Public Call for Applications for the Co-Funding of Doctoral Study Programmes for Students of the University of Maribor 2024/25

The University of Maribo​r is publishing the »Public Call for Applications for the Co-Funding of Doctoral Study Programmes for Students of the University of Maribor – 2024/25 Academic Year«.

 Co-funding may be approved for an applicant who meets the following requirements:

• ​In the 2024/2025 academic year, the applicant is enrolled in the 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd or 4^th year of doctoral study and has regularly progressed into the next year of study during his/her study.
• The applicant has previously not completed any study programme which corresponds to the qualification level awarded under the 3^rd-cycle study programmes.
• The applicant has previously not received any public grants or other forms of public funding for study programmes leading to “doktorat znanosti" (PhD), irrespective of the institution where he studied or whether he has completed his doctoral studies.
• The applicant has a supervisor or intended supervisor.
• The applicant has received at least 21 points under the criteria for the evaluation of the doctoral applicant's eligibility.

Application deadline is 20 September 2024 until 12:00 (noon).

More information on the public call is available at the website of the UM Doctoral School.

A publication titled "Researching Literary Tourism: A Handbook for Students and Supervisors" has been released by the University of Maribor Press .

We are very proud of this textbook as it was co-authored with international experts in the field of literary tourism. The initiator and lead author of the textbook is Dr Jasna Potočnik Topler from our Faculty of Tourism, with co-authors Dr Rita Baleiro from the University of Algarve in Portugal, Dr Giovanni Capecchi from the University of Perugia in Italy (also the founder of the TULE literary tourism research laboratory, whose members include all the authors), and Dr. Charles Mansfield from the UK Management College in Great Britain.

The textbook is available for free download in electronic form on the University of Maribor Press website: https://press.um.si/index.php/ump/catalog/book/897

Congratulations to the authors on the publication!

About publication:

The textbook Researching Literary Tourism: A Handbook for Students and Supervisors is intended for students and supervisors, offering basic knowledge and guidelines for successful research in literary tourism. The textbook begins with an introduction to basic terms and concepts, enabling students to understand the context and the importance of literary tourism. The authors provide specific examples, guidelines, and propose qualitative and quantitative methods for research, aiming to encourage students to plan their own studies and engage in field research. The goal is to develop key research skills in the field of literary tourism, such as data collection, analysis, critical thinking, and writing. Researching the interdisciplinary field of literary tourism, which has certain special characteristics, can significantly contribute to the development of tourist destinations, the promotion of cultural heritage, and sustainable economic development.

TIMELINE

1. 8. - 15.8. -> students have access in the online AIPS to view:

• curriculum and elective options for the next year
• Information on whether they meet the enrollment criteria:
  • basic enrollment criteria
    • Contemporary Tourism Practices (BACHELOR) – tab: conditions for progression
    • Tourism Destinations and Experiences (MASTER) – tab: conditions for progression
      
  • completed student surveys

16.8. - 25.9. -> students can begin the e-enrollment process in the online AIPS for enrollment

• adding elective courses to the selection cart
• confirming the e-enrollment form
• printing the e-enrollment form and curriculum, and then submitting the signed documents to the Student Affairs Office

PROCESS

a)         PROGRESSION TO A HIGHER YEAR or ENROLMENT IN THE ADDITIONAL YEAR (for students who meet the conditions)

• When you have met all the enrollment conditions, you can enroll electronically through the AIPS system.
• Print the completed ENROLLMENT FORM + CURRICULUM and sign it wherever required (signature by hand!). If the enrollment form is not signed, your enrollment will be invalid.
• Send all documentation by registered mail to the following address with the note "For enrollment in the higher year":

Fakulteta za turizem UM

Cesta prvih borcev 36

8250 Brežice

• If the received documentation is incomplete, you will receive a request for completion by email (please note this will prolong the enrolment process).
• You will receive a UPN (universal payment order) for the payment of tuition fees and enrolment contributions and 4 copies of the proof of enrolment. We will send the documents to you by email and to your home (temporary) address (please make sure your name is written on the mailbox).

b)         ENROLMENT IN THE ADDITIONAL YEAR

• The enrolment instructions are the same as for enrolment to a higher year. Students can check if they meet the conditions for the additional year at the Student Affairs Office (more informations).

c)         EXCEPTIONAL APPROVALS FOR STUDENT ENROLMENT IN A HIGHER YEAR

Students who have not completed all the requirements for enrollment in a higher year can request the Academic Affairs Committee for enrollment under special conditions in accordance with Article 85 of the UM Statute. The request must be submitted to the Student Affairs Office no later than September 11, 2024, by 12:00 PM. Required attachments: appropriate (relevant) evidence + proof of payment for the issuance of the decision.

