Strategic Communication and Management (PHD)

The Faculty of Media joined the School of Advanced Social Studies on September 30, 2022. Since the annexation, the study programs of the Faculty of Media (undergraduate study program Media and Journalism, master’s study program Strategic Communication, master’s study program Media and Journalism, doctoral study program Strategic Communication and Management) are carried out by the School of Advanced Social Studies (SASS). The study programs of the (former) Faculty of Media and their implementation, as well as the rights and obligations arising from the status of a student, remain the same.

Doctoral study programme Strategic communication and Management 

Study fields: 1. Strategic Communication; 2. Management

Degree (and type) of the programme: Ph.D. Programme

Duration: 3 years

Acquired professional title after graduation:  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Doctoral study programme Strategic Communication and Management educates doctoral students for research work in the science as well as for professional work in the areas of politics, public administration, private sector and sphere of civil society. The fundamental goal of the study is oriented towards the knowledge and mastery of the most contemporary knowledge and research instruments in the field of communication studies, management and related disciplines. Students can choose between two fields of study: 1. Strategic Communication and 2. Management.

The program is designed to provide students with the generally relevant theoretical and methodological knowledge they will need to successfully complete their projects.

The study programme consists of a methodological course that provides students with knowledge of contemporary qualitative and quantitative research methods (and modes of combining them in research work) as well as a mandatory and an elective theoretical course. In addition, students attend two doctoral seminars: a Seminar for Disposition, where students present the starting points of their doctoral dissertation; and a Dissertation Seminar where students present the preliminary findings of their doctoral dissertation. The majority of work on the preparation of the doctoral dissertation consists of individual research work with the assistance and cooperation of the selected supervisor (and potential co-supervisor).

The Strategic Communication and Management program covers the following content areas of knowledge:

  • communication science;
  • media and journalism;
  • law;
  • informatics;
  • sociology;
  • political science;
  • economics and business/management;
  • qualitative and quantitative methodology.

Content

ENROLMENT CONDITIONS

The enrolment criteria are met by persons who have completed the following levels of education can enrol in the Strategic Communication and Management study programme:

  • a 2nd cycle study programme,
  • a study programme from Paragraph 4 of Article 36 of the Higher Education Act, if it comprises 300 credit points.

The conditions for enrolment are also met by persons who have completed equivalent education programmes abroad.

The Faculty may restrict enrolment if the number of applications is significantly higher than the available capacity. If enrolment is restricted, candidates will be selected according to the average grade in their master’s studies, excluding the grade of their master’s thesis (or according to the average grade in the last two years of their studies for long non-structured masters’ study programmes) and according to the grade of their master’s thesis. Each of these criteria has the same weight. If a master’s study programme does not include a master’s thesis or if it is not graded, the average grade in the master’s studies will be the only criterion. 

Differential exams are additionally payable (check the price list), and they should be paid before registering for the exam. DIFFERENTIAL EXAMS MUST BE TAKEN BEFORE ENROLLMENT!

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

Tuition fee: 3.099.00 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.

* only for citizens of EU, citizens of other countries can only pay in one instalment.

**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

Independent study is the central form of study at the doctoral level. Independent work includes the individual study of literature, the preparation and presentation of individual assignments, the research work of students in research programs that take place within the framework of the faculty, and especially the preparation of a doctoral disposition and dissertation. This way of working enables the student to develop his own creative potential to the greatest extent possible. The mentor guides the student through the study process, encourages him to integrate into the faculty’s teaching and research environment. The mentor helps the student organize his studies, which means that he accompanies him during his studies and directs his work. He advises on the selection of appropriate research methodology and relevant literature. He/She helps in preparing the design of the dissertation, planning the methodology of the research work, choosing sources and literature, and judging when the doctoral dissertation is ready for the defense.

Study schedule: Doctoral studies take place in the form of doctoral academic colloquiums, which usually take place at the end of the week (usually Friday and Saturday). Lectures/seminars take place in lecture rooms in Ljubljana, usually between 10.00 and 19.00 (depending on the subject). Other contact hours take place through ICT means.

* 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 Ph.D. programme is primarily individual with a small portion of organized study work, which comprises of four exams in the first year. 

Study field of Strategic Communication

The first year includes the mandatory methodological, the mandatory theoretical and elective theoretical course as well as a seminar for the preparation of disposition of doctoral dissertation. The latter subject is common to both study fields. The first year is completed with the confirmed doctoral dissertation topic and submitted disposition of the doctoral dissertation.

SUBJECTECTS
Communication Processes15
Research Methods in Strategic Communication15
Seminar for Disposition15
Elective Course15
The second year is entirely intended for individual research work for the purpose of preparing a doctoral dissertation with the assistance of the selected supervisor and possibly a co-supervisor. The second year is common to both study fields.
 
SUBJECTECTS
Individual Work on Dissertation30
Individual Work on Dissertation30
The third year allows the candidate,  to address critical responses to his/her draft of the dissertation obtained at the Dissertation Seminar and to correct, complete, finalize and defend his/her doctoral dissertation, taking into account relevant suggestions. The third year is common to both study fields.
 
