Intercultural Management

Master’s programme INTERCULTURAL MANAGEMENT
Degree (and type) of the programme: Postgraduate MA programme
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters), 120 ECTS
Classification: SOK: 8, EOK: 7, EOVK: second level
Mode of study: full-time studies, part-time studies
Place of studies: Nova Gorica (full-time and part-time) and Ljubljana (part-time)
Title gained: MA in Intercultural Management

Do you work or do you wish to work in an international environment? Do you encounter challenges of cultural diversity in the local or national environment? Progress by developing cultural diversity management skills:

  • Discover the diversity of cultures and values of the world
  • Understand the habits and values of your business partners and clients
  • Increase your self-confidence, improve your communication
  • Become an expert to work in multicultural and multilingual environments

SASS has obtained a state concession for the study programme International Management, thereby the study is free of charge* within the scope of available enrolment places.  (*terms apply)

Enrolment as full-time student/without paying the tuition fee is possible for candidates who:

  • haven`t already used the option of up to two regular enrolments at the same level of study (if the candidate was previously enroled at another faculty)
  • haven`t completed the same level of study yet

CONTENT

ENROLMENT CONDITIONS

Enrolment into the 1st year

The following individuals may enrol into the 1st year of the study programme Intercultural Management (MA):
  • Anyone who has completed a first-cycle study programme in relevant professional fields and obtained a minimum of 180 credits – ECTS (according to the Bologna system);
  • Anyone who has completed a study programme for obtaining a higher professional education (prior to the Bologna system);
  • Anyone who has completed the equivalent study programmes mentioned previously in other professional fields and has completed additional study obligations in the range of 11 credits (ECTS). The student completes additional study obligations before enrolling into the study programme by passing the courses Social Theory (5 ECTS) and Social Research Methodology (6 ECTS). 

The following professional fields are considered as relevant: Social Sciences, Humanities, Administration, and Business Sciences.

SASS may limit the enrolment if the number of applications exceeds the number of advertised places. In case of restricted enrolment, candidates will be selected according to the average grade of the undergraduate study.

Enrolment into the 2nd year according to the criteria for transitions

The following individuals can be enroled directly in the 2nd year of the Postgraduate Master’s study programme Intercultural Management (MA):

  • Anyone who has completed a study programme to obtain a university degree prior to the Bologna system in relevant (related) professional fields. To finish the studies, student must complete obligations in the range of 30 ECTS (exams) and a Master’s Thesis (30 ECTS).
  • Anyone who has completed a second-cycle study programme (according to the Bologna system) in relevant (related) professional fields.
  • Anyone who has completed a first-cycle study programme (according to the Bologna system) in relevant (related) professional fields and achieved at least 240 ECTS.
  • Anyone who has completed equivalent study programmes listed previously from other (unrelated) professional fields. In addition, student must complete the study obligations as determined by the Commission for Study and Student Affairs.
  • Anyone who (due to transition) enrols on the basis of recognized exams previously passed in other (Bologna) study programmes of the same level.

The following professional fields are considered as relevant: Social Sciences, Humanities, Administration, Legal, and Business Sciences. Graduates of those programmes that are not defined as relevant (related) professional fields must complete additional study obligations at the courses Social Theory (5 ECTS) and Social Research Methodology (6 ECTS).

  • Individuals who have completed equivalent education abroad also meet the conditions for enrolment.

Differential exams in the master’s study program Intercultural Management are FREE!

ENROLMENT INSTRUCTIONS

Enrollment information and application deadlines for the academic year 2024/25 are published on the link.

For more information contact Students office:
Phone: +38659073461
E-mail: vpisi@fuds.si

You can also visit our staff in person at the address Gregorčičeva ulica 19 in Nova Gorica, every Monday and Wednesday from 9.00 am to 11.00 am and every Tuesday and Thursday from 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm.

TUITION FEE

SASS has obtained a state concession for the study programme Intercultural Management, thereby the study is free of charge within the scope of available enrolment places. 