IMPORTANT: A student who submits an application for enrolment in a higher year and also meets the conditions for repeating the year is advised to submit an alternative application (item 8 on the form) in case the request for enrolment in a higher year is not approved.

d)         REPEATING A YEAR

To repeat a year, a student must submit a request to the Academic Affairs Committee in accordance with Article 121 of the UM Statute The request must be submitted to the Student Affairs Office no later than September 11, 2024, by 12:00 PM. Required attachments: appropriate (relevant) evidence + proof of payment for the issuance of the decision.

e)         EXTENSION OF STATUS

Students who have other justified reasons can request the Academic Affairs Committee for extension of their student status (Article 214 of the UM Statute), either by one year during their studies or upon completion of their studies. The request must be submitted to the Student Affairs Office no later than September 11, 2024, by 12:00 PM. Required attachments: appropriate (relevant) evidence + proof of payment for the issuance of the decision.

SUPPORT If you qualify for enrolment and the AIPS does not allow you to enroll/complete the form, please send an e-mail describing the problem to referat.ft@um.si.

On July 5, 2024, the University of Maribor opened the 2024/2025 Call for Enrolment in Postgraduate Study Programmes:

• 2^nd application period for enrolment in the first year of master's studies for citizens of non-EU Member States – foreigners and
• 2^nd application period for enrolment in the first year of doctoral studies for Slovenians without Slovenian citizenship and citizens of non-EU Member States – foreigners.

More information about postgraduate studies (masters and doctoral programme) at the Faculty of Tourism University of Maribor, and the application process can be found at the following link: POSTGRADUATE STUDY.

Candidates shall submit their application for enrolment and all required supplemental documents via the eVŠ web portal. (opens in a new tab)  In the second application period, each candidate may submit one (1) application for enrolment. The application shall be considered as submitted in time if it is completed and submitted via eVŠ by 6 September 2024. Information on study programmes with limited enrolment after the second application period will be available on the my.um.si website > Future Students > Enrolment in Postgraduate Studies on 13 September 2024.

For more information refer to the Call for Enrolment.​

We announce: DECISION calling for the nomination and appointment procedure of student tutors at the Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor

The FT UM Student Council is collecting applications for student tutors, from which a student tutor coordinator will be selected.

The following applications are being collected for the academic year 2024/2025:

- 2 student tutors on a full-time VS programme
- 2 student tutors on the part-time VS programme (English programme)
- 1 student tutor on the UN programme
- 1 student tutor on a full-time MAG programme
- 1 student tutor on the part-time MAG programme (English programme)

The selected student tutors will be included in the UM tutoring system in the academic year 2024/25. They will be financially rewarded for their work within the system, will be required to keep a record of their work and will be required to take an elective course in a credit-bearing extra-curricular activity at UM, namely one of the following subjects:

- University tutoring: selected topics in didactics (FNM UM)
- University tutoring: selected topics in social and emotional learning (FF UM)

An elective course in tutoring replaces one elective course from the regular study programme. The administrative procedures for the elective course will be arranged by the selected tutors in cooperation with the Centre for Student and Academic Affairs and International Cooperation (Academic Affairs Office)

SELECTION CRITERIA

More information about who can become a tutor can be found in the selection criteria under point 3, at the following link: DECISION calling for the nomination and appointment procedure of student tutors at the Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications must be submitted on the prescribed form attached to this Decision (Form 1) together with the attachments no later than 10.00 AM on Friday 12 July 2024 in a sealed envelope in a single copy to the Secretariat of the FT UM, marked 'Candidature for FT Student Tutor - Do not open'.

Do you want to build a career in the tourism sector or take your current career to the next level? Study in English at the heart of Ljubljana with the Faculty of Tourism at the University of Maribor. We offer flexible undergraduate and master’s part-time programmes, with classes conveniently held in the afternoon.

