Study programme learning outcomes
The basic aim of the study programme is to deepen and expand knowledge in zootechnics, which is necessary for an efficient and sustainable regulation of production systems for animal production due to food production and other benefits from environmental, natural and social aspects. The graduate is qualified to understand the general natural and scientific aspects of zootechnics and the most demanding professional tasks. The study programme enables the development of specific knowledge and skills for employment in positions of responsibility in livestock production and processing, in other fields related to agriculture and in education.
Mode of study
Only full-time study. Available enrolment slots: 35 for Slovenian and EU citizens, 3 for non-EU citizens, 3 for Slovenians without Slovenian citizenship, 3 for parallel studies.
Official duration of the study programme in credits and years
The second cycle master's study programme ANIMAL SCIENCE lasts 2 years (4 semesters) and has a workload of 120 ECTS. Students are required to complete 60 ECTS each year.
Name of qualification and title conferred
- Master of Science
- M.Sc.
Admission requirements
Candidates may enrol in the Master's study program Animal Science who have completed:
a) the first cycle Bologna study programme Agriculture - Animal Production or a comparable first cycle Bologna study programme in the field of Agriculture at the Biotechnical faculty UL or at other faculties.
b) a first cycle Bologna study programme in other fields, provided that the candidates complete other study requirements in the amount of 10 - 60 ECTS from courses of the first cycle Bologna study programme Agriculture - Animal Production. These requirements are set for each student individually by the competent Studies Committee and are determined in relation to the difference in the professional field. Candidates shall complete these study requirements by passing exams prior to enrolment in the master’s study programme:
- graduates of comparable study programmes in the field of life sciences shall take courses from the group of compulsory professional courses,
- graduates of study programmes with a comparable extent of core courses (mathematics, chemistry, biochemistry, ) shall take courses from the group of compulsory professional courses (animal biology, botany, microbiology, physiology with anatomy, biometry or statistics, genetics) shall take courses from the group of compulsory professional courses,
- graduates of all other fields of study who do not have a comparable extent of core and professional courses shall obtain additional requirements from the group of compulsory core courses and compulsory professional courses.
c) the firsty cycle Bologna professional study programme Agriculture - Animal Husbandry, or the pre-Bologna professional study programme Agriculture - Animal Production or a comparable professional study programme in the field of agriculture at the Biotechnical faculty UL or at other faculties.
d) a Bologna or pre-Bologna professional study programme in other professional fields, provided that the candidates complete other study requirements in the amount of 10 - 60 ECTS from courses of the first cycle Bologna study programmes Agriculture - Animal Production and Agriculture - Animal Husbandry. These requirements are set for each student individually by the competent Studies Committee and are determined in relation to the difference in the professional field. Candidates shall complete these study requirements by passing exams prior to enrolment in the master’s study programme:
- graduates of comparable study programmes in the field of life sciences shall take courses from the group of compulsory professional courses,
- graduates of study programmes with a comparable extent of core courses (mathematics, chemistry, biochemistry, ) shall take courses from the group of compulsory professional courses (animal biology, botany, microbiology, physiology with anatomy, biometry or statistics, genetics) shall take courses from the group of compulsory professional courses,
- graduates of all other fields of study who do not have a comparable extent of core and professional courses shall obtain additional requirements from the group of compulsory core courses and compulsory professional courses.
Admission to the programme is also granted to candidates who have completed equivalent education abroad, and who enrol under the same requirements which apply for candidates who completed their education in Slovenia. Prior to enrolment in the study programme they must complete the procedure for recognition of education for the purpose of further study.
In case of limited enrolment the following selection criteria apply:
- candidates referred to in points a) and c) are chosen on the basis of the average grade in undergraduate studies.
- candidates referred to in points b) and d) are chosen on the basisi of the average grade in undergraduate studies (60%) and the average grade in additional examinations (40%).
Number of applications and limitations in the past years:
- 2024/25: number of applications (first priority): 38 – no limitation
- 2023/24: number of applications (first priority): 15 – no limitation
- 2022/23: number of applications (first priority): 16 – no limitation
- 2021/22: number of applications (first priority): 15 – no limitation
- 2020/21: number of applications (first priority): 17 – no limitation
- 2019/20: number of applications (first priority): 19 – no limitation
Advancement requirements
Conditions for progression to Year 2:
A student may enrol in Year 2 if he completes all study requirements of Year 1 and completes 60 ECTS by the end of the academic year. The competent Studies Committee may exceptionally approve the progression from Year 1 to Year 2 for a student who has gained at least 45 ECTS in Year 1, if the student can provide justifiable reasons in accordance with the Statutes of the University of Ljubljana.
Conditions for repeating a year:
Students can repeat a year provided that they complete study requirements in a total amount of at least 30 ECTS.
During their course of study students may only once repeat a year or change their study programme owing to non-fulfilment of requirements.
Transfer between study programmes
A transfer between study programmes means termination of education in the first study programme and continuation of studies in another study programme. A transfer is possible only if the the candidates meet the requirements for enrolment in the new study programme. Tansfers between various study programmes for obtaining the same level of education is possible if at least 50% of ECTS of the first study programme can be recognised (i.e. if at least 30 ECTS can be recognised in the first year of the new study programme).
Transfers are possible:
a) for candidates from second cycle Bologna master's study programmes:
- in professional fields of the Biotechnical faculty UL. The candidates shall meet the requirements for enrolment. The requirements for completion of the study programme and the year in which the student is allowed to enrol are set for each student individually by the competent Studies Committee.
- in other professional fields. The candidates shall meet the requirements for enrolment. The requirements for completion of the study programme and the year in which the student is allowed to enrol are set for each student individually by the competent Studies Committee.
b) for graduates of pre-Bologna study programmes:
- from the academic study programme Agriculture - Animal Production. The candidates are enrolled in Year 2. In order to complete the study programme, they shall successfully defend a master thesis.
- from academic study programmes in other fields: if candidates meet the requirements for enrolment, they are enrolled in Year 2. The requirements for completion of the study programme to the extent of 60 ECTS (including a successful defence of a master thesis) are set for each student individually by the competent Studies Committee.