University of Ljubljana Faculty of Social Sciences

The culture of the 21st century is an incredibly complex mixture of diverse values, lifestyles, digital platforms, popular-cultural content, religions, aesthetics, consumer preferences, and strategies for attracting attention on social media platforms. The Cultural Studies programme connects all these phenomena to diverse frameworks of cultural research and thus allows students to understand and analyse contemporary cultural landscapes. It also broadens intellectual horizons, encourages critical thinking and creativity, and instructs on various interdisciplinary research techniques.
The Cultural Studies programme has a large proportion of elective courses, several of which include practical activities. The programme is meant for intellectually curious minds as well as for all those who are interested in thinking outside of established patterns. The courses address highly diverse academic fields such as multiculturalism, studies of sexuality, film studies, contemporary literature, cognitive studies of music, Balkan studies etc.
Masters in Cultural Studies are, thanks to their analytical skills and understanding of cultural processes, qualified to work independently at various institutions and enterprises that are directly or indirectly related to culture. These include various sectors of the creative and media industries (film and television production, social media, design agencies, cultural and lifestyle editorial offices etc.), cultural institutions (theatres, galleries, cinemas, clubs etc.), tourism agencies, offices and institutions of cultural policy (Ministry of Culture, European institutions, UNESCO, etc.), and institutions dealing with the communication of symbols in general (marketing, intercultural management, etc.).

The master's degree programme in Defence and Security Studies educates and trains students for professional analytical and practical work in the field of security, protection, and defence within national security systems, international security organisations, and other areas where defence and security are important. The programme provides students with knowledge of new defence content, and enables them to gain new insights into and understanding of existing military, defence and security topics.
The programme enables the acquisition of various competences from the general (such as analysis, methodological objectivity, communication, conflict resolution, and foreign language skills) to the specific (such as the ability to understand, analyse, present and solve problems related to armed conflicts and other aspects of international and national security, terrorism, natural and other disasters, cyber threats, systemic irregularities, etc.).
We offer students active study and the opportunity to participate in an international study exchange programme where they not only gain knowledge, but also make new contacts and get a sense of how to situate their profession in a broader field.
The programme is enriched by the results of national and international research in the fields of crisis management and critical infrastructure protection, of the personnel aspects of the defence and security system, of the civil-military gap, of trust in armed forces and other institutions, of civil-military relations, of contemporary military leadership, of peace operations, of conflicts and conflict resolutions in Southeastern Europe and other regions, of European security, and more.
Upon completion of the programme, graduates will be able to successfully apply their knowledge and skills to employment in the military, in public administration, in diplomacy, in mass media, and in large economic and infrastructural systems, or else to conducting research, analytical, and pedagogical work in research and educational institutions in the field of national and international security.

European Studies is a study programme that combines several disciplines of European Studies, including political science, economics, law, and international relations. Its focus is on a conceptual analysis of the main actors, structures, and processes that are present in Europe. The programme integrates and upgrades knowledge obtained in undergraduate social science study programmes and applies it to political, economic, and socio-cultural relations and processes in Europe, particularly in the EU. It also enables the connection of European policies with natural science fields such as energy, agriculture, environmental protection, and industry, especially in the context of Jean Monnet activities. The study programme has been designed in line with specific contemporary employment needs, and so encourages students to follow current events as reported by reliable international sources, to apply theoretical knowledge to research and analysis, to practice advanced-level academic writing and research communication, to obtain negotiation and foreign language skills in a multicultural environment and e-environment, and to participate in teamwork and creative problem-solving activities.

The study programme includes practical work including professional excursions and compulsory internships, guest lectures, and a diverse range of elective subjects to select from. Graduates of the European Studies master's study programme may find employment in EU institutions and other (European) international organisations, in national or European diplomacy, and in national governments, especially in ministries of foreign affairs and European affairs, as well as in ministries of economic and social development. Master's graduates are also trained to work at a regional level (local and municipal governments, development agencies) in non-governmental organizations and in the media, as well as in businesses across the EU and beyond.

This programme offers in-depth and advanced knowledge of the IR discipline. Enrolment is open to all bachelor level graduates who are interested in world politics and have prior knowledge of social sciences – especially political science, economics, law, and area studies – and foreign languages as a foundation from which to actively pursue master’s studies. Through the programme, students acquire competence in independent analytical thinking regarding the modern world in its developmental and structural dimensions, and regarding the functioning of international institutions and other actors in the international community.