Why Choose Us?

• International Community: Join a vibrant international student community and immerse yourself in a dynamic learning environment.
• Hands-on Experience: Gain practical experience in one of Europe’s most exciting tourism hubs—Ljubljana.
• Flexible Learning: Our programmes are designed to fit your schedule, allowing you to balance work and study.

Our Programmes

• Bachelor’s Programme in Contemporary Tourism Practices: Develop a comprehensive understanding of modern tourism practices.
• Master’s Programme in Tourism Destinations and Experiences: Dive deeper into the world of tourism with a focus on destinations and experiential tourism.

How to Apply

Ready to start your journey and unlock endless opportunities in the world of tourism?

Undergraduate programme: https://www.ft.um.si/en/prospective-students/study-tourism/#undergraduate-programmes

Postgraduate programme: https://www.ft.um.si/en/prospective-students/study-tourism/#postgraduate-programme

• Contact Information:
  • Email: referat.ft@um.si
  • Phone: +386 8 20 54 013

For more information and to stay updated with our latest news and events, follow us on social media and share this opportunity with friends and colleagues who might be interested.

Join us and make your mark in the vibrant world of tourism!

A new generation of 25 Diplomates and Masters of the Faculty of Tourism of the University of Maribor received their Bachelor's and Master's diplomas at a graduation ceremony on Thursday, 6 June 2024. They were presented with their diplomas by the Dean of the Faculty of Tourism, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marjetka Rangus.

On 6 June 2024, the Faculty of Tourism of the University of Maribor welcomed the ninth generation of graduates of higher professional, university and master's degree programmes, who received their diploma and master's diploma certificates in the solemn atmosphere of the Knights' Hall of the Brežice Castle.

The 8 graduates of the Professional Degree Programme, 10 graduates of the University Degree Programme and 7 graduates of the Master's Degree Programme who graduated between March 2023 and March 2024 were awarded their diplomas and Master's Degree certificates for the first time in this capacity by the Dean of the Faculty of Tourism of the University of Maribor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marjetka Rangus.

This year's keynote speaker was Mr Boštjan Misja, Director of Tourism Podčetrtek, Bistrica ob Sotli and Kozje, who had a few encouraging words for the graduates as they began their careers.

In her speech, student representative Jožica Vohar, a graduate of the Master's degree programme, thanked all those who had participated and helped in their success and looked back on the journey they had travelled and, above all, the one that lay ahead of them.

The event was enlivened by performances by Katarina Petrič and Martin Urek, students of the Brežice Music School, and moderated by Lect. Hana Kuhar. The gathering continued in a relaxed atmosphere in the beautiful castle courtyard.

The Faculty of Tourism is proud of the 2024 generation and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the graduates and wish them good luck, perseverance in their future path and good use of the knowledge they have acquired.

List of graduates and their final theses

Professional Studies Programme Tourism and Contemporary Tourism Practices

BRIGITA BURUŠIĆ graduated under the mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barbara Pavlakovič Farrell and co-mentorship of Mateja Bašić with the title PERCEIVED VALUE OF THE DESTINATION "MUNICIPALITY OF MURTER-KORNATI".

TARIK DŽINIĆ graduated under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Boštjan Brumen with the title EMPLOYING AI TOOLS IN TOURISM: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT GENERATION IN A WORK ENVIRONMENT.

BERINA HALILOVIĆ graduated under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maja Turnšek with the title ATTITUDES OF LOCALS TOWARDS FILM FESTIVALS IN SARAJEVO.

NIKA IZA JARC graduated under the mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marko Koščak and co-mentorship of Assist. Nejc Pozvek with the title CHALLENGES OF HIGH MOUNTAIN TOURISM IN THE MOUNT EVEREST REGION AND SUGGESTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

TADEJ NERED graduated under the mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jasna Potočnik Topler with the title COMMUNICATION SKILLS OF A TOURIST GUIDE AND THEIR REPRESENTATION IN MOVIES MY LIFE IN RUINS AND JUNGLE CRUISE.

ANAMARI PUŠNIK graduated under the mentorship of Assist. Prof. Dr. Barbara Pavlakovič Farrell and co-mentorship of Assist. Nejc Pozvek with the title STRATEGIC PLANNING IN TOURISM - STARTING POINTS FOR THE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF HRASTNIK.

