University of Maribor

What you'll study

This programme combines theoretical foundations with practical skills in managing crises and disasters. Core topics include risk and hazard assessment, emergency planning and response, civil protection systems, crisis communication, incident command and coordination, and basic principles of disaster medicine and fire safety. Students also study related areas such as environmental protection, infrastructure resilience, occupational safety, legal and ethical frameworks for emergency management, project management and leadership.

Teaching methods typically include lectures, seminars, tabletop and field exercises, simulation training and project work. Coursework emphasises applied problem solving, use of geographic information systems (GIS) for risk mapping, development of contingency plans, and exercises in multi-agency coordination. The curriculum is structured to build progressively from foundational subjects in early semesters to specialised modules and a final bachelor project or practicum.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised secondary school leaving certificate or equivalent qualification that gives access to higher education in their country. Proficiency in the programme's language of instruction is required; applicants may need to demonstrate language competence through recognised certificates or internal testing. The faculty may use additional selection procedures such as entrance examinations, interviews or assessment of motivation, particularly for applicants from non-traditional backgrounds.

Relevant subjects at secondary level often include science, social sciences, geography or technical subjects, and practical experience or voluntary work in emergency services, civil protection or community organisations can strengthen an application. International applicants should check equivalency and voucher procedures provided by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles in a broad range of organisations involved in safety, security and crisis management. Typical employers include national and local civil protection authorities, municipal emergency management offices, fire and rescue services, police and border agencies, health services involved in emergency response, and non-governmental organisations engaged in humanitarian assistance.

Other career paths include positions in the private sector as business continuity and resilience officers, risk analysts or consultants for infrastructure and utilities, emergency planning roles in transport and logistics companies, and occupational safety roles within larger organisations. Graduates also pursue further study at master’s level in crisis management, security studies, environmental risk or related disciplines.

Why study at University of Maribor

The University of Maribor offers a regional centre for applied education in safety and emergency disciplines with links to Slovenian civil protection agencies and emergency services. Students benefit from practical training opportunities, simulation exercises and cooperation with public institutions and industry partners. The university supports mobility through student exchange programmes and provides access to research projects and laboratories relevant to crisis and risk management.

Studying in Maribor places students in a setting where cross-border cooperation in disaster response and EU civil protection mechanisms are part of the practical learning environment, helping to develop the interagency and international skills employers seek in crisis management professionals.