University of Ljubljana

What you'll study

The programme offers a mix of theoretical and methodological courses focused on the interplay between information technologies and social processes. Core topics typically include:

• Theories of social informatics — historical and theoretical frameworks for understanding technology in social contexts.
• Research methods — quantitative and qualitative methods, survey design, interviews, ethnography and mixed-method approaches adapted to digital research.
• Social network analysis and data analytics — techniques for analysing online and offline networks, text and social media data, basic data mining and visualisation.
• Human–computer interaction and user experience — principles of usability, participatory design and evaluation of socio-technical systems.
• Digital governance and policy — e-government, digital inclusion, privacy, data protection and regulatory frameworks.
• Ethics and digital rights — ethical implications of data collection, algorithmic decision-making and societal impacts of automation.
• Elective modules and specialisation — students may choose electives in areas such as computational social science, media studies, cybersecurity policy or information systems depending on availability.
• Research project / Master's thesis — an independent research project under academic supervision, often linked to faculty research groups or external partners.

The programme structure balances taught courses, practical workshops and a supervised research thesis. Students gain transferable skills in empirical research, data handling, critical analysis and communication.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a recognised first-cycle (bachelor's) degree in social sciences, computer science, information science, communication studies, sociology, political science, or a closely related discipline. Relevant professional experience and prior coursework in statistics, research methods or programming can strengthen an application.

Typical application documentation includes academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, a statement of purpose or motivation letter outlining research interests, and letters of recommendation. Applicants whose first language is not English are usually required to demonstrate proficiency in English through an accepted test or equivalent evidence of prior instruction in English.

Selection may take into account the applicant's academic background, motivation, fit with supervisory expertise and available places. In some cases, applicants may be invited for an interview or asked to provide a short research proposal.

Career prospects

Graduates from Social Informatics programmes find roles across public, private and non-profit sectors where combined social and technical expertise is valued. Common career paths include:

• Social data analyst or data scientist in research institutes, NGOs or private companies
• User experience (UX) researcher or interaction designer
• Digital policy advisor or consultant in government and regulatory bodies
• E‑government and public administration specialist
• Project manager for digital inclusion, civic tech or community information projects
• Researcher or PhD candidate in social informatics, communication studies or information science

Graduates are prepared to work with interdisciplinary teams, translate research into policy or practice, and pursue further academic research where appropriate.

Why study at University of Ljubljana

The University of Ljubljana is the largest higher education institution in Slovenia and offers strong interdisciplinary links between social sciences, information science and humanities. The Master of Social Informatics benefits from faculty expertise in areas such as digital media, public policy, social research methods and computer-supported cooperative work.

Students have access to research centres and laboratories, opportunities for applied projects with local government and civil society partners, and mobility options through European academic networks. Studying in Ljubljana provides a compact, international academic environment with proximity to Slovenian public institutions and a growing tech and research community.