Energetika

The Faculty of Energy Technology of the University of Maribor (FE-UM) is based in three Slovenian locations which are dominated by power plants. In the panel’s opinion this is an excellent strategic decision, perfectly in line with contemporary trends in the EU. FE-UM is running four HE programmes, a professional bachelor programme, an academic bachelor programme, a second cycle master programme and a third cycle PhD programme. All four programmes share the same name “Energy Technology”. The subjects of this evaluation are the academic bachelor programme and the master programme. The panel understands that the proximity of an industrial environment is advantageous for professional (applied science) programmes. Even though this programme evaluation is limited to the academic bachelor programme and the master programme, the panel could not ignore a close relation (even overlapping) with the professional bachelor programme. The basic aim of any academic higher education programme track is to instill scientific, research biased knowledge in students. These programmes are more demanding and are efficient when executed in two cycles (180 ECTS + 120 ECTS). The scientific characteristic implies a wider field of study, a significant participation in international research projects and also constitutes the base for third cycle PhD programmes. Academic programmes must be tied to the development of science. Professional higher education programmes, on the other hand, are focused on applied science, enabling students to seek faster employment (180 ECTS) in a more practical oriented industrial environment. The professional characteristic of these programmes calls for a close cooperation with local companies (internships, employer centered theses, etc.). Professional programmes must follow the development in the economy. The has reached the following conclusions: ● FE-UM’s academic programme exhibits all above mentioned characteristics of the professional programme. There are only minor structural and contextual differences (most courses are shared). ● FE-UM’s academic programme is much less popular among students than the professional programme (enrollment is three times lower). ● Consequently, the enrollment into FE-UM’s master programme is dominated by students from the professional bachelor programme (only a small number of students are coming from other HE institutions). ● Courses of FE-UM’s master programme are practically biased. Academic content is largely missing. ● The faculty has little research activity, thus a rather weak scientific impact. The panel recommends an evaluation of FE-UM’s third cycle PhD programme.