If you do not meet the requirements for full-time studies any longer (you have already used the option of up to two regular enrolments or you have changed the study programme), you have to enrol in the part-time programme, in which case the tuition amounts 2.799,00 EUR per year.

Terms of payment: Tuition fee can be paid as a single payment or in instalments (from 1 to 5 instalments) with the following due dates: at the time of enrolment; at the latest on 30.11.; at the latest on 31.1.; at the latest on 31.3.; at the latest on 31.5. of the current academic year. In the case of payment of tuition fees in installments, an increased tuition fee is charged for each installment in the amount of the administrative cost of processing the installment payment, which amounts to EUR 30.00.

**Payment in installments is possible for citizens from Slovenia and other EU Member States and EEA members. Foreigners from non-EU and non-EEA countries must pay the whole tuition fee by the time of the enrollment. In case of payment of tuition fee in installments, the administrative costs of processing the installment payment in the amount of EUR 30.00 will be charged for each installment.

MODE OF STUDY

The postgraduate programme Intercultural management is implemented as a full-time and part-time study. In the part-time study, the organization and timing of lectures, seminars, and exercises are adjusted accordingly. For the implementation of contact hours, the faculty also applies a variety of modern forms of information and communication technology (online classroom, etc.).

The study is conducted in Slovene, and a certain level of knowledge of English (at least level B2) is required for the successful completion of study obligations. The reason: some of the literature is in English, certain lectures are held in English (this volume is small, but this should not be completely ignored).

A study year is implemented in one academic year, and it is divided into two semesters. During the semesters, students attend lectures, seminars, and other forms of organized activities. Exams are implemented during (three) examination periods – the winter, summer, and autumn examination period.

Lecture schedule: The study takes place at the faculty headquarters at Gregorčičeva ulica 19 in Nova Gorica and at the dislocated unit at Leskoškova 9 / e in Ljubljana.

  • Location of studies Ljubljana
    Lectures and seminars are held during the week 16:30 – 20:45. Exceptionally, if the scope of lectures and exercises is such that lectures or exercises cannot be placed during the week, these can exceptionally be held on Saturdays as well. Other contact hours are conducted through ICT resources.
  • Location of studies Nova Gorica
    Lectures and seminars are held during the week in the morning between 09:00 – 13:15 and in the afternoon from 16:30 – 20:45. Exceptionally, if the scope of lectures and exercises is such that lectures or exercises cannot be placed during the week, they can also be held on Saturday. The pedagogical process is organized with various adaptations so that it can also be performed by students who are employed.

* In exceptional cases (medical emergencies, illness, etc.) we reserve the right to make minor changes.
**In case there are not enough first-time enrolled students at the part-time study location, as specified in the enrollment notice, the faculty may decide to conduct the study in the form of consultations or not to conduct the study.

Implementation of the study process for foreign students: consultations in English are organised for subjects in which at least 1 foreign student is enrolled. When enrolling, foreign students must mark on the enrollment form whether they want consultations in English, and in this case their participation in the consultations is also expected. For foreign students who purchase the above-standard Study+ service, recordings of the consultations will be available, as long as at least 1 student will participate in the consultations. In addition to consultations, some subjects require the presence of foreign students at certain other dates of lectures/exercises, of which foreign students are informed in advance in the timetable.

The schedule and materials are available via Web office (spletni referat) or online classroom after the candidate is registered.

STUDY+ PACKAGE

By purchasing the STUDY+ package, in addition to the friendly staff at the faculty who are always ready to support you in your studies, you will receive the following benefits or services that will be of great help to you: the possibility of direct participation in most lectures and tutorials via ICT resources (Zoom); the possibility of viewing recordings of most lectures and tutorials throughout the year; the possibility of taking exams via ICT tools (Zoom or Moodle online classroom). The package costs 399eur* (*per academic year) and is ordered and paid in a one-time amount upon enrollment or at any time during the year.

