Single-Cycle Master Study Programme Architecture (EMŠA)

  • Level or type of study programme
    Second cycle, Single-Cycle Master Study Programme Architecture (EMŠA)
  • Study duration
    5 years
  • Number of ECTS credits per study year
    60 KT
  • Programme type
    Full-time, part-time
  • Academic, professional or artistic title
    Magister inženir arhitekture/Magistrica inženirka arhitekture (mag. inž. arh.)
Single-Cycle Master Study Programme Architecture (EMŠA)
  • KLASIUS-SRV
    Master education (second Bologna cycle)/ Master (second Bologna cycle) (17003)
  • KLASIUS-P and KLASIUS-P-16
    Architecture and Urbanism (not specified in detail) (5810), Architecture, Spatial Planning and Urbanism (0731)
  • Field of study as per ISCED
    Architecture, Urbanism, and Civil Engineering (58)
  • Scientific research disciplines as per Frascati classifications
    Technical sciences (2)
  • SQF Level
    8
  • EQF Level
    7
  • EHEQF Level
    Second cycle
  • Areas/modules/courses
    No division (study programme)

General Goals of the Programme

The aim of the programme is to educate future architects-generalists. The main goal is to train experts for responsible tasks regarding architectural design and planning, as well as spatial management.

Architects are responsible for the significance of architectural design, the quality of buildings and their harmony with the environment, as well as respect for natural and urban landscapes which are of public interest. Regarding the quality of the physical environment, public interest is safeguarded by Slovenian and European legislation. Slovenian legislation stipulates conditions for architects-designers, reviewers of planned spatial developments, spatial planners, accountable managers of proposals of spatial documents, municipal urbanists, researchers, etc.

European legislation determines the minimum qualification criteria for automatic recognition of professional qualifications across all European countries. The profile of an architect is highly complex since it requires the ability to think about people and their spatial problems on various levels – from the regional planning scale to architectural details, and vice versa. It has to stem from contemporary theoretical and technological findings, supersede them and strive for a balance between functional, technical, and artistic components of architectural creativity. The educational profile of architects combines technical sciences, social sciences, and humanities into the capability for managing and designing space or buildings. The results of architectural creativity can be socially recognized as works of art.

General Competences (Learning Outcomes)

  • Capability to analyse, synthesise and estimate solutions and outcomes.
  • Mastering of research methods, procedures, and processes, and the development of critical and self-critical reflection.
  • Capability for the practical application of attained knowledge.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Development of communication capacities and skills, especially visual communication.
  • Ethical reflection and dedication to professional ethics.
  • Cooperativeness, teamwork, and the ability to work in the international environment.

Subject-Specific Competences (Learning Outcomes)

The university study programme in architecture is based on:

I. A long tradition of the Ljubljana School of Architecture, established in 1920 as the department of Structural Engineering;

II. Compliance with requirements of Directive 85/384/EEC for Architects (Article 3):
1. an ability to create architectural designs that satisfy both aesthetic and technical requirements,
2. adequate knowledge of the history and theories of architecture and the related arts, technologies and human sciences,
3. knowledge of the fine arts as an influence on the quality of architectural design,
4. adequate knowledge of urban design, planning and the skills involved in the planning process,
5. an understanding of the relationship between people and buildings, and between buildings and their environment, and of the need to relate buildings and the spaces between them to human needs and scale,
6. an understanding of the profession of architecture and the role of the architect in society, in particular in preparing briefs that take account of social factors,
7. an understanding of the methods of investigation and preparation of the brief for a design project,
8. an understanding of the structural design, constructional and engineering problems associated with building design,
9. adequate knowledge of physical problems and technologies and of the function of buildings so as to provide them with internal conditions of comfort and protection against the climate,
10. the necessary design skills to meet building users’ requirements within the constraints imposed by cost factors and building regulations,
11. adequate knowledge of spatial and building regulations and procedures.

