Pilot implementation of the Master study programme Data Science

In the academic year 2023/2024, the University of Primorska is announcing the innovative implementation of the Master study programme - Data Science in English at the UP Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies (UP FAMNIT) as part of the "Green University of Primorska" project, which is one of the three pilot projects of the investment project "Green, Digital & Inclusive University of Primorska (GDI UP)". It is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, and the European Union - NextGenerationEU. The project is implemented in accordance with the plan within the development area Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, component Strengthening of competences, especially digital and those required by new professions and the green transition (C3 K5), for investment measure F. Implementation of pilot projects, the results of which, will be the basis for the preparation of the starting points for the reform of higher education for a green and resilient transition to Society 5.0: the project - Pilot projects for the renovation of higher education for a green and resilient transition.

Students will complete practical training in the university's research laboratories. Classic contact hours, such as lectures, seminar exercises, laboratory exercises, etc. in some courses, will be partially replaced by other forms of study, in the framework of which students, as laboratory assistants or technical colleagues will actively participate in the work on research and development projects and the professional work of the university information service. During the course of their studies, students will upgrade the acquired theoretical knowledge and acquire important competencies of practical application in the business environment, as well as competencies of critical judgment and responsibility towards work and colleagues. They will also acquire practical knowledge in the management of mass data through work on concrete tasks in practice, and in this way develop the ability to solve concrete problems related to data science in business processes.

Due to the close cooperation with the university on research and development projects, graduates employed at the UP will during their studies obtain references for obtaining the title of development associate in salary group H and the possibility of employment as developers both within the University of Primorska and at other Slovenian and foreign research institutions.

Graduates of the master study programme Data Science can be employed as data science experts in research institutions, IT companies, banks, insurance companies, transport organizations and other companies that collect large amounts of data. In addition to the title of data scientist, other job titles are data architect, data manager, data analyst, business analyst, business intelligence manager, etc.

Non-Slovene speaking candidates will be included in the Slovenian language course organized by the UP during the first year due to their involvement in the university and wider social environment.

The employment relationship will be concluded for a fixed period from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024 for full-time work, 40 hours per week, or for foreign nationals from obtaining a work permit until September 30, 2024, also for full-time work, 40 hours per week.

The project is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport and the European Union – NextGenerationEU. The project is implemented in accordance with the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) under the development area Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth, component Strengthening competencies, in particular digital competencies and those required by the new professions and the green transition (C3 K5), for the investment measure Investment F. Implementation of pilot projects, the results of which will serve as a basis for the preparation of a roadmap for the reform of higher education for a green and resilient transition to a Society 5.0: project Pilot Projects for the Reform of Higher Education for a Green and Resilient Transition.