Transport and Maritime Sciences
2023/2024

Proceedings for the academic year 2025/2026

The field of transport and maritime science integrate the knowledge of technical-technological systems and processes in the maritime, transport, traffic, and transport logistics industries. The maritime industry plays a highly important role in the global economy. On the other hand, transport can be defined as an integrated transport, traffic, and transport logistics activity inherent to all modes of transport that enables goods, passengers, and information to overcome spatial and temporal limitations. Importantly, it also underlies the efficient operation of the entire transport system. The need for a high quality and modern third-cycle doctoral degree study programme that aims at the development and construction of relevant knowledge in the fields of transport and maritime science is dictated by highly dynamic development in these fields. As a result of globalisation processes, transport has become one of the most important economic activities and a driving force of social and economic development. In transport and maritime science, science-based solutions to highly complex problems identified by higher education institutions, research institutes, state administration, and economic and social organisations can only be provided by highly educated and qualified experts. As a result, the third-cycle doctoral degree study programme enables doctoral students to acquire and develop complex knowledge and competences at the highest level of theoretical and research expertise.

The new four-year third-cycle doctoral degree study programme offered by the Faculty of Maritime Studies and Transport has replaced the previous two-year master’s degree study programmes and four-year doctoral degree study programme in maritime and transport science.

The main objective of the third-cycle doctoral degree study programme of Maritime and Transport Science is to provide further education to excellent graduates from second-cycle degree study programmes in the broad field of maritime studies-transport-traffic-transport logistics, and provide them with opportunities to develop into autonomous researchers and creators of new knowledge in these fields.

Based on the recommendations of the European University Association (EUA), international exchange of students is encouraged while the publication of at least one research paper is seen as one of the final products of the autonomous research work of doctoral students. Special importance is dedicated to close collaboration between the doctoral student and their mentor. The mentor can be selected among internationally renowned experts, in compliance with the rules of the University of Ljubljana and the Faculty of Maritime Studies and Transport.

The target duration of the 240-ECTS third-cycle doctoral degree study programme of Maritime and Transport Science is four years. The use of the ECTS system enables direct international collaboration with universities from countries using this system.

Main objectives of the third-cycle doctoral degree study programme of Maritime and Transport Science

The main objective of the third-cycle doctoral degree study programme of Maritime and Transport Science is to provide further education to excellent graduates from second-cycle degree study programmes in the broad field of maritime studies-transport-traffic-transport logistics, and provide them with opportunities to develop into autonomous researchers and creators of new knowledge in these fields. Upon the completion of this study programme, the doctoral students will have developed the competences of creative, critical, and autonomous research work in order to provide solutions to complex contemporary scientific problems in maritime and transport contexts.

General competences

The general competences developed by doctoral students in this study programme include critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of systems and processes, and the development of new methodological scientific research processes in maritime and transport contexts. Upon the completion of this study programme, the doctoral students will have developed the necessary competences to:

• identify, understand, and define fundamental scientific problems in order to provide solutions to complex scientific challenges and engage in the related organisation and management of scientific research activities in the maritime and transport science,
• use abstraction based on critical, analytical, and synthetic thinking,
• identify the data necessary for the development of new knowledge, technical-technological, and organisational solutions,
• integrate interdisciplinary research findings,
• collaborate in teams in the broad and narrow disciplinary field,
• create new theoretical knowledge and knowledge-based applied technical solutions in line with environmental and social responsibility and the Engineering Code of Practice,
• use advanced research methods and processes,
• communicate within their professional community,
• critically evaluate and present their research findings, follow the development of science in maritime and transport science, and continue with autonomous research work and education.

Discipline-specific competences

In the field of Maritime Science, the discipline-specific competences are related to the development of those competences that are necessary to upgrade the fundamental knowledge and competences in this discipline, and the development of comprehensive understanding and implementation of research findings in the fields of:

• navigation,
• marine engineering,
• port systems,
• protection of the marine and coastal environment.

In the field of Transport Science, the discipline-specific competences are related to the development of those competences that are necessary to upgrade the fundamental knowledge in this discipline, and the development of comprehensive understanding and implementation of research findings in the fields of:

• transport technology
• transport logistics
• traffic safety
• integrated transport policy

Subject-specific competences are detailed in the curricula of individual subjects.

