Univerza na Primorskem Fakulteta za matematiko, naravoslovje in informacijske tehnologije
Presentation of the study
The academic study programme Mathematics and Computer Science is offered in Slovenian and English language.
The programme combines in-depth mathematical knowledge with modern approaches in computer science. It is based on the development of logical, analytical, and structured thinking, which is essential for understanding and solving complex challenges in today’s digital society.
In the initial years of study, students acquire solid foundations in analysis, algebra, discrete mathematics, and probability, and develop programming and algorithmic competences. In later stages, they build on this knowledge in areas such as data structures, optimisation, numerical computation, statistics, databases, machine learning, and information security, integrating theory with practical problem-solving.
The programme promotes precision, proof-based reasoning, mathematical modelling, and the effective use of modern tools. Graduates are qualified for careers in data science, software development, and research environments, and have a strong foundation for further studies and international careers.
Programme information
Programme name: Mathematics and Computer Science
Type of programme: academic study programme, 1st cycle
Degree awarded: “diplomirani inženir matematike in računalništva (UN)” equiv. to B.Sc. in Mathematics and Computer Science
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
ECTS-credits: 180
Mode of study: full-time
Language of instruction: Slovene, English
Place of study: Koper
Accreditation: the programme is accredited in accordance with the Higher Education Act and is officialy recognised.
Admission to the first year of study shall be granted to applicants having:
a) passed the general matura examination (splošna matura); or
b) passed the vocational matura examination (poklicna matura) in a 4-year secondary-school programme and a final examination in the general matura subject Mathematics; if the candidate has already passed Mathematics as part of the vocational matura, they must instead pass an examination in any other general matura subject; the selected subject must not be one of the subjects already completed within the vocational matura;
c) successfully completed any four-year secondary-school programme before 1 June 1995.
Admission to the study programme is also open to candidates who have completed equivalent education abroad and who, in accordance with the law, have been granted the right to continue their studies through the recognition procedure of foreign education qualifications.
In the case of enrolment limitations, applicants shall be selected in accordance with the following criteria:
a) Candidates with a general matura or a final examination will be selected based on:
- overall matura results (40%);
- overall results in the 3rd and 4th year of secondary school (20%);
- results in the subject Mathematics in the 3rd and 4th year of secondary school (40%).
b) Candidates with a vocational matura will be selected based on:
- overall vocational matura results (20%);
- overall results in the 3rd and 4th year of secondary school (20%);
- results in the additional matura subject examination (20%);
- results in the subject Mathematics in the 3rd and 4th year of secondary school (40%).
“Transfer between study programmes” refers to a situation in which a student enrolled in a particular study programme does not complete it (i.e. discontinues education in the enrolled programme) and directly enrols into a higher year of a new study programme, whereby both the previous and the new programme must belong to the same Bologna cycle (level). When considering the possibility of transferring to a new study programme, the comparability of the programmes and the student’s completed study requirements in the previous programme are taken into account.
A candidate may enrol in a higher year of the academic study programme in Mathematics and Computer Science in accordance with the transfer criteria if they are transferring from a related first-cycle study programme or a related non-Bologna undergraduate study programme (programmes adopted before 11 June 2004), provided that the following conditions are met:
- the candidate fulfils the requirements for admission to the study programme in Mathematics and Computer Science;
- the completion of the initial study programme which the candidate is transferring from ensures the acquisition of comparable competencies as those envisaged by the study programme in Mathematics and Computer Science;
- other conditions have also been met, in accordance with the Criteria for Transferring between Study Programmes (a comparable course structure, course requirements complete.
Individual applications for transfer shall be considered by the Committee for Study and Student Affairs of UP FAMNIT. Apart from comparability between both fields of study, the committee shall also consider the comparability between the study programmes, in accordance with the Criteria for Transferring between Study Programmes.
Enrolment on the basis of the Criteria for Transferring between Study Programmes is also open to candidates of a related study programme abroad who have been, in the process of recognition of their studies abroad, legally granted the right to continue their educational training in the study programme in Mathematics and Computer Science.