You can obtain the list of subjects that require obligatory physical presence despite purchasing the Study+ package on the following email address: urniki@fuds.si
 

CURRICULUM

The study program Intercultural Management is composed in a way that each year comprises 60 ECTS. The program lasts two years and the student is supposed to complete 120 ECTS of work.

COURSE

First Semester

Second Semester

ECTSECTS
Human Resource Management and Intercultural Environment5
Economics and Business Culture5
European Democracy and Political Culture5
Research Seminar10
Elective Course6
Elective Course6
Master Thesis23
TOGETHER in 2nd YEAR 60 ECTS  

Explanation of Acronyms:

  • ECTS – European Credit Transfer System

The (new) curriculum includes changes to the study program adopted at the Senate session that took place on 23 November 2020. The previous curriculum is NO LONGER RUNNING (PREVIOUS CURRICULUM AND CONDITIONS FOR STUDY)

KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT AND GRADING

Knowledge assessment is part of the study process of teaching and learning, and it takes place during the course of the study process (after the first semester) and after the completion of the individual courses of the study programme (after the second semester). At the same time, students are expected to pass ongoing activities. The intention and objective of knowledge assessment is to acquire regular and quality information about how students are achieving the planned general and course-specific competences, and obtain information on the achievement of the goals of the study programme.

The method of knowledge assessment and grading is determined for each individual course and specified in its syllabus. They are adjusted to verify the achieved objectives at individual courses, anticipated achievements of the study, and development of general and subject-specific competencies. Methods of knowledge assessment and grading vary because of different teaching methods, which ensure criteria of validity, reliability and objectivity, but also take into account the quality of the structure and organization of knowledge.

  • Assess knowledge and skills of students,
  • Assess output produced in the course of the study work,
  • Offer quality feedback on the progress and achieved results, aiming to motivate students to acquire additional knowledge and skills,
  • Enable integration into continuing education, and
  • Obtain data for the evaluation of conducted pedagogical work.
 

Criteria for knowledge assessment is based on the objectives of the study programme and anticipated achievements of students, identified in individual syllabuses. Students are informed about elements of knowledge assessment and grading criteria in written form, as part of the curriculum, and at the start of each course (at the beginning of each semester). Moreover, the higher education lecturer informs students on the syllabus of the course, study obligations, shares of individual components of knowledge assessment that contribute to the final grade at the course, and relevant literature.

  • Colloquiums,
  • Oral exams,
  • Written exams,
  • Seminar papers or essays,
  • Oral presentations,
  • Practical assignments or portfolio, journals,
  • Solving real problems (case studies),
  • Projects, peer reviews,
  • A written report on professional practice,
  • Diploma thesis.

ADVANCING THROUGH THE PROGRAMME

To progress from the first to the second year, the student must acquire at least 45 ECTS from the first year.

SASS  can enable the student to progress to the next year, even if the required conditions are not met, in the event of the following circumstances: maternity, prolonged illness, exceptional family or social circumstances, participation in top cultural, sports, or professional events.

A student who does not meet the conditions to progress to a higher year of study has the possibility to repeat a year once or to change the study programme or module due to non-fulfillment of obligations in the previous module or study programme. The second year of study cannot be repeated as Seniority (absolventski staž) or an additional year of study is intended for the student to pass the missing obligations.

In accordance with the applicable legislation, a student’s status may be extended for a maximum of one year if:
  • A student does not enrol in a higher year for justified reasons;
  • A student does not graduate within 12 months after the end of the last semester for justified reasons;
  • Student gives birth during the study.

Depending on the academic achievements, the student may complete the study in a shorter time than provided by the study programme.

  • Graduates /completes the studies,
  • Withdraws,
  • Is excluded,
  • Does not enrol into the following year or semester during the studies,
  • Does not graduate at the study programme of the first level within 12 months after the end of the last semester; unless the student repeated the year during the study or changed the study programme or module- then his/her status is ceased at the end of the last semester.

