transfer to the study programme provided they fulfil the following criteria: - criteria for enrolment in the first year of the 2nd-cycle study programme in Environmental Engineering; - 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 the Committee for Academic Affairs of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. In accordance with the Rules on the Recognition of Knowledge and Skills in Study Programmes of the University of Maribor, the candidate shall submit to the faculty: - an application for the recognition of knowledge and skills at the University of Maribor; - proof of fulfilled study obligations (exams) including grades and ECTS credits; - validated course syllabi according to which knowledge was acquired; - a receipt of payment for the recognition procedure. If under the recognition procedure enough fulfilled study obligations is recognized that the candidate meets the criteria for enrolment in the second year of the 2nd -cycle (master’s) study programme in Environmental Engineering, enrolment in the second year is approved and study obligations required for completion of the new study programme are laid down. If the number of applications exceeds the number of available enrolment places, candidates shall be ranked according to grade point average.

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.