III. Principles of European higher education (i.e., the Bologna Declaration). The programme must first and foremost meet the requirements of the regulation (85/384/EEC), which ensures a free flow of labour force between EU member states through regulated professions. The experience of the faculty’s representatives with the approval process of the European Commission has since Slovenia’s accession to the EU attested to two key flaws in the directive – especially the experience of active Slovenian members of this group (representatives of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning, the Chamber of Architecture and Environmental Planning, and the Faculty of Architecture). These flaws follow from a literal, uncritical reading of the Bologna Declaration. Universities that have recently updated their study programmes to the 3+2 schema (e.g. Italy), have yet to receive a positive opinion regarding compliance with EU regulations, in spite of adherence to national laws and regardless of the content focus in the last two years of the programme:

  • specialisations during the last two academic years of the five-year programme run contrary to the priority treatment of architecture in study programmes, which is determined by the directive;
  • composing (two) shorter study cycles in architecture with automatic recognition of programmes from different universities runs contrary to the directive, even when this composition would be admissible at the respective universities.

According to the directive, the share of compulsory course activities is higher in architecture than in unregulated professions. This is necessary so as to ensure “top-quality” architectural work; however, this is not determined numerically, as the European Commission wishes to avoid “McDonalds-style” schools. It is for this same reason that there are no prescribed subjects, curricula, or possible stages to the programme, even though this determination would facilitate transfers between universities. Instead, architecture studies substitutes the option of free transfers with automatic recognition of other programmes.

IV. Compliance with the bases for sustainable spatial development in Slovenia. Quality spatial design is a prerequisite to the country’s economic competitiveness and recognition within Europe. The role of higher education in the field of spatial planning is crucial in improving the spatial quality of our urban landscapes. The university and its programmes present an innovative, experimental environment that deals with the very essence of sustainable spatial development. The architecture programme adheres to both the European directive as well as Slovenia’s own building and urban legislation.

Enrolment Requirements 2023/24, 2024/25:

Enrolment in the Single-Cycle Master Study Programme Architecture is possible under the following criteria:
a) a completed general matura;
b) a vocational matura in any secondary education programme, plus a completed general matura from mathematics. If the candidate has completed mathematics at a vocational matura, they instead require a completed general matura from one foreign language;
c) any completed 4-year secondary school programme before June 1, 1995.
All candidates must complete the Architecture Studies Capability test.

Enrolment Requirements 2025/26

Enrolment in the Single-Cycle Master Study Programme Architecture is possible under the following criteria:
a) a completed general matura;
b) a vocational matura in the following secondary vocational or technical education programmes:  in the following secondary vocational or technical education programmes: Layout Technician, Car Mechatronic, Economic Technician, Electrical Technician, Photographic, Technician, Gastronomy, Gastronomy & Tourism, Gastronomy Technician, Gastronomy-Tourism, Technician, Geodetic Technician, Geomining Technician, Construction Technician, Graphic Technician, Horticultural Technician, Chemical Technician, Agricultural-Entrepreneurial Technician, Marine Engineering Technician, Wood Technician, Logistics Technician, Media Technician, Metallurgical Technician, Environmental Protection Technician, Environmental Technician, Nautical Technician, Early Childhood Education, Mechanical Engineering Technician, Electronic Communications Technician, Medical Laboratory Technician, Mechatronics Technician, Designer, Optician Technician, Computer Technician, Glass Technician, Security Technician, Creator of Fashion Clothing, Dental Technician, Food Processing Technician; plus a completed general matura from mathematics. If the candidate has completed mathematics at a vocational matura, they instead require a completed general matura from one foreign language;
c) any completed 4-year secondary school programme before June 1, 1995.

All candidates must complete the Architecture Studies Capability test.

Architecture Studies Capability Test

The Architecture Studies Capability Test, which is conducted only once per academic year, will take place at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Ljubljana, Zoisova 12, 1000 Ljubljana on Wednesday 5. 7. 2023.

Candidates wishing to enrol in the Single-Cycle Master Study Programme Architecture (EMŠA) must pass the capability test. It is mandatory for all candidates enrolling in their first year of study, as well as candidates enrolling in a higher year as per the programme transferring criteria or accelerated advancement criteria.

