Doctoral studies

What can I expect?

Doctoral students can expect to develop the following specific competencies:

• Systematic knowledge and understanding of theories, theoretical frameworks, scientific paradigms, and the development of teacher education and educational sciences.
• In-depth understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods and the ability to apply them appropriately in research within this field.
• Acquisition and comprehension of an extensive body of knowledge relevant to their chosen area of study.
• Personal responsibility and independent decision-making in complex and unpredictable professional or related educational environments.
• Critical awareness of the broader implications of applying knowledge in specific educational and professional contexts.
• Ability to analyze and reflect on social norms and relationships within the chosen field of study, lead initiatives for change, and bridge academic research with societal needs.
• Capability to identify practical problems within the field that can be addressed using academic research methods and tools.
• Ability to conduct original research in their selected area.
• Competence in conducting independent, original, and publishable research.
• Collaboration and problem-solving skills in research environments, creative communication, and participation in interdisciplinary research teams.

Programme objectives

The doctoral study programme Teacher Education and Educational Sciences aims to achieve the following key objectives:

• Deepening the understanding of theoretical and methodological concepts in teacher education and educational sciences.
• Training for independent knowledge development and solving the most complex professional and scientific problems from an interdisciplinary perspective.
• Fostering critical reflection and ethical responsibility in research, as well as developing social and communication skills for leading professional and research work.
• Developing the ability to critically analyze, test, and improve known factors and design new solutions for both scientific disciplines and practice.
• Preparing students for independent leadership of scientific research projects and/or the most complex professional systems.

Programme specialisations

The doctoral study programme in Teacher Education and Educational Sciences is divided into two scientific fields:

Teacher Education Specialisations:

• Teaching, learning, upbringing, and education
• Teaching Slovene language and literature
• Teaching mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology
• Teaching social sciences and humanities
• Teaching in the arts

Educational Sciences Specialisations:

• Social pedagogy
• Special and rehabilitation pedagogy
• Preschool pedagogy
• Educational policies
• Supervision, organisational, and personal counselling

Programme modules

The curriculum includes the following structured study components (60 ECTS):

1. Core Modules
2. Specialisation Modules (introductory academic work in the disciplinary field of the doctoral dissertation)
3. Elective Modules (courses selected based on the nature of the candidate’s planned individual research and personal preferences)
4. Individual Research Work (IRW) for the Doctoral Dissertation (conducted under the guidance of a mentor or co-mentor), comprising 120 ECTS

Admission requirements

Candidates can enroll in the doctoral study programme if they have completed:

• A second-cycle study programme.
• A study programme regulated by EU directives (if valued at 300 ECTS) or another integrated master’s study programme worth 300 ECTS.
• A previous university-level study programme (programmes before the Higher Education Act of September 3, 2004).
• A previous specialisation study programme, provided they have completed a higher education professional programme beforehand. These candidates may be required to complete 30 to 60 additional ECTS before enrolling in the third-cycle study programme.
• A previous master’s degree programme (scientific master’s) or specialisation after completing a university degree programme. These candidates are awarded a minimum of 60 ECTS towards the doctoral study programme.

Graduates of foreign universities may also enroll in the doctoral study programme. The equivalence of their prior education is determined through a foreign education recognition process for further studies, in accordance with the University of Ljubljana’s Statute.