In case of enrolment restrictions, applicants shall be selected on the basis of the average grade obtained during the study programme they are transferring from.
A student may progress to the next year if they accumulate at least 42 ECTS credits from the current year and complete all requirements from the previous year.
In special cases involving individual circumstances (such as illness or extraordinary situations), a student may be allowed to progress to the next year even with a lower number of ECTS credits. In such cases, the decision on enrollment is made by the Committee for Study and Student Affairs of UP FAMNIT.
A student who has not completed all the requirements specified by the study programme for progression to the next year may, in accordance with the provisions of the Higher Education Act, repeat a year once during their studies. If a student repeats a year, they are not entitled to extended student status (absolvent year), and their student status expires at the end of the 3rd year.
By progressing or repeating a year, a student retains student status and, consequently, the rights and benefits defined by law. In accordance with the law, a student may apply for an extension of student status, but for no more than one year.
In the 3rd year, students select three external elective courses. External elective courses may be chosen from accredited study programmes at higher education institutions in Slovenia or abroad, specifically from study programmes in the fields of mathematics, financial mathematics, bioinformatics, computer science, and informatics.
More information on elective courses and study tracks is available in the document “Curriculum” (see above).
In the 3rd year, a student may choose to complete practical training in a work environment instead of one external elective course. The training lasts 3 weeks and is worth 6 ECTS.
The purpose of the practical training is to enable students to gain contact with the working environment and potential employers during their studies. The student carries out the placement in a real work environment under the supervision of a qualified mentor in the field of mathematics.
General competencies
- Analytical and synthetic thinking with the ability to formulate problems, evaluate alternatives, and anticipate consequences in mathematical and computational contexts.
- Critical judgement and intellectual independence, including the ability to assess methods, results, and developments in mathematics, computer science, and data-driven fields.
- Effective communication skills in written, oral, and digital form, including the ability to present technical content clearly to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Teamwork and collaboration skills, including the ability to contribute constructively to interdisciplinary projects.
- Information literacy, i.e., the ability to independently locate, select, verify, and ethically use relevant data and sources, and to integrate them into problem-solving.
- Creativity, initiative, and lifelong learning competence, demonstrated through independent acquisition and meaningful integration of new knowledge and technologies.
- Professional autonomy, responsibility, and ethical awareness, including an understanding of the broader societal implications of mathematical and computational work.
Subject-specific competencies
- Ability to accurately describe given situations through the correct use of mathematical and computational symbols, notations, and formal language.
- Ability to clearly explain and justify the understanding of mathematical and computational concepts, principles, and methods.
- Ability to apply an algorithmic approach, including designing, implementing, and analysing an algorithm to solve a given problem.
- Ability to systematically analyse a given problem using numerical, graphical, algebraic, discrete, and computational methods.
- Ability to construct and evaluate mathematical models and connect theoretical results with practical computational solutions.
- Ability to solve mathematical and computational problems using modern technologies and tools.
- Ability to deduce new logical and data-supported conclusions from given assumptions, data, or experimentally obtained results.
- Confidence and independence in tackling complex mathematical and computational problems and in seeking effective and reliable solutions.
The university study programme Mathematics and Computer Science is designed in line with the strategic needs of modern society and the European green and digital transitions. The programme offers students a logical and synergistically connected study pathway – from the fundamental theory of mathematics and computer science, through discrete mathematics and theoretical computer science, to modern computational and data-driven applications. Such a design enables graduates not only to master advanced mathematical and computational tools, but also to develop a strong understanding of underlying principles, giving them a high degree of adaptability, innovativeness, and employability in high–value-added industries.
Graduates are primarily prepared for entry-level and junior positions that require strong analytical, algorithmic, and computational competencies. Typical career paths include:
- data analyst / junior data scientist,
- junior algorithm developer or engineer of efficient computational solutions,
- junior software developer with strong mathematical and algorithmic foundations,
- junior positions in the fields of information security and cryptography.
Thanks to their broad and solid foundational knowledge, graduates are also competitive in the financial sector, high-tech companies, and research and development teams.