University of Ljubljana

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary doctorate combines an original, supervised research project with advanced coursework and transferable skills training. Research themes span environmental chemistry and toxicology, ecology and biodiversity conservation, water resources and hydrology, air quality and pollution control, waste and circular economy, environmental engineering and remediation, climate change impacts and adaptation, environmental modelling and remote sensing, and environmental policy and governance.

Typical programme elements include:

• Core research project leading to a doctoral dissertation supervised by one or more faculty members from relevant faculties.
• Advanced taught modules in specialist topics such as environmental modelling, analytical methods in environmental chemistry, ecosystem assessments, environmental risk analysis, and environmental management systems.
• Methodology and statistics courses covering experimental design, multivariate analysis, spatial statistics and numerical modelling.
• Seminars, research colloquia and journal clubs to develop critical appraisal and presentation skills.
• Training in scientific communication, research integrity, grant writing and project management.
• Opportunities for laboratory work, field campaigns, modelling and interdisciplinary collaboration across faculties and external research institutes.

Programme structure is research-centred and typically includes an initial period of coursework and proposal development, followed by concentrated research activity, regular progress assessments, publications in peer-reviewed journals and a final oral defence of the dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification in an appropriate discipline (for example environmental science, ecology, chemistry, civil or environmental engineering, geography, forestry, or related social sciences). Key application components typically include:

• A detailed research proposal outlining the planned doctoral project and its scientific context.
• A curriculum vitae demonstrating academic background and any research experience.
• Academic transcripts and a certified copy of the master’s degree certificate or equivalent.
• Letters of recommendation and, where required, a statement of purpose.
• Identification of a proposed supervisor or evidence of support from faculty staff in a relevant department; some candidates are admitted after an interview or evaluation by a doctoral committee.
• Language proficiency: competence in the language of instruction (Slovenian or English) as required by the chosen supervisory team and faculty; evidence of English language ability may be requested for international applicants.

Additional requirements may include a research interview, portfolio of prior research (publications, reports) and compliance with the university’s formal doctoral admission procedures. Candidates with strong research experience but non-traditional backgrounds may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Career prospects

Graduates from this doctoral programme have diverse career pathways across academia, research and practice. Typical roles include:

• Academic positions and postdoctoral research posts at universities and research institutes.
• Research scientists and technical specialists in national laboratories and public research organisations.
• Environmental consultants and technical advisers in private industry, engineering and environmental consultancy firms.
• Policy analysts, advisors and programme managers in government ministries, environmental agencies and local authorities.
• Project managers and specialists in international organisations, non-governmental organisations and sustainability-focused enterprises.
• Roles in industry focusing on environmental compliance, sustainability, resource management and remediation technologies.

The interdisciplinary nature of the programme equips graduates with both deep subject knowledge and transferable skills such as data analysis, modelling, project leadership and science communication, which are valued across sectors.

Why study at University of Ljubljana

The University of Ljubljana offers an interdisciplinary ecosystem with strong research links between faculties and national research institutes, providing access to laboratory infrastructure, field sites and collaborative projects. Students benefit from supervision by faculty active in national and international research programmes, and from opportunities to collaborate with bodies involved in environmental monitoring, conservation and policy in Slovenia and the wider region.

Being based in Slovenia’s capital, doctoral researchers have easy access to government agencies, NGOs and industry partners, facilitating applied research and knowledge transfer. The university’s emphasis on interdisciplinary training and international collaboration helps prepare graduates for careers that bridge science, technology and policy in the environmental sector.