Elective courses

The third-cycle doctoral degree study programme is not divided into separate directions. Instead, it consists of two disciplinary fields of Maritime Science and of Transport Science with carefully structured elective study units:

• one elective course from the category of core elective courses,
• two (among seven) elective courses from the discipline-specific elective courses,
• two (among 15; seven from the Faculty of Maritime Studies and Transport, and eight from elective courses offered by other faculties of the University of Ljubljana).

Therefore, all courses in the third-cycle doctoral degree study programme are elective.

In accordance with the last paragraph of Article 38.a of the Higher Education Act and Article 16 of the transitional and final provisions of the Higher Education Act (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia no. 119/20.11.2006) enrolment is open to candidates that completed:

• a post-Bologna second-cycle degree study programme, irrespective of the field of study,
• a single-cycle five-year master’s degree study programme if it consists of 300 ECTS providing education for occupations regulated by directives of the European Union, or another single-cycle five-year master’s degree study programme if it consists of 300 ECTS,
• a pre-Bologna academic degree study programme,
• a pre-Bologna specialisation degree study programme if before that they had completed a higher education professional degree study programme in maritime studies-transport-traffic-transport logistics, or the natural, technical or social sciences. Before enrolment, the additional study requirements (from 30 to 60 ECTS) will be defined by the Research and Development Committee of the Faculty of Maritime Studies and Transport,
• an equivalent study programmed at a foreign university. The procedure for the recognition of prior foreign education is defined by the regulations of the University of Ljubljana.

Selection criteria for candidates (if restricted enrolment is applied):

In accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 4 of Article 41 of the Higher Education Act, the selection of candidates will be based on academic achievement in second-cycle degree studies (average grade and grade of the master’s thesis), the elective course grade as stipulated by the study programme, and other achievements in scientific and professional contexts.

The selection of candidates will be based on:

• average grade in the completed study programme (15%),
• grade of the degree or master’s thesis (5%), and
• grade in the elective course (80%), which consists of a written exam in a course from the maritime and transport science.

Number of enrolment places: 5

Location: Portorož

Mode of study: part-time

Enrolment Application

Obligatory attachments:

• Degree Certificate
• Diploma Supplement
• Mentor Statement 
• Research Concept Draft
• Curriculum Vitae

Based on evidence of prior education (degree certificate, exam certificate, syllabuses of completed courses in prior education), the body competent for the recognition of first-year study requirements of 20 ECTS previously acquired within organised forms of study is the Commssion for Research and Development of the Faculty of Maritime Studies and Transport.

• 5 ECTS from organised study activities in the first year of study (Research Work Presentation),
• 25 ECTS from individual research work in the first year of study,
• 10 ECTS from individual research work in the second year of study.

In order to enroll in a higher year, students must have a confirmed previous year with completed teaching and research assignments, which are provided for in the program for that year, and must acquire the following number of ECTS to enroll in an individual year:

• for enrollment in the 2nd year, at least 50 ECTS have been achieved, of which at least 20 ECTS are organized outside of the 1st year form of study,
• for advancement in the 3rd year:
  • completed all study obligations of organized forms of lessons from the 1st and 2nd year,
  • completed a doctoral seminar with a successful presentation of the topic of the doctoral dissertation,
  • confirmation of the positive assessment of the Doctoral Student Monitoring Commission on the appropriateness of the topic of the doctoral dissertation at the FPP Senate.
• To advance in the 4th year:
  • approval of the topic of the doctoral dissertation by the UL Senate.

Transferring between study programmes

Transfer to the second year of the third-cycle doctoral degree study programme of Maritime and Transport Science is open to doctoral students that have completed a pre-Bologna master’s degree study programme. Recognition of a maximum of 60 ECTS may be granted:

• 30 ECTS for organised forms of study of the first year (the core elective course and both discipline-specific elective courses),
• 10 ECTS from organised forms of study of the second year (one elective course offered by other faculties of the University of Ljubljana),
• 5 ECTS from organised forms of study of the first year (Research Work Presentation),
• 15 ECTS from individual research work in the first year of study.

