University of Ljubljana

What you'll study

The doctoral programme focuses on original research in areas such as metallic and ceramic materials, polymers and composites, nanomaterials, biomaterials, functional materials, surface engineering and materials modelling. Study is research-centred and typically comprises a combination of advanced coursework tailored to support the candidate's research, supervised laboratory or computational work, and the preparation and defence of an original doctoral thesis.

Typical taught and research topics include:

• Advanced Materials Characterisation: electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy and thermal analysis techniques used to probe structure and properties.
• Materials Processing and Manufacturing: processing routes such as powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, sintering, heat treatments and surface modification methods.
• Multiscale Materials Modelling: atomistic to continuum modelling, finite element analysis and predictive tools linking processing, structure and properties.
• Functional and Smart Materials: electronic, magnetic, optical and responsive materials for sensors, actuators and energy applications.
• Biomaterials and Medical Applications: biocompatibility, tissue engineering scaffolds and materials for medical devices.
• Corrosion, Degradation and Reliability: mechanisms of material failure, lifetime prediction and protection strategies.

Research supervision is provided by academic staff in the University's relevant faculties and research centres, often in close collaboration with national research institutes and industrial partners. Candidates are expected to contribute to research publications and participate in seminars, conferences and teaching activities.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a relevant master's degree (or equivalent) in materials science and engineering, physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering or a closely related discipline. Candidates with excellent research experience and a strong bachelor’s degree plus a period of demonstrable research or professional experience in a relevant area may sometimes be considered.

Typical application materials include:

• Certified copies of degree transcripts and diplomas;
• A curriculum vitae detailing research experience and technical skills;
• A research proposal or statement of research interests outlining intended doctoral project areas;
• Reference letters from academic or professional referees familiar with the applicant's research potential;
• Proof of language ability where required (English or Slovene), depending on the language of the proposed supervision and courses.

Admission is competitive and based on academic record, research proposal quality, fit with potential supervisors and available supervision capacity. Candidates are encouraged to contact potential supervisors before applying to discuss project ideas and funding possibilities.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme are prepared for careers in academia, research institutes and industry. Common career paths include:

• Academic research and teaching positions at universities and colleges;
• Research scientist or R&D engineer roles in materials-intensive industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, electronics and biomedical sectors;
• Positions in national and international research laboratories and technology centres;
• Roles in quality assurance, failure analysis, materials selection and product development;
• Technical consultancy, intellectual property and standards development related to materials technologies.

Doctoral training also develops transferable skills valued across sectors: project management, scientific communication, data analysis and advanced experimental/computational techniques.

Why study at University of Ljubljana

The University of Ljubljana provides a research-rich environment with interdisciplinary collaboration across faculties and strong links to national research institutes and industry. Facilities include modern microscopy and materials characterisation laboratories, shared experimental platforms and computational resources that support advanced materials research.

Students benefit from close supervision by experienced academic staff, opportunities for international collaboration and mobility, and access to regional industrial partners for applied projects. The University's location in Central Europe facilitates networking across neighbouring research communities and companies, while its academic culture emphasises both fundamental science and technology transfer.

Overall, the programme offers a robust foundation for becoming an independent researcher capable of contributing to both academic knowledge and practical materials solutions.