University of Primorska Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies
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Mathematics and Computer Science

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General information Programme coordinator About the programme Educational and professional goals Course structure Elective courses Traineeship in a working environment Admission requirements Continuation of studies according to the transfer criteria (enrollment in the higher year of study) Advancement requirements Graduate competencies Graduate employment opportunities

General information

Name of the programme: Mathematics and Computer Science
Type of programme: academic, 1st Bologna cycle
Degree awarded: "diplomirani inženir matematike in računalništva (UN)" equiv. to B.Sc. in Mathematics and Computer Science
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
ECTS-credits: 180
Programme structure: 30 courses (3 electives)
Mode of study: full-time
Language of study: Slovene, English

Programme coordinatortop

Assoc. Prof. Rok Požar, PhD

For information regarding application, enrolment and other administrative procedures please contact Student Services.

About the programmetop

Mathematics and Computer Science form an inseparable foundation of modern science and technology. Mathematics provides the fundamental language of abstract thinking, logic, and modeling, while computer science enables the effective realization of these ideas in the form of algorithms, programs, and information systems. Together, they constitute the backbone of the digital society, artificial intelligence, data science, information security, modern communications, and numerous research and industrial breakthroughs that decisively shape the 21st century.

The university study program Mathematics and Computer Science is designed as an interdisciplinary program that enables students to synergistically combine solid mathematical foundations with modern foundations of computer science. The program offers a balanced education oriented toward research and development and systematically prepares students to understand and solve complex problems of the modern world.

Graduates of the program acquire key competencies that are particularly important in the field of data science and related research areas, as well as in software development and algorithm theory. Both fields represent a central foundation for advanced master’s studies and for the artificial intelligence and high–value-added information technology industries.

In the first year and part of the second year, students become familiar with fundamental areas of mathematics and computer science, such as analysis, algebra, discrete mathematics, and probability, while also mastering the basics of programming, computer systems, and algorithmic thinking. This combination fosters the development of precise, logical, and structured thinking, which is essential in both academic and professional environments.

As the studies progress, the program increasingly focuses on the synergy between the two fields. Students deepen their knowledge of data structures and algorithms, graph theory, mathematical modeling, optimization, numerical computation, statistics, databases, machine learning, as well as cryptography and computer security.

The scientific excellence and international engagement of the program’s teaching staff provide students with early exposure to a top-level research environment already at the undergraduate level. UP FAMNIT is internationally recognized for its research in algebraic and discrete mathematics, graph theory, theoretical computer science, and data and computational methods, which opens up broad opportunities for students for further studies, research work, and successful careers in an international environment.

Educational and professional goalstop

  • Foster a positive and responsible attitude towards mathematics, computer science, and continuous professional learning.
  • Provide a strong foundation in core mathematics and develop rigorous mathematical thinking, proving, and modelling.
  • Master foundations of theoretical computer science, algorithms, and data structures.
  • Develop robust programming competence across paradigms, including concurrent/parallel approaches.
  • Understand the fundamental principles of computer systems, data management, and information security.
  • Apply numerical, probabilistic, statistical, optimization, and machine learning methods to real problems and data.
  • Develop the ability to analyse complex problems and select appropriate mathematical and computational approaches for their solution.
  • Recognize connections between mathematical theories and applications in computer science, natural sciences, and social sciences.
  • Develop collaboration and communication skills for effective problem solving in academic and professional settings.
  • Emphasize precision and clarity in symbolic, verbal, and written mathematical and computational expression.
  • Use modern computational and academic tools effectively and present results clearly, precisely, and professionally.
  • Acquire essential fundamentals for further study or research in computer science, data science, information security, mathematics, and related fields.

Course structuretop

During their studies, students must complete a total of 30 courses (27 compulsory and 3 elective courses).

In the 3rd year student chooses 3 elective courses. Student can select a Traineeship in a working environment as their external elective course. 

All courses are awarded 6 ECTS-credits.

Short descriptions of courses are available - HERE.

Table 1: Structure of the study programme
Year of study Study obligation Number ECTS-credits (ECTS)
ECTS ECTS/Year of study
1. Compulsory Course 10 60 60
2. Compulsory Course 10 60 60
3. Compulsory Course 7 42 60
External Elective Course 3 18
 
Table 2: First year of study
No. Course ECTS Form of contact hour
L T SE LW Total
1. Algebra I - Matrix Calculus 6 45 30 - - 75
2. Algebra II – Linear Algebra 6 45 30 - - 75
3. Analysis I – Foundations of Analysis 6 45 30 - - 75
4. Analysis II – Infinitesimal Calculus 6 45 30 - - 75
5. Discrete Mathematics II – Combinatorics 6 45 30 - - 75
6. Mathematical Practicum 6 - 15 - 30 45
7. Computer Practicum 6 - - - 60 60
8. Programming I 6 45 - - 30 75
9. Discrete Mathematics I – Set Theory 6 45 30 - - 75
10. Computer Systems 6 45 - - 30 75

