Strategic Communication (MA)

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.

Master’s programme Strategic Communication (M.A.)

Degree (and type) of the programme: Postgraduate MA programme

Duration: 2 years (4 semesters), 120 ECTS

Mode of study: full-time, part-time 

Place of studies: Ljubljana

Acquired professional title after graduation: Master of Strategic Communication

The basic goals of the program are:

  • the expansion of knowledge of communication, sociology, political science, organizational and business studies, law, etc., and the development of competencies for the comprehensive and research-based management of complex issues in these fields;
  • the provision of fundamental theoretical knowledge of a narrower field of research specialization which encompasses public relations, market research, journalism, rhetoric, marketing;
  • the provision of a methodological apparatus and skills for using it in a narrower field of research specialization which encompasses public relations, market research, journalism, rhetoric, marketing;
  • the provision of the ability to transfer the results and findings of the independent analytical studies and research work into the working practice of subjects of economic, political or civilian systems.

Structure of the programme

The programme is two years long and is divided into four semesters. It consists of 120 CP. The first three semesters consist of five subjects, whereas the fourth semester is intended for students to work on the creation of their master’s thesis. The programme is structured so that it will be based on two pillars: 1.) compulsory and 2.) elective. The programme consists of 15 courses, 11 of which are compulsory and 4 elective. It completes with the defence of master’s thesis.

The study programme consists of three sets of courses:

  • theoretical
  • methodological
  • disciplinary-practical.

The programme is carried out in part-time way. It will encompass organized study work, i.e. lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory work etc. as well as individual consultations. An important component of the programme is independent student work which encompasses: literature review, seminar and project papers, participating in research and work projects, preparing and holding presentations, preparing for examinations, creating and defending a master’s thesis.

Content

ENROLLMENT CONDITIONS

The following persons can enrol in the first year of the Strategic Communication master’s study programme:

  • the ones who have completed a 1st cycle study programme in a related professional field and have acquired a minimum of 180 ECTS credit points (in the Bologna system);
  • the ones who have completed a study programme leading to a professional higher education degree in a related professional field (before the Bologna system);
  •  the ones who have completed a 1st cycle study programme in another professional field, if they have fulfilled all the study obligations essential for continuing their studies prior to enrolling; these obligations are determined by the Study and Student Affairs Committee according to the degree of (dis)similarity of the professional field and encompass between 10 and a maximum of 18 credit points, and they can be fulfilled during their 1st cycle studies within the Media and Journalism study programme, in a non-degree programme or by taking examinations before enrolling in the master’s study programme.

The related professional fields are: social sciences, journalism and information, business and administrative sciences.

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 undergraduate studies. 

Differential exams in the master’s study program Strategic Communication are FREE!

ENROLLMENT 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: 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

The Master’s study programme Strategic Communication (MA) is implemented as a 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.).

A study year is generally implemented in one academic year, and it is divided into two semesters. During the semesters, students attend lectures, seminars and other organized activities. Exams are generally implemented during (three) examination periods – the winter, summer and autumn examination periods – with the possibility of additional pre-dates for exams.

The schedule: In Ljubljana, the lectures and seminars are generally organized in the afternoon hours during weekdays. In Nova Gorica lectures and seminars are generally held on Friday afternoons and on Saturdays throughout the whole day.

* 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 (new) curriculum includes changes to the study program adopted at the Senate session that took place on the 4th of January 2021. The previous curriculum is NO LONGER RUNNING (PREVIOUS CURRICULUM).

 

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 (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.

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 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.

Anticipated methods of knowledge assessment and grading are:

  • 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,
  • Master’s thesis.

ADVANCING THROUGH THE PROGRAMME

To advance from the first to the second year, a student must achieve at least 48 ECTS from the first year.

The Faculty may approve promotion to a higher year even if it has not met the required conditions in 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 for enrollment in a higher year may repeat the year once during his/her studies or change the study program or field due to non-fulfillment of obligations in the previous field or study program. The second-year cannot be repeated.

A student who, in accordance with the applicable legislation, may have his/her student status extended for a maximum of one year, if:

  • does not enroll in a higher year for justified reasons,
  • does not graduate within 12 months of the end of the last semester for justified reasons,
  • a student gives birth during her studies.

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

ACQUIRED COMPETENCES

Students will acquire the following general competences in the study program Strategic Communication (MA):

  • ability of complex analysis of cultural and social processes;
  • ability to formulate complex and original ideas, concepts and solutions to certain problems;
  • ability to identify a given research problem, its analysis and possible solutions;
  • ability to achieve professional excellence on the basis of a high level of autonomy (self) criticism, (self) reflexivity and (self) evaluation;
  • strategic orientation, ie. ability to anticipate events, ability to offer solutions to improve the situation;
  • creating new knowledge that represents a relevant contribution to the development of science;
  • ethical reflection and commitment to professional ethics in the social environment with respect for the principles of non-discrimination and multiculturalism;
  • development of communication skills and communication skills at different levels in an intercultural environment;
  • ability to innovatively use and combine research empirical methods;
  • ability of complex systemic view of society and interdisciplinary approach;
  • ability to present the obtained scientific results in the form of publications in international scientific periodicals;
  • ability to use more complex forms of knowledge in practice;
  • the ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships to work in a group and with other users and groups (local community, public administration organizations, the economy, NGOs) and the ability to tolerate dialogue.
  •  
  • understanding the role and functions of communication in maintaining and developing interpersonal relations, in particular in developing a culture of dialogue;
  • ability to master standard methods, procedures and processes of research work in the field of strategic communication;
  • ability to solve research problems in the field of strategic communication;
  • development of skills in the use of knowledge in the research field of strategic communication;
  • knowledge of the history of public relations and their placement in the context of politics, economy;
  • ability to design a strategy for communicating with the public appropriate to the specific problem;
  • using and combining knowledge and skills from different disciplinary fields in order to achieve an integrated approach in media production;
  • ability to communicate in different cultural environments;
  • ability to self-express and present one’s views and ideas through various media genres;
  • knowledge of interpretive approaches that explain communication actions (one-way, multi-way, constructivist model of communication);
  • ability to independently recognize and meaningfully apply various pragmalinguistic concepts (conversational maxims, courtesy, deicticity) that appear in private and public communication;
  • understanding why the identity of individuals – similar to the context itself – is not given in advance, but is actively formed through speech or through the process of communication;
  • knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms of ideological interpellation and subjectivation;
  • the ability to analyze the processes in which an individual is placed in this or that identity;
  • understanding, analyzing and analyzing the influential and persuasive dimensions carried out by institutions and individuals in the context of everyday communication;
  • knowledge of the structure of the media field and understanding of media phenomena and their connection with the structure and development of societies;
  • the ability of complex analysis of media content and techniques;
  • ability to understand, master and integrate complex media information;
  • understanding the mission of the media in a modern democratic society;
  • understanding the role of public media discourses in the field of identity constitution.

CONDITIONS FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE STUDIES

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.

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 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.

Anticipated methods of knowledge assessment and grading are:

  • 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.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATES

The holder of the Master’s Degree can get employed in the media of all kinds, printed as well as electronic, new media, in advertising agencies, public relations offices, economic and non-economic sectors, in video-production, publishing, in economic and non-economic research and development departments or centres, in design and computer design companies, in schools, in civil society sector, in international organisations etc.