Substantive issues covered by the programme are classical interest in balance of power in the international system, balance of power in the international system, global governance, global distribution of income, economic development and poverty, trends in international finance and business, diplomacy, and issues of international law, especially the protection of human rights. In brief, these are issues dealt with by theories of IR. In addition, every year the courses are updated in accordance with contemporary problems and issues such as climate change, the process of globalisation, inequalities, changing great powers, conflicts, artificial intelligence, fake news, the digitalisation of diplomacy, migration and regional integration, multilateralism, and violations of the principles of international law. Study focuses on the development of specific skills, such as the use of professional foreign languages, the analysis and practice of decision-making processes in a multilateral and multicultural environment, leadership, organisation, and communication skills. Students will have the opportunity to meet and listen to guest lecturers from the most prestigious European universities as well as guests with practical experience, to carry out career-building extracurricular activities, and to participate in professional excursions abroad.

After successfully completing the programme, your knowledge and skills will enable you to choose from a wide variety of jobs, and the programme also allows for changes in career paths. (e.g. transitioning between the government and private sectors). Master’s graduates in IR can be found in diplomacy, in the United Nations and other international institutions, in European Union bodies, in international non-governmental organisations, in journalism, and in the private sector (e.g in multinational companies, or as business owners).

The master's programme in journalism prepares students for independent journalistic and editorial work in a changing media environment. In addition to theoretical and methodological competences for dealing with current issues in journalism, students acquire analytical, linguistic, and technical skills for responsible work in journalistic editorial departments. Through their choice of modules, they are trained in creative journalistic writing and digital photography, in identifying and telling stories using journalistic data tools, and in modern forms of television journalism. Through mandatory internships, the programme is linked to established journalism organisations, allowing students to make professional contacts crucial for starting or continuing a career after graduation.

The Marketing Communications and Public Relations programme is based on an integrated approach to the latest achievements in marketing, social marketing, brand management, market communication (Module 1), corporate communication and public relations (Module 2).  As well as focussing on competetive achievement, the content of the programme emphasises the social responsibility of organisations, and the creative and strategic orientation that enables the best possible solutions to complex problems in the broader field of marketing and public relations.

The master's programme aims to provide skills and knowledge for leadership positions in marketing, market communication, corporate communication, or public relations in companies, public institutions, governmental and non-governmental institutions, political parties, and the media. Graduates of the programme can be found in almost all companies, in non-profit organisations, in public service or administration, in marketing departments, and in corporate and marketing communications departments. Many of them work in communication organisations (advertising and marketing agencies, consultancies, research institutions, etc.). The course develops a culture that fosters an entrepreneurial spirit.
 

This study programme consists of two modules:
-    Communication, Digitalization and Society
-    Popular Culture and Media
The programme offers two years of intensive study of a broad range of current topics in communication and media studies. Students are encouraged to take a multidisciplinary approach to current theoretical, conceptual, and empirical trends in media and communication studies.
The first module places communication within the broader interdisciplinary framework of the social sciences and analyses specific phenomena of social communication in the modern globalised world. The functioning of old and new media, political communication, organisational communication, interpersonal and group communication, performances by representatives of civil society and social movements, representations of popular culture, etc. are placed in the framework of local multicultural and global intercultural communication, and analysed in their political, social, discursive, and psychological dimensions.

In this context, particular attention is paid to issues of public rhetoric, dialogue, deliberation, identity formation, diversity, multiculturalism, communication in power relations, and relations with minorities. The second module focuses on the cultural aspect of media communication in "old" and "new" media, drawing on a wide range of disciplines related to media studies (anthropology, cultural studies, sociology of culture, urban sociology etc.). Here, the study of media culture is placed in the broader context of popular culture and other cultural practices that are an integral part of modern media society. Electives cover the production, textual, and reception aspects of media culture, and place it in the broader context of social and cultural change.

The Political Science - Comparative Public Policies and Administration master's study programme offers answers to many questions, such as: How are decisions made regarding the resolution of the migrant crisis? How can political parties agree on a given problem but not on its solution? What power do stakeholders, lobbies, trade unions, and environmental and other NGOs have in shaping policy-related decisions? Who can determine measures to reduce queues in healthcare?

By participating in the study programme, students acquire competences that enable them to contribute to solving public policy problems like the above. The study programme offers an insight into the work of political actors and into the policy-making processes at different levels of decision-making – such as the local, national and European levels – as well as insight from an internationally comparative perspective. The programme curriculum is characterised by a large proportion of elective courses, allowing students to design their programme according to their own wishes and needs, and to enrich their studies with relevant knowledge of other social sciences.
After completing their studies, master’s degree graduates can be employed in political and state institutions at the local, national, or international level level, in public administration, and in various services in the wider public sector, as well as in the economy, the non-governmental sector, the media, or in academic and research circles.