SUBJECTECTS
Dissertation Seminar15
Preparation of Doctoral Dissertation15
Finalization and Defense of Doctoral Dissertation
30
The selection of theoretical in-depth knowledge, which will be selected by the student as an elective unit, primarily depends on his/her selection of doctoral dissertation topic. The student can also choose the equivalent theoretical orientation that is the closest to his/her topic of doctoral dissertation at another relevant domestic or foreign accredited higher education institution. 
 
SUBJECTECTS
Digital Media15
Media, Globalization and Culture15
Dilemmas of Freedom of Speech15
Logic of Media Communication15
Models of Democratic Governance15

Study Field of Management

The first year includes the mandatory methodological, the mandatory theoretical and elective theoretical course as well as a seminar for the preparation of disposition of doctoral dissertation. The latter subject is common to both study fields.The first year is completed with the confirmed doctoral dissertation topic and submitted disposition of the doctoral dissertation.
 
SUBJECTECTS
Theoretical sets of management15
Methods of Triangulation in Management15
Seminar for Disposition15
Elective Course15



The second year is entirely intended for individual research work for the purpose of preparing doctoral dissertation with the assistance of the selected supervisor and possibly a co-supervisor. The second year is common to both study fields.
 
SUBJECTECTS
Individual Work on Dissertation 130
Individual Work on Dissertation 230
The third year allows the candidate,  to address critical responses to his/her draft of dissertation obtained at the Dissertation Seminar and to correct, complete, finalize and defend his/her doctoral dissertation, taking into account relevant suggestions. The third year is common to both study fields.
 
SUBJECTECTS
Dissertation Seminar15
Preparation of Doctoral Dissertation15
Finalization and Defense of Doctoral Dissertation30
The selection of theoretical in-depth knowledge, which will be selected by the student as an elective unit, primarily depends on his/her selection of doctoral dissertation topic. The student can also choose the equivalent theoretical orientation that is the closest to his/her topic of doctoral dissertation at another relevant domestic or foreign accredited higher education institution. 
 
SUBJECTECTS
Innovation Management15
Intellectual Property in the Digital Age15
Current Topics in Economic Sociology15
Management of Information Processes15

The (new) curriculum includes changes to the study programme adopted at the Senate session that took place on the 10th of February 2022. The new curriculum is valid for the students enrolled in the 1st year of the study programme in the academic year 2022/23.

For students enrolled in the 2nd or 3rd year of the study programme in the academic year 2022/23, the previous curriculum of the study programme or the conditions applicable at the time of enrolment shall apply if students education progress is regular (PREVIOUS CURRICULUM AND CONDITIONS FOR STUDY)

Explanation of acronyms:
  • ECTS  –  European Credit Transfer System

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 and after the completion of the individual courses of the study programme. 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.

The purpose of knowledge assessment is to:

  • 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 curriculum, and at the start of each course (at the beginning of each semester). Moreover, 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.

Anticipated methods of knowledge assessment and grading are:

  • Oral exams,
  • Written exams,
  • Research assignments,
  • Oral presentations of research work and findings,
  • Solving real problems (case studies),
  • Projects, peer reviews,
  • Doctoral dissertation.

Faster progress
Student who achieves the required number of credit points (ETCS) necessary to progress to the next year in the period shorter than one academic year, is enabled to make faster progress. The related decision is adopted by the Committee for Study and Student Affairs upon candidate’s request. The decision determines the mode of faster progress. Faster progress allows students to register and pass the courses for the higher years.  The courses can be also passed within another organized education. Based upon the request of the candidate, the Committee for Study and Student Affairs may also decide on early completion of the studies.

Recognition of study obligations
Student who has previously studied in another study programme of the same or higher level at a higher education institution in the Republic of Slovenia or abroad may, prior to the start of studies or during studies, apply for the recognition of exams which are equivalent (in content and scope) to those exams that he/she already passed. SASS many also recognize the knowledge that corresponds to the learning contents of the courses in the enrolled study programme, and has been acquired in different forms of education. Recognition of knowledge and skills acquired prior to the enrolment is decided by the course holder upon a written request of the student (completed form), attached certificates or other documents proving the successfully acquired knowledge as well as the content and scope of this knowledge and the student’s input. The exam may be recognized in full, in part or is not recognized. The commission for Study and Student affairs decides on the recognition of elective courses that are not implemented at the faculty.

ADVANCING THROUGH THE PROGRAMME

To progress from the first to the second year of studies, students must obtain at least 30 credits (ECTS) from the first year, submit the topic application on the specific form that is approved by the Commission for Science and Research Activities (hereinafter KZRD), and submit the disposition of the doctoral dissertation, which is proven with the signature of the supervisor on the specific form.

Conditions to progress from the second to the third year are to complete all obligations of the first year in the range of 60 ECTS, to complete individual work of the second year in the range of 60 ECTS, which is assessed on the basis of the supervisor’s opinion, and complete the disposition of the doctoral dissertation which is confirmed by the Senate of the faculty.