ALEKSANDAR TANASIĆ graduated under the mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barbara Pavlakovič Farrell with a thesis entitled SAFETY PROTOCOLS IN TRAFFIC AFTER THE PANDEMIC - THE WESTERN BALKANS EXAMPLE.

NIKOLA TANASIĆ graduated under the mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marko Koščak and the co-mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tomi Špindler with the title CULTURAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL TREASURE AS AN ASPECT OF SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE TOURISM IN THE TREBINJSKO-FOČANSKA REGION.

University study programme Tourism and Tourism: Cooperation and Development

MOJCA BRAČUN graduated under the mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saša Poljak Istenič and the co-mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vita Petek with the title DEVELOPMENT OF WINE TOURISM IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF PODČETRTEK.

KATJA FAKIN graduated under the mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jasna Potočnik Topler with the title REPRESENTATION OF DESTINATIONS AND EFFECTS OF TOURISM IN THE FILMS DIRTY GRANDPA AND EAT, PRAY, LOVE.

KARMEN JARKOVIČ graduated under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Mitja Gorenak with the title WORKING ENVIRONMENT CUSTOMIZED FOR GENERATION »Z« - A CASE STUDY OF STUDENT AT FACULTY OF TOURISM.

NIKA MARTINA MIŠIĆ graduated under the mentorship of Assist. Prof. Dr. Maja Borlinič Gačnik with the title DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL EVENT "SUMMER IN SAMOBOR".

LOVRO MRKONJIĆ graduated under the mentorship of Assist. Prof. Dr. Saša Poljak Istenič and co-mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vita Petek with the title WINE TOURISM OF TOWN SAMOBOR.

KATARINA OŠTRBENK graduated under the mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maja Turnšek and co-supervision of Assist. Tjaša Alegro with the title 360° VIRTUAL TOURS IN TOURISM.

MIRJANA PESHEVSKA graduated under the mentorship of Assist. Prof. Dr. Saša Poljak Istenič and co-mentorship of Assist. Prof. Dr. Vita Petek with the title GASTRONOMIC TOURISM IN OHRID.

VERA STEPANOV graduated under the mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maja Turnšek and co-mentorship of Assist. Katja Kokot with the title THE ANALYSIS OF THE POSSIBILITY OF INCLUDING SLOVENIAN HEALTH RESORTS IN THE »EUROPEAN ROUTE OF HISTORIC THERMAL TOWNS«.

NATAN TOPIĆ graduated under the mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marjetka Rangus with the title THE ROLES OF LOCAL COMMUNITY IN THE TOURIST DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY OF SAMOBOR.

MILICA VUČIĆ graduated under the mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maja Turnšek with the title YOUTH SELF-REPORTING ON CHANGES IN MOTIVATION FOR TRAVELLING AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

Master's study programme Tourism and Destinations and Experiences
LUKA GOŠEK completed his Master's degree under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Jana Goriup with the title GEN Z AND DARK TOURISM ATTRACTIONS BASED ON SERIAL KILLERS.

MARICA ILIĆ completed her Master's thesis under the supervision of Assist. Prof. Dr. Milica Rančić Demir and the supervision of Assist. Prof. Dr. Andreja Trdina with the title CHALLENGES AND ADVANTAGES OF USING MOBILE APPLICATIONS IN ACCESSIBLE TOURISM: UNDERSTANDING THE PERCEPTION OF SIGN LANGUAGE USERS.

EVA NOVAK SVETIČ completed her Master's thesis under the mentorship of Assist. Prof. Dr. Andreja Trdina and the co-mentorship of Assist. Prof. Dr. Anja Mlakar with the thesis "EL CAMINO CALLS" CONTEMPORARY PILGRIMAGES THROUGH MOTIVES AND IDENTITY PROCESSES: THE CASE OF SLOVENIAN PILGRIMS ON THE EL CAMINO ROUTE.

ELIZABETA STRUNJAK completed her Master's thesis under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marko Koščak entitled DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN PROTECTED AREAS WHIT A VISITORS MANAGEMENT MODEL: THE EXAMPLE OF SPECIAL BOTANICAL RESERVE DUBRAVICA.