Transfer is also open to doctoral students that have completed other pre-Bologna master’s degree study programmes. In this case, 20 ECTS may be recognised for organised forms of study of the first year (the core elective course and one discipline-specific elective course, or two discipline-specific elective courses).

Part-time study. 

In order to graduate from this study programme and obtain a doctorate of science, the doctoral student must complete all study requirements and defend their doctoral dissertation, thus earning a total of 240 ECTS. An additional condition is the publication or acceptance for publication of at least one research paper in a relevant national or foreign journal with the doctoral candidate as the lead author not later than before the submission of the doctoral dissertation.  

Publication of the research paper

Not later than before the submission of the doctoral dissertation, the doctoral student must publish at least one research paper in an SCI national or international journal, approved by the Research and Development Committee of the Faculty of Maritime Studies and Transport. The Research and Development Committee may accept a decision that the research paper may be published as a national or international scientific monograph or a chapter thereof. Evidence of the acceptance of the research paper for publication is a certificate of acceptance for publication issued by the publisher. The body competent for the evaluation of the publication and lead or equivalent authorship of the doctoral student is the Research and Development Committee of the Faculty of Maritime Studies and Transport.

The doctoral student registers for the Research Work Presentation by completing and submitting the Research Work Presentation Application (Application Form). The attachments to the Research Work Presentation Application include a written report on their research work (a maximum of two pages). The Application is examined by the Research and Development Committee, who appoints a three-member Research Work Presentation Committee. One of the members of this Committee is the doctoral student's mentor. The date and time for the Research Work Presentation are defined in agreement with the other two members of the Committee and the doctoral student.

The Research Work Presentation consists of the presentation and defence of the scientific findings of the narrow field of the doctoral student's research work. The aim of the Research Work Presentation is for the doctoral student to display the relevant knowledge in the field under examination and their ability to use appropriate scientific research methodology and processes. The Research Work Presentation may be graded as successful or unsuccessful.

Upon successful completion of the Research Work Presentation, the doctoral student is granted 25 ECTS for their individual research work, a study requirement in the first year of study.

The mentor issues and signs a written statement (Written Statement Form), by which they confirm that the doctoral student has successfully completed their individual research work.

The individual research work of the doctoral student is supervised by their mentor. By issuing the written statement of the doctoral student's individual research work, the mentor approves the scope of the completed research work:

• Research work in the first year of study in the amount of ___ ECTS of 20 ECTS (first semester) and/or
• Research work in the first year of study in the amount of ___ ECTS of 5 ECTS (second semester) and/or
• Research work in the second year of study in the amount of ___ ECTS of 10 ECTS (third semester) and/or
• Research work in the second year of study in the amount of ___ ECTS of 25 ECTS (fourth semester) and/or
• Research work in the third year of study in the amount of ___ ECTS of 30 ECTS (fifth semester) and/or
• Research work in the third year of study in the amount of ___ ECTS of 30 ECTS (sixth semester) and/or
• Research work in the fourth year of study in the amount of ___ ECTS of 30 ECTS (seventh semester) and/or
• Research work in the fourth year of study in the amount of ___ ECTS of 25 ECTS (eighth semester).

RULES ON DOCTORAL STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LJUBLJANA

APPLICATION FOR THE TOPIC OF THE DOCTORAL DISSERTATION PRIJAVA TEME DOKTORSKE DISERTACIJE

Research data management

Registration and approval of the doctoral dissertation proposal

Article 35

In agreement with the supervisor and potential co-supervisor the doctoral candidate shall register the doctoral dissertation proposal in accordance with the rules and regulations of the UL member leading the procedure for obtaining a PhD.
A doctoral candidate may register the proposal of their doctoral dissertation proposal no more than twice in the same field of the doctoral study programme prior to submitting their doctoral dissertation for assessment. On the second registration, the doctoral candidate may register either a new proposal of the dissertation or an updated proposal of the dissertation which was already considered by the senate of the UL member. A second registration of a rejected dissertation proposal shall not be permitted. If the senate of a UL member or the UL Senate rejects the doctoral dissertation proposal which the doctoral candidate is registering for the second time, the candidate may no longer complete the doctoral programme in that field.