Student status ends:

  • a student who completes a third-cycle study program,
  • if the student does not complete the postgraduate study of the third level within the appropriate period prescribed by the statute,
  • if he/she does not enroll in the next year or semester during his studies,
  • if he/she withdraws,
  • if it has been excluded.

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 in an additional year or the Seniority. The student may use this right only immediately after finishing the last semester, provided that:

  • He/she does not complete a doctoral study of the third level within the appropriate deadline prescribed by the Statute.

ACQUIRED COMPETENCES

Students of doctoral study programme in Strategic Communication and Management will acquire the following general competencies:

The students will obtain following competencies within the Strategic Communication and Management doctoral study programme:

  • the ability to identify given research problems, their analysis and possible solutions;
  • creating new knowledge as relevant contribution to the development of science;
  • mastery of the methods, procedures and processes of research work;
  • the ability to resolve concrete research problems;
  • the ability to be innovative in the use and combination of empirical research methods (triangulation methods);
  • the ability of acquiring, selecting, evaluating and implementing new knowledge in a complex manner and the ability of comprehensive interpretation of societal phenomena;
  • the ability to form and implement original scientific solutions for given social problems;
  • the ability to present obtained scientific results in the form of publications in international scientific periodicals;
  • the commitment to professional ethics.

In the doctoral program Strategic Communication and Management, students will acquire the following subject-specific competencies:

  • the ability of independent research and development work and leading a research group;
  • knowledge of the importance of quality and striving for the quality of professional work through autonomy, (self)criticality, (self)reflexivity and (self)evaluation in professional work;
  • the ability to solve concrete research problems in different fields of communication in contemporary society;
  • understanding the role and functions of communication for maintaining and developing interpersonal relationships;
  • understanding the role of media and public communication in general at the level of everyday life;
  • ability to understand, analyze and dissect the influential and persuasive dimensions carried out by institutions and individuals in the context of everyday communication;
  • knowledge of the essential elements and structure of the dialogue;
  • ability to design and implement original scientific solutions to communication problems;
  • knowledge of different interpretive approaches that explain communication actions;
  • understanding the role of public discourses in the field of identity constitution;
  • understanding the role of context in shaping communication / language practices in the field communication;
  • understanding communication as a strategic decision-making process;
  • understanding the role of mass media in the process of strategic communication;
  • understanding strategic communication at the global level;
  • ability to understand the implications of digital media use and digital interaction;
  • ability to reflect the post-factual reality of the digital environment;
  • ability to analyze the digitalization of communication processes for various subsystems of society;
  • ability to analyse political processes in a democratic society;
  • knowledge of the characteristics of multi-level governance;
  • understanding the role of communication in democratic processes;
  • knowledge of the legality of strategic action in politics;
  • understanding the importance of freedom of expression in strategic communication;
  • knowledge of legal regulations in the field of freedom of expression.

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, and prepare and successfully defend the doctoral dissertation. The student has to obtain all 180 credits (ECTS) prescribed by the study programme to complete the studies.

Upon completion of the study, the student receives a doctoral/Ph.D. Degree, which is a public document.

In accordance with the Professional and Scientific Titles Act (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No. 61/06), upon completion of studies, a student obtains a scientific title Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with the abbreviation dr., which is placed before the first and last name. The Ph.D. degree also contains the scientific area, in which the title has been obtained – “in the field of Communication” / “in the field of Management”.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATES

The transition to the knowledge society cannot be separated from the development of the information society. Therefore, we justifiably expect increased demand for the most educated profiles in the field of communication and management. This does not mean that the demand for these profiles is massive, however, it is relevant for the development of society that depends on well-educated researchers and managers within scientific research organizations, public administration, local government, NGOs and the private sector. Innovative approaches are urgently needed in all these areas to solve highly complex problems.

In this context, the following typical areas of employment come into play:

  1. In scientific research and higher education organizations in the field of social sciences, a doctoral profile will obviously be needed, first of all from the point of view of pedagogical and research work. At the same time, the operational core of these organizations is expected to have a high level of innovation, independence and leadership skills in research and development and superior knowledge transfer skills, on the one hand to younger researchers and students, and to the private sector and other relevant users on the other hand.
  2. In companies, especially larger ones, the doctoral profile in the field of communication and management will be important for independent expert and/or research work and/or leading research or expert groups, especially in areas of more demanding market research, public opinion, more demanding public relations and the most demanding organizational and personnel issues.
  3. In public administration, local self-government, international institutions and non-governmental organizations, doctoral profiles in the field of communication and management will be competent for formulating public policies in the field of strategic communication and management. At the same time, they will develop solutions in the field of organizational, communication, human resources and other fields, where innovative solutions are needed, based on the application of the most complex theoretical knowledge. Expert consulting at the level of the organization as well as consulting at the levels that include individual aspects of the direction of the company and its subsystems at the macro level are considered.