The test for candidates enrolling in the first year comprises two parts:

  • A test of artistic and spatial talents, consisting of two exercises, which includes an assessment of the student’s capacity for abstract thought. 
  • A candidate interview; an evaluation of the candidate’s interests, motives, social and cultural awareness, resolve, character, their connection to architecture and finally, their critical evaluation and knowledge of the architectural environment.

The test for candidates enrolling in a higher year as per the programme transferring criteria or accelerated advancement criteria comprises two parts:

  • An assessment of the candidate’s personal portfolio, which includes relevant study assignments, representative of their abilities, from the study programme they are transferring from.
  • A candidate interview; an evaluation of the candidate’s interests, motives, social and cultural awareness, resolve, character, their connection to architecture and finally, their critical evaluation and knowledge of the architectural environment.

The aim of the interview is to create an outline of the candidate’s attributes and personality traits, indicative of their capabilities for creative work in the field of architecture. Such traits include:

  1. Motives for engaging in and affinity for architecture.
  2. Critical reflection of the social, cultural and natural environment.
  3. Originality (in the presentation of ideas) and innovation (in correcting relations or conditions of space and being open towards changes in space).
  4. A sense for what is essential.
  5. Visual observation skills and the ability to tackle environmental design issues.
  6. Broad understanding of conceptual, spatial and cultural issues.

Candidates enrolling in the first year of studies are graded as follows: The first part of the exam is worth a maximum of 20 points, of which each exercise is evaluated with 1 to 10 points. The second part is evaluated with 1 to 20 points. The highest possible number of points is 40.

Candidates enrolling in a higher year as per the programme transferring criteria or accelerated advancement criteria, are graded as follows:

  1. The first part of the exam is graded with 1 to 10 points
  2. The second part of the exam is graded with 1 to 10 points.
    The highest possible number of points is 20.

Selection Criteria for Limited Enrolment

When decisions about limited enrolment are taken (if there are more candidates with proof of adequate high school qualifications for the study of architecture than there are enrolment places), candidates are selected by the following criteria:

  • overall performance in the general matura or, alternatively, in the final examination or vocational matura, 12.5%
  • overall performance in Years 3 and 4, 12.5%
  • performance in the architecture studies capability test, 75%
    Vrednost posameznega dela preizkusa sposobnosti za študij arhitekture se vrednoti sledeče:
  • Part one (examination of artistic and spatial abilities) 37.5%
  • Part two (candidate interview) 37.5%

Candidates who enrol in a higher year according to transferring criteria or under accelerated advancement criteria, are graded as follows in case of restrictions on enrolment due to an excessive number of applicants:

  • average grade of recognized completed subjects, which accounts for 25% of the total points
  • performance on the Architecture Studies Capability Test, which accounts for 75% of the total points

Evaluation Methods

Knowledge is evaluated through oral and written examination. Assessment of knowledge in professional subjects is carried out predominantly through drawings – designs; the oral exam can comprise the defence of a graphic presentation; the written exam can also be the preparation of such a presentation. The grades for most subjects, i.e. those that are conducted as lectures and tutorials, consist of two separate grades: the grade for the (theoretical) exam and the grade received from tutorials, with the latter depending on the subject.

In line with the Statutes of the University of Ljubljana, the following grading scale and grades are used:

10 91–100%: excellent: outstanding performance with minor
errors,
9 81–90%: very good – above-average knowledge, but with some errors,
8 71–80%: good – solid results,
7 61–70%: satisfactory – fair knowledge, but with significant shortcomings,
6 51–60%: sufficient – knowledge meets minimum criteria,
5 <50%: unsatisfactory – knowledge does not meet minimum criteria.
The candidate successfully passes the exam if the grade they receive is in the satisfactory (6) to excellent (10) range.

Conditions for Progressing in the Programme

To progress from Year 1 to Year 2, the student is required to pass courses Design Studio 1, Architectural Design 1, Materials and Forms, and earn a minimum of 48 credits from Year 1.