Article 36

A doctoral candidate shall submit an application for approval of the doctoral dissertation proposal to the responsible body in accordance with the rules and regulations of the UL member.
The application shall contain information on the doctoral candidate and:
1. the doctoral dissertation proposal (3 to 7 pages of text and a list of the main references and sources), comprising:
• the title of the dissertation in Slovenian and English, or in another foreign language in the case of the study of a foreign language and literature;
• the research field of the doctoral dissertation;
• a research description, including:
- a brief overview of the specific research field and a presentation of the research done to date in the field of the dissertation, and the purpose of the research;
- clearly presented hypotheses or research questions or objectives with a brief explanation;
- the research concept and a description of the research methods;
- the definition of expected results and the original contribution to science;
- a list of relevant references from the field of the dissertation;
• a draft of the research data management plan in accordance with Article 50 of these Rules;
2. the proposal for supervision and potential co-supervision, the consent of the supervisor and potential co-supervisor and an indication of their 3 to 5 scientific references in the broader field of the doctoral dissertation;
3. the CV of the doctoral candidate and bibliography (list of main scientific, professional, project and other publications and works);
4. the approval of the Medical Ethics Committee of the Republic of Slovenia or another ethics committee or the permission of the Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Safe Food, Veterinary Medicine and Plant Protection to conduct tests on animals, where the nature of the proposed doctoral dissertation proposal requires it;
5. a possible request for approval of writing the doctoral dissertation in English, or in another language in the case of studying foreign languages in accordance with Article 44 of these Rules.
Upon registering the application for approval of the doctoral dissertation proposal the doctoral candidate shall also attach other required documents in accordance with the instructions of the UL member.
The application for approval of the doctoral dissertation proposal shall be written in Slovenian. If a candidate requests approval of writing the doctoral dissertation in English, they must also submit the proposal of the dissertation and their CV in English, in accordance with Article 44 of these Rules. If the doctoral candidate is a foreign national, the dissertation proposal and CV may be written only in English.
If the registration documentation is incomplete, the responsible body of the UL member shall call on the doctoral candidate to supplement it by a specific deadline that shall not exceed one year. If within this deadline the documentation is not supplemented, the application for approval of the dissertation proposal shall be discarded by a decision.

The doctoral candidate uses the VIS system to submit their dissertation proposal (End of study - theme application) by UPLOADING their disposition in a Word document format. 

The supervising professor can access the submitted file in the 'Zaključna dela - Prijava diplomske teme' folder.

Procedure:

1. The doctoral candidate fills out the electronic application form.

2. The doctoral candidate uses the VIS system to submit their dissertation proposal by UPLOADING their disposition in a Word document format (the filename must not contain the following consonants: č, š, ž).

3. The doctoral candidate prints and signs the application form.

4. The supervising professor signs the application form.

5. The application form and dissertation proposal (disposition) must be sent by regular mail to the address of the Student Administration Office, email of the Student Administration Office, or delivered in person to the Student Administration Office within the Office working hours. 

The doctoral candidate applies for the Preparation and Defence of the Doctoral Dissertation using the application form. The application is considered by the Development and Research Committee, which then appoints a three-member committee for the evaluation of the preparation and defence of the doctoral dissertation (the committee for the evaluation of the suitability of the doctoral candidate, dissertation topic, and supervisor/co-supervisor). This committee tends to consist of the same members as the as the Research Work Presentation Committee. The candidate’s supervisor is a member of the appointed committee. The date and time of the preparation and public defence of the doctoral dissertation is coordinated by the supervisor with the other two members of the committee and the doctoral candidate. The doctoral candidate delivers the presentation of the preparation and defence of the doctoral dissertation. The preparation and defence of the doctoral dissertation is assessed as successful or unsuccessful.

The doctoral candidate submits the Application Form for the Doctoral Dissertation Proposal in a Word format (typed, without signatures) and submits the same form, signed by the doctoral candidate and supervisor (and co-supervisor), to: referat@fpp.uni-lj.si.

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