Legend:
L = lecture, T = tutorial, SE = seminar, LW = laboratory work
ECTS = ECTS-credits

Table 3: Second year of study
No. Course ECTS Form of contact hour
L T SE LW Total
1. Algebra III – Abstract Algebra 6 45 30 - - 75
2. Analysis III – Functions of Many Variables 6 45 30 - - 75
3. Data Structures and Algorithms 6 45 - - 30 75
4. Introduction to Numerical Calculations 6 45 30 - - 75
5. Programming II 6 45 - - 30 75
6. Probability 6 45 30 - - 75
7. Algebra IV - Algebraic Structures 6 45 30 - - 75
8. Formal Languages and Computability 6 45 - - 30 75
9. Introduction to Database Systems 6 45 - - 30 75
10. Coding Theory 6 45 15 - - 60
 
Table 4: Third year of study
No. Course ECTS Form of contact hour
L T SE LW Total
1. Mathematical Modelling 6 45 30 - - 75
2. Statistics 6 45 30 - - 75
3. Graph Theory 6 45 15 - - 60
4. Programming III - Concurrent Programming 6 45 - - 30 75
5. Introduction to Machine Learning and Data Mining 6 45 - - 30 75
6. Cryptography and Computer Safety 6 45 15 - - 60
7. Optimization Methods 6 45 15 - - 60
8. External Elective Course I 6          
9. External Elective Course II 6          
10. External Elective Course III 6          
 

In their third year of studies, students can select a TRAINEESHIP IN A WORKING ENVIRONMENT as their external elective course. The aim is to enable students to gain professional and practical experience in the field of mathematics. Traineeships last three weeks and students are awarded with six (6) ETCS credits. Traineeship is supervised by a qualified mentor in the field of mathematics. Students that choose traineeship in a working environment, must first contact the study programme coordinator, and then mark their decision on the enrollment paper for the 3rd year in ŠIS.

Elective coursestop

In the 3rd year student chooses 3 external elective courses.

Students may select external elective courses from study programmes provided by other institutions of higher education in Slovenia and internationally, from study programmes in the fields of mathematics, financial mathematics, bioinformatics, computer science and informatics.

Traineeship in a working environmenttop

If the student selected with the study programme coordinator a TRAINEESHIP IN A WORKING ENVIRONMENT as their elective course in the 3rd year of study, he/she should know all procedures defined in the INSTRUCTIONS FOR STUDENTS ABOUT THE PRACTICAL TRAINING (only in Slovene).

All procedures goes through ŠIS, also all form are available in ŠIS. The key steps in the procedure are listed below:

  • student submits the application for the training; it is mandatory to attach the Statement of the institution for accepting the student for practical training;
  • the coordinator of the practical training at the Faculty decides about the application;
  • after the approval, the student prints 3 copies of the traineeship cooperation agreement and submits them at Student Services; he/she saves all other forms as he/she will need them during the training;
  • student begins with the training only after the approval of the application and the agreement is signed;
  • at the end of the training student submits a report; all mandatory forms that need to be attached are listed in the Instructions;
  • the coordinator of the practical training at the Faculty decides about the report;
  • after the approval of the report, the student is invited to complete a survey about the training.

If a student needs the Student traineeship cooperation agreement in English (due to the practical training abroad), he/she must inform the Student Services as soon as he/she is informed that his/her application for practical training has been approved by coordinator.

Admission requirementstop

Admission to the first year of study shall be granted to applicants having:

  • passed the matura examination; or
  • passed the vocational matura in any secondary school program and passed the general matura exam in mathematics; if mathematics was already taken as part of the vocational matura, then an exam in any other subject of the general matura is required; the chosen subject may not be one that the candidate has already taken as part of the vocational matura;
  • completed any four-year secondary-school programme before 1 June 1995.

In the case of enrolment limitations, applicants shall be selected in accordance with the following criteria:

  • applicants with the general matura or a final examination shall be selected on the basis of:
    • overall performance in the general matura or final examination (40%),
    • overall results in the 3rd and 4th year of secondary school (20%),
    • results in the subject Mathematics in the 3rd and 4th year of secondary school (40%).
  • applicants with the vocational matura shall be selected on the basis of:
    • overall vocational matura results (20%),
    • overall results in the 3rd and 4th year of secondary school (20%),
    • results in the subject Mathematics in the 3rd and 4th year of secondary school (40%),
    • results in the additional matura subject examination (20%).

Admission may also be gained by an applicant having completed a comparable study abroad. Prior to enrolment, the applicant must apply for the recognition of completed education.

Continuation of studies according to the transfer criteria (enrollment in the higher year of study)top

Transfers between study programmes are possible on the basis of the Higher Education Act, Criteria for Transferring between Study Programmes and in accordance with other regulations of this field.