If you want to understand the political and social dilemmas of the (post)modern world, the Political Science – Political Theory, Global and Strategic Studies programme is the right choice for you. This MA programme in Political Science offers a challenging and exciting interdisciplinary study of political ideas, institutions, and practices. Although the curriculum focuses on political theories and global and strategic studies, students also have the opportunity to explore subfields of political science such as political communication, political philosophy, political economy, and comparative politics.
Our master's programme attracts graduate students from around the world, and when you choose it, you join a vibrant, diverse, stimulating and supportive intellectual community. Together we are best positioned to politically (re)think the world and the political science in it. Special attention is given to students' individual research interests and initiatives (individual curriculum), which is essential for their academic and professional development.
Some of the most prominent scholars in the field have accepted teaching positions on this programme, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest theories and methodological approaches in the study of citizenship, biopolitics, political power and power relations, good society, social movements, globalisation, inequality, ecology, rights and liberties, and specific regions and countries. The knowledge imparted meets the highest standards and is on a par with similar programmes offered by the leading academic institutions abroad.
Graduates of the master's programme in Political Science - Political Theory, Global and Strategic Studies are exceptionally well positioned to find employment in both the public and private sectors. Our graduates may pursue careers in government or academia, or succeed as political consultants, political analysts, party leaders, political campaign workers, or political spokespersons. As a graduate of our master's programme, you may find employment in international and regional organisations such as the United Nations or the European Union, excel as an educator, political activist, or social advocate in the non-governmental sector, or become a business consultant for a multinational corporation. The world will be yours to change!

This master's programme prepares students for a range of future-oriented professional careers in a digitised and data-driven world. With the growing importance of social media, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence, graduates in Social Informatics play a key role in the analysis, design, evaluation, and management of internet services in various social domains. With modules in Data Analysis and Digital Services Design, the programme offers students the opportunity to combine the data analytics and digital skills critical to designing user-friendly digital services with an understanding of user experience, "data-driven" marketing, and project management.
The key benefits of the programme are:
- integration of knowledge and skills from internet technologies, methodology, statistics, social sciences and economics;
- a choice between the Data Analytics and Digital Services Design study modules;
- practical experience during studies at established domestic and foreign companies;
- the possibility to study abroad and earn a double-degree;
- interdisciplinarity of career paths in the digital and data analytics field.
The master's degree in Social Informatics opens up a wide range of careers, from the management and implementation of digital strategies to web analytics, data science, project management, digital services design, and market research.

The Sociology study programme has 2 modules:
-    Studies of Social Change and New Risks
-    Studies of Everyday Life and Gender
The aim of the programme is to train students in the analysis of social issues, in the synthesis of interdisciplinary knowledge, in the development of critical judgement, in the mastery of research methods, in the organisation of research work, in cooperative work, in ethical reflection, and in professional ethics.
Particular emphasis is placed on critical reflection on social issues and on changes in Western late-modern societies, with individual topics discussed in their actual social context. The Studies of Social Change and New Risks module focuses on the processes of globalisation and its local social effects, on the environment, on space, on technology, and on the study of alternatives to social development. The Studies of Everyday Life and Gender module focuses on research into everyday life, and on the sociology of health and biopolitics, care, and gender.
Masters’ students in Sociology are mainly employed:
•    in the private sector - in marketing departments, human resources, media houses, publishing, and elsewhere in the corporate sector;
•    at international and national NGOs - in institutes, think tanks, activist groups, international bodies, and development agencies;
•    at government bodies and municipalities - ministries, government departments, offices, political parties, public administration;
•    at public institutions - in education, culture, social welfare, and sport.
By choosing to study sociology at our faculty, you will demonstrate both your sensitivity to society, and your determination to act as an actor in it. It is true that we can make the world a better place by increasing our knowledge of it. Studying sociology can be your first step on this path.

 

The Sociology - Management of Human Resources, Knowledge, and Organisations study programme has 2 modules:
- Management of Human Resources and Knowledge,
- Management of Organisations.
The programme combines together modern practices and strategies of human resources management, knowledge management, and the management and development of organisations.  
By considering current and useful topics, and through a variety of collaborations with organisations, companies, international institutions, and by taking advantage of the opportunity to study abroad, students acquire professional knowledge, and learn about work and business processes, about trends in the labor market, about aspects of employee management, about diversity management, about organisational change, about project management, and about the analytical work required to solve strategic challenges and dilemmas in the field of human resource management, knowledge, and organisations.  
The programme is multidisciplinary in nature, as it combines content from sociology, law, economics, social entrepreneurship, labour relations, education, and development of employees with open elective courses and development of practical skills. This contributes to master's students' employability and professional success in the broad career field of human resource management, knowledge, and organisations.  
Emphasis is placed on the strategic design and implementation of human resource attraction, selection, and retention, and on human resource development activities, talent and knowledge management, creation of organisational culture, and leadership, and on the involvement of graduates in the management of organisations in business and civil society, both domestically and internationally.