University of Maribor

What you'll study

The programme combines interdisciplinary study of risk, security and emergency response with hands-on skills for crisis prevention and management. Core themes include risk assessment and analysis, crisis communication, emergency planning, disaster medicine basics, rescue and relief operations, civil protection law and policy, business continuity, and incident command systems.

• Foundations of Crisis Management: principles of crisis theory, types of hazards, vulnerability and resilience concepts.
• Legal and Institutional Frameworks: national and international civil protection law, organisational structures for emergency management.
• Risk Assessment and Hazard Analysis: methods for identifying and evaluating natural, technological and human-made risks.
• Emergency Operations and Rescue Techniques: practical training in field operations, coordination of responders and resource management.
• Crisis Communication and Information Management: media relations, stakeholder communication and use of information systems during emergencies.
• GIS, Remote Sensing and Data for Crisis Response: spatial analysis tools applied to disaster planning and situational awareness.
• Business Continuity and Recovery: strategies for organisational resilience and post-crisis recovery planning.
• Psychosocial Aspects and Ethics: supporting affected populations, leadership, decision-making under stress and ethical considerations.
• Practical Placements and Exercises: internships with emergency services, simulation exercises, fieldwork and a capstone bachelor project or thesis.

The programme is typically structured across three years with progressive development from theory to applied practice and includes laboratory work, simulation drills and compulsory professional placement.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised secondary school leaving certificate or equivalent. Backgrounds in sciences, social sciences or technical subjects are advantageous but not essential. Admissions may consider motivation, relevant voluntary or work experience (for example in rescue, civil protection or public safety) and an interview.

Language requirements depend on the language of instruction: proficiency in Slovenian is usually required for programmes taught in Slovenian, while English-taught options require appropriate proof of English language ability. International applicants should consult the university's admissions office for details on recognition of foreign qualifications and any preparatory language courses.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles in the public, private and non-governmental sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Civil protection and emergency management officers at municipal, regional or national level
• Operational roles in fire and rescue services, mountain or maritime rescue units
• Risk and resilience advisors in utilities, transport, energy and critical infrastructure operators
• Business continuity managers and emergency planners in private companies
• Disaster relief and project staff with NGOs and international organisations
• Consultancy roles in safety, security and risk assessment firms
• Further academic study at Master level in related fields such as emergency management, security studies or public administration

The programme's practical elements, internships and established links with emergency services and public agencies help graduates transition directly into operational and planning roles.

Why study at University of Maribor

The University of Maribor combines strong regional engagement with multidisciplinary research and teaching in safety and security. The Faculty associated with crisis management has established collaborations with national civil protection authorities, emergency services and first responder organisations, offering students direct access to practical training, simulation facilities and professional placements.

Studying in Maribor places students in Slovenia's second-largest city, offering proximity to varied terrain for field exercises and to regional emergency infrastructure. The curriculum emphasises applied skills, teamwork and real-world problem solving, supported by academic staff with experience in emergency management, rescue operations, policy development and research.