The transition between study programmes is the enrolment in the higher year of the study programme, in case of leaving the education at the initial study programme and continuing the study process at another study program of the same degree. The transition takes into account the comparability of the study programmes and the completed study obligations of the candidate in the initial study program.

Access to year 2 or year 3 of the study programme of Mathematics and Computer Science on the basis of the Criteria for Transferring between Study Programmes is granted to candidates of a related first-cycle study programme or a pre-Bologna reform undergraduate study programme, provided that the following conditions have been met:

  • the candidate fulfils the requirements for admission to the study programme of Mathematics and Computer Science,
  • the completion of the initial study programme which the candidate is transferring from ensures the acquisition of comparable competencies as those envisaged by the study programme of Mathematics and Computer Science,
  • other conditions have also been met, in accordance with the Criteria for Transferring between Study Programmes (a comparable course structure, course requirements completed)

Individual applications for transfer shall be considered by the Committee for Student and Study Affairs UP FAMNIT. Apart from comparability between both fields of study, the committee shall also consider the comparability between the study programmes, in accordance with the Criteria for Transferring between Study Programmes.

Enrolment on the basis of the Criteria for Transferring between Study Programmes is also open to candidates of a related study programme abroad who have been, in the process of recognition of their studies abroad, legally granted the right to continue their educational training in the study programme of Mathematics and Computer Science.

In case of enrolment restrictions, applicants shall be selected on the basis of the average grade obtained during the study programme they are transferring from.

Advancement requirementstop

For enrolment in the next study year, it is necessary to collect at least 42 ECTS-credits from courses and exams in the current study year, and to fulfil all the study obligations (60 ECTS-credits) for the previous study year.

The Committee for Student and Study Affairs UP FAMNIT may permit a student who has not fulfilled all study obligations for the particular year to enrol in the next year. The student is obliged to submit a formal written request to the committee. Progress to the next year may be approved if a student could not fulfil the obligations for justifiable reasons. Students may only repeat a year once during their study period.

Requirements for the Completion of Studies

Students shall be deemed to have completed their studies when they fulfil all the prescribed study requirements for a total of 180 ECTS-credits.

Graduate competenciestop

General competencies

  • Analytical and synthetic thinking with the ability to formulate problems, evaluate alternatives, and anticipate consequences in mathematical and computational contexts.
  • Critical judgement and intellectual independence, including the ability to assess methods, results, and developments in mathematics, computer science, and data-driven fields.
  • Effective communication skills in written, oral, and digital form, including the ability to present technical content clearly to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Teamwork and collaboration skills, including the ability to contribute constructively to interdisciplinary projects.
  • Information literacy, i.e., the ability to independently locate, select, verify, and ethically use relevant data and sources, and to integrate them into problem-solving.
  • Creativity, initiative, and lifelong learning competence, demonstrated through independent acquisition and meaningful integration of new knowledge and technologies.
  • Professional autonomy, responsibility, and ethical awareness, including an understanding of the broader societal implications of mathematical and computational work.

Subject-specific competencies

  • Ability to accurately describe given situations through the correct use of mathematical and computational symbols, notations, and formal language.
  • Ability to clearly explain and justify the understanding of mathematical and computational concepts, principles, and methods.
  • Ability to apply an algorithmic approach, including designing, implementing, and analysing an algorithm to solve a given problem.
  • Ability to systematically analyse a given problem using numerical, graphical, algebraic, discrete, and computational methods.
  • Ability to construct and evaluate mathematical models and connect theoretical results with practical computational solutions.
  • Ability to solve mathematical and computational problems using modern technologies and tools.
  • Ability to deduce new logical and data-supported conclusions from given assumptions, data, or experimentally obtained results.
  • Confidence and independence in tackling complex mathematical and computational problems and in seeking effective and reliable solutions.

Graduate employment opportunitiestop

The university study program Mathematics and Computer Science is designed in line with the strategic needs of modern society and the European green and digital transitions. The program offers students a logical and synergistically connected study pathway—from the fundamental theory of mathematics and computer science, through discrete mathematics and theoretical computer science, to modern computational and data-driven applications. Such a design enables graduates not only to master advanced mathematical and computational tools, but also to develop a strong understanding of underlying principles, giving them a high degree of adaptability, innovativeness, and employability in high–value-added industries.

Graduates are primarily prepared for entry-level and junior positions that require strong analytical, algorithmic, and computational competencies. Typical career paths include:

  • data analyst / junior data scientist,
  • junior algorithm developer or engineer of efficient computational solutions,
  • junior software developer with strong mathematical and algorithmic foundations,
  • junior positions in the fields of information security and cryptography.

Thanks to their broad and solid foundational knowledge, graduates are also competitive in the financial sector, high-tech companies, and research and development teams.