Seniority (absolventski staž), or an additional year, is a term that applies to the time after the end of the last semester, when the student may retain his/her status, if he/she did not graduate. The student asserts this right by enrolling into additional year or the Seniority. The student may use this right only immediately after finishing the last semester, provided that:

  • He/she does not graduate at the study programme of the second level within 12 months after the end of the last semester (unless the student repeated the year during the study or changed the study programme or module – then his/her status is ceased at the end of the last semester).

ACQUIRED COMPETENCES

Students of Intercultural Management study programme (MA) will acquire the following general competences. The knowledge and understanding of cultural and social processes and the ability to perform their complex analyses;

  • The use of methodological tools, i.e. implementation, coordination and organization of research, the application of different research methods and techniques;
  • The ability to formulate original ideas, concepts and solutions to specific problems;
  • Strategic orientation, i.e. the ability to anticipate events, arising from the cultural dynamics, the ability to offer solutions to prevent their negative consequences;
  • Ethical reflection and commitment to professional ethics in the social environment with respect to the principle of non-discrimination and multiculturalism;
  • Development of communication skills and abilities for communicating with various environments;
  • The ability of teamwork, i.e. the willingness to  cooperate, taking the opinions of others into account and fulfilling the agreed roles within the team and the group; The ability to initiate strategies, and to transform strategies into projects;
  • The ability to create a project, which can compete for international funds;
  • The ability to lead, coordinate and plan a business process;
  • The ability to use relevant national and international sources, to use electronic resources, and to critically analyse relevant literature;
  • The ability to understand and develop free entrepreneurship initiatives;
  • The ability to understand the citizens’ freedom, equality, dignity, rights and responsibilities;
  • Development of reflection, taking into account local, national and global levels;
  • Development of knowledge, skills and attitudes for lifelong learning;
  • The promotion of the development of informed and active citizens;
  • Development of the need to achieve social justice and support diversity;
  • Development of interdisciplinary thinking and cooperation;
  • The ability to learn on the basis of relevant sources from various fields of theory and practice;
  • Promoting the integration of advanced technologies for learning and studying social and business studies.

Students of Intercultural Management study programme (MA) will acquire the following course-specific competences:

  • Understanding cultural phenomena and their connection with the structure and development of the society;
  • Applying and combining knowledge from various disciplines;
  • Understanding various theoretical approaches and their application in solving specific problems;
  • Flexibility and adaptability; i.e. the ability to act in a multicultural environment;
  • The ability to make connections in a multicultural environment and communicate with actors from different cultural  environments;
  • The ability to use information and communication technologies and systems in the field of culture;
  • Understanding diverse social and cultural environments, understanding cultural pluralism;
  • The ability to anticipate and solve problems arising from intercultural differences;
  • The ability to understand and manage intercultural information;
  • Understanding relationships between individuals and groups in different cultural environments;
  • Organizational and leadership skills to guide activities in a multicultural environment;
  • The ability of cultural empathy, i.e. understanding ideas, values and cognitive patterns from different cultural environments;
  • Identifying innovation as a tool for creating social changes;
  • Organizational and management skills in organizations, while understanding individual values and collective value systems, while managing professional ethical issues;
  • Time management ability, self-preparation, planning ability, and the ability of self-control in the implementation of plans.

CONDITIONS FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE STUDIES

In order to finish the studies, the student has to successfully complete all study obligations prescribed by the study programme as well as prepare and successfully defend a Master’s Thesis. Students complete the studies when he/she obtains minimum 120 ECTS prescribed by the study programme. Upon completion of the study, the student receives a master’s degree which is a public document.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATES

Graduates of the study programme Intercultural Management are qualified to perform the most demanding tasks in organizations (government administration, NGOs, companies), which are operating in an international environment or are experiencing cultural diversity of customers, employees or users. They can act as managers, officials, experts, analysts, consultants, organizers, or mediators, etc. They are able to take responsibility for the management of highly complex operating systems, and to develop critical reflections; they have social and communication abilities for teamwork management.