To progress from Year 2 to Year 3, the student is required to pass all Year 1 examinations, courses Design Studio 2, Architectural Design 2, and earn a minimum of 48 credits from Year 2.

To progress from Year 3 to Year 4, the student is required to pass all Year 1 and Year 2 examinations, courses Design Studio 3, Architectural Design 3, and earn a minimum of 48 credits from Year 3.

To progress from Year 4 to Year 5, the student is required to pass all Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3 examinations, the course Design Studio 4, and earn a minimum of 48 credits from Year 4.

Conditions for Repeating a Year

The student may repeat a year only provided that they passed at least half of the requirements in the relevant year of study and earned a minimum of 30 ECTS. The student may repeat a year of study only once during their studies. Approval for exceptional enrolment is granted by the Academic Affairs Committee.

Conditions for Study Completion

Study completion implies that the student has completed all required tasks in all enrolled subjects, prepared a final work, and defended it successfully.

Changes to the EMŠA Study Programme 2022/23

We inform students of the Single-Cycle Master Study Programme Architecture that with the 2022/23 academic year UL FA will begin gradually implementing changes to Year 1 of the EMŠA study programme.

Students progressing to a higher year under normal circumstances will be able to complete their studies according to the enrolled study programme.

The changes to the EMŠA programme will be implemented gradually and according to the following timeline:

Academic Year 2022/23: the updated EMŠA will come into effect in Year 1 for new students and those who have not progressed to a higher year (students repeating a year or those without status).

Academic Year 2023/24: the updated EMŠA will be in effect in Years 1 and 2 for new students and those who have not progressed to a higher year (students repeating a year or those without status).

Academic Year 2024/25: the updated EMŠA will be in effect in Years 1, 2 and 3 for new students and those who have not progressed to a higher year (students repeating a year or those without status).

Academic Year 2025/26: the updated EMŠA will be in effect in Years 1, 2, 3 and 4 for new students and those who have not progressed to a higher year (students repeating a year or those without status).

Academic Year 2026/27: the updated EMŠA will be in effect in Years 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Students who will enrol in an additional year in the 2026/27 academic year according to the old programme (and then possibly extend their status in the 2027/28 academic year for legitimate reasons) will be able to complete their studies as per the enrolled study programme.

They will also be able to complete their studies according to the enrolled EMŠA programme should they lose their student status after the additional year (an interruption in studies must not exceed two years).

In the event of a study programme interruption exceeding 2 years, the student will have to send an application for a continuation of studies following interruption to the Academic Affairs Committee, which will establish the conditions for completing the studies.

Transferring to the modified study programme will proceed as indicated by the comparative table of recognition for completed courses, which will be approved by the UL FA Senate on September 13, 2022. The table will be published in September 2022.

The Student Affairs Office is available to students for any potential questions regarding the timeline of changes to the EMŠA programme, as well as additional information regarding the recognition process of completed exams in case of transfers to the new EMŠA programme.

Presentation Brochures of the EMŠA Study Programme

The Presentation Brochure of the entire RENEWED EMŠA study programme, which will be in effect in Years 1, 2 and 3 during the 2024/25 academic year

The Presentation Brochure of the entire RENEWED EMŠA study programme, which will be in effect in Years 1 and 2 during the 2023/24 academic year

The Presentation Brochure of the entire RENEWED EMŠA study programme, which will come into effect for Year 1 during the 2022/23 academic year:

The Presentation Brochure of the EMŠA study programme, which will only remain in effect for the following academic years:

– 2022/23 in Years 2, 3, 4 and 5,
– 2023/24 in Years 3, 4 and 5,
– 2024/25 in Years 4 and 5,
– 2025/26 in Year 5:

Study Programme Enrolment

Study programme subjects

3. letnik

Year 2

winter semester

winter semester

winter semester

winter semester

winter semester

summer semester

summer semester

summer semester

summer semester

summer semester

Izbirni predmeti