ARIANE VLAHEN completed her Master's degree under the supervision of Assist. Prof. Dr. Andreja Trdina and the co-mentorship of Salla Jutila, Ma. Soc. Sc with the title MEDIA CONSTRUCTIONS OF TRAVEL-RELATED EMOTIONS: THE CASES OF FLIGHT SHAME AND TRAIN BRAG.

JOŽICA VOHAR completed her Master's degree under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maja Turnšek and co-supervision of Assist. Tjaša Alegro with the title CURRENT STATE AND POSSIBILITIES FOR THE INCLUSION OF DESIGN THINKING IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHING OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM.

ŽIGA ZDOVC completed his Master's degree under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Boštjan Brumen with the title THE RISE OF BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY - A STUDY OF THE ACCEPTANCE OF CRYPTOCURRENCIES IN THE SLOVENIAN HOTEL INDUSTRY.

Take a stroll along the Path of Love in Brežice with our master's student, Patricija Zorič. This video was created as part of the English in Tourism - Higher Level 2 course within the master's program in Tourism Destinations and Experiences. Patricija is also local tourist guide in Brežice.

May 8th - SLOVENIAN-BRITISH FRIENDSHIP DAY is also celebrated at the Faculty of Tourism, as we have excellent collaborations with the academic community in the United Kingdom. Dr. Charles Mansfield, the principal of UK Management College, speaks about one of them in a video.

The FT UM will organize several joint events with UKMC this week to commemorate the Slovenian-British Friendship Day in the academic environment. The classrooms will be lively, especially as we connect with colleagues and students in the UK through modern technologies. The Faculty of Tourism UM initiated the event, and UKMC gladly joined the initiative. Among other activities, we will invite our English friends to Slovenia and, of course, to Brežice. Our student and local tourist guide, Patricija Zorič, will take them along the Path of Love. Our collaboration will be presented through various stories and presentations of joint projects by Dr. Jasna Potočnik Topler and Dr. Charles Mansfield from UKMC.

May 8th commemorates an event from 1945 when local Slovenians helped rescue British RAF aircrew after their bomber was shot down during World War II. Official celebrations take place in Gornji Suhor, a village in southeast Slovenia. Friendship Day between the United Kingdom and Slovenia is celebrated through the organization of numerous cultural, artistic, and educational activities.

The University of Maribor is delighted to announce the successful conclusion of the kick-off meeting for the CROCUS project, held from April 22 to 24, 2024, at Aalborg University. CROCUS, an acronym for "Cultural and Creative Tourism in Rural and Remote Areas: Sustainable Business Models, Cooperation, and Policies," sets out to rejuvenate rural and remote areas (RRA) by leveraging the potential of cultural and creative tourism (CCT).

Within the University of Maribor the project involves the Faculty of Economics and Business and the Faculty of Tourism.

The meeting witnessed dynamic discussions and collaborative efforts among project partners from across Europe, laying the groundwork for innovative solutions to the socio-economic challenges faced by RRAs. Participants delved into the project's key objectives, strategies, and anticipated outcomes, showcasing a shared commitment to fostering sustainable development in these regions.

Key highlights of the kick-off meeting include:

• Strategic Planning: Partners engaged in strategic planning sessions to outline the project's roadmap, defining clear objectives and milestones for the upcoming phases.
• Knowledge Exchange: Scholars and practitioners exchanged insights and experiences, contributing valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities inherent in promoting CCT in RRAs.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Discussions emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and collaboration at local, regional, and international levels to ensure the success and sustainability of project initiatives.

Henrik Halkier, Project Coordinator and Professor at the Department of Culture and Learning, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Aalborg, expressed his enthusiasm for the project's potential impact, stating, "The kick-off meeting marks the beginning of an exciting journey towards revitalizing rural areas through cultural and creative tourism. With the collective expertise and dedication of our partners, we are poised to drive positive change and create lasting benefits for these communities."

Looking ahead, the CROCUS project will embark on a series of activities aimed at generating knowledge, developing innovative business models, and formulating policy recommendations to support sustainable tourism development in RRAs. Through collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary approaches, the project aims to unlock the untapped potential of cultural heritage as a driver of economic growth and social cohesion in rural and remote areas across Europe.

For media inquiries and further information about the CROCUS project, please contact:
Ddr. Tina Šegota, Faculty of Tourism University of Maribor, tina.segota@um.si