FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to everything you want to know about enrollment, studying, and requirements.
DURATION
6 semesters / 3 years
SCOPE
180 ECTS
AWARDED TITLE
Doctor of Philosophy
LOCATION
Maribor, remote
MODE OF STUDY
part-time
START OF LECTURES
November
CLASSIFICATION
SOK 10 / EQF 8 / EOVK third level
An elite program that goes beyond the boundaries of traditional communication. The doctoral study program is designed for leaders, researchers, and experts who want to shape the future of organizations, institutions, and societies through the power of strategic communication.
An exclusive opportunity for researchers and managers who want to make a difference
At the intersection of social sciences, technology, and management, you will develop the most advanced skills in strategic decision-making, crisis communication, digital rhetoric, and change and reputation management. The program is based on an interdisciplinary approach, top-level research methodology, and collaboration with renowned domestic and international mentors.
The power of words and strategic thinking.
NEW CURRICULUM 2026/27
1ST YEAR
| Course | ECTS | |
|---|---|---|
| Total for 1st year | 60 | |
| 1 | Communication Management | 15 |
| 2 | Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods in Communication Management | 15 |
| 3 |
Communication Studies (Humanistic and Social Science Approaches to Human Communication) |
10 |
| 4 | IRPD in the field of communication management Praktikum SCOM – 1 (submission of form D – 1 to KZRD) | 10 |
| 5 |
Elective Project Seminar (The student chooses one course)
|
|
|
*
|
Methodology of Scientific Work Preparation | 10 |
|
*
|
Political Science of Communication Management (political communication) | 10 |
2ND YEAR
| Course | ECTS | |
|---|---|---|
| Total for 2nd year | 60 | |
| 1 | Media Communication Studies and Public Relations | 15 |
| 2 | Corporate and Crisis Communication Management | 15 |
| 3 |
IRPD in the field of communication management – Praktikum SCOM – 2 (Submission of form O – 1 to KZRD) |
10 |
| 4 | Elective Project Seminar (The student chooses one of the courses below) |
|
| 5 | Elective Project Seminar (The student chooses one of the courses below) |
|
|
*
|
Information, Communication and Multimedia Technologies | 10 |
|
*
|
Publics | 10 |
|
*
|
Information and Communication Technologies in Communication Management | 10 |
|
*
|
Communication Law, Consulting, Lobbying and Ethics of Communication Management |
10 |
|
*
|
Communication Marketing and Advertising | 10 |
|
*
|
Supervised Project Research Work | 10 |
|
*
|
Artificial Intelligence and Media Communication | 10 |
|
*
|
Human Resource Management and Development | 10 |
|
*
|
International Relations | 10 |
|
*
|
Communication (and Media) Industry | 10 |
|
*
|
Graphic Design of Media Campaigns | 10 |
|
*
|
Management and Leadership | 10 |
3RD YEAR
| Course | ECTS | |
|---|---|---|
| Total for 3rd year | 60 | |
| Total for the entire program | 180 | |
| 1 |
IRD in the field of communication management Praktikum SCOM – 4 (Confirmation of publication of a scientific article at KZRD – form 011) |
10 |
| 2 | Preparation and Defense of the Doctoral Dissertation (form 03) | 50 |
CHANGES TO THE STUDY PROGRAMME
The doctoral study programme was revised starting with the 2026/27 academic year. The changes apply to students enrolling in the first year of the Strategic Communication Management doctoral programme in the 2026/27 academic year. Students who enrolled in the programme in 2025/26 and earlier will be able to complete the study programme under the old curriculum up to and including the 2027/28 academic year. After that date, students must submit an application to the Committee for Study Affairs, where each case will be reviewed individually to determine which additional obligations must be completed under the new study programme.
OLD CURRICULUM
1ST YEAR
| Course | ECTS | |
|---|---|---|
| Total for 1st year | 60 | |
| 1ST SEMESTER | ||
| 1 | Communication Management | 12 |
| 2 | Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods in Communication Management | 12 |
| 3 | Methodology of Scientific Work Preparation | 6 |
| 2ND SEMESTER |
|
|
| 4 | Communication Studies (Humanistic and Social Science Approaches to Human Communication) | 8 |
| 5 | Information, Communication and Multimedia Technologies | 8 |
| 6.1 | Individual Research Project Work in the Field of Strategic Communication Management – Practicum I | 8 |
| 6.2 - 6.4 | Elective Project Seminar | 6 |
Elective Project Seminars of the 2nd Semester
|
|
Teaching Unit | ECTS |
| 6.2 | Internet and Social Networks in Communication Management | 6 |
| 6.3 | Political Science of Communication Management (political communication) | 6 |
| 6.4 | Persuasive Communication Studies | 6 |
2ND YEAR
| Course | ECTS | |
|---|---|---|
| Total for 2nd year | 60 | |
| 3RD SEMESTER | ||
| 7 |
Project Leadership and Management
|
10 |
| 8 |
Media Communication Studies and Public Relations
|
10 |
| 9 |
Individual Research Project Work in the Field of Communication Management – PRACTICUM II (Case Study)
|
10 |
|
4TH SEMESTER
|
|
|
| 10 |
Corporate and Crisis Communication Management
|
12 |
| 11 |
Publics
|
6 |
| 12.1-12.6 |
Elective Project Seminar I
|
6 |
| 12.1-12.6 |
Elective Project Seminar II
|
6 |
Elective Project Seminars of the 4th Semester
|
|
Teaching Unit | ECTS |
| 12.1 |
International Relations
|
6 |
| 12.2 |
Human Resource Management and Development
|
6 |
| 12.3 | Innovative Corporate Communication | 6 |
| 12.4 |
Information and Communication Technologies in Communication Management
|
6 |
| 12.5 |
Communication Law, Consulting, Lobbying and Ethics of Communication Management
|
6 |
| 12.6 |
Communication Marketing and Advertising
|
6 |
3RD YEAR
| Course | ECTS | |
|---|---|---|
| Total for 3rd year | 60 | |
| Total for the entire program | 180 | |
| 5TH SEMESTER | ||
| 13 |
Methodology of Doctoral Dissertation Preparation
|
16 |
| 14 |
Communication and Media Industry
|
6 |
|
15.1-15.2
|
Elective Project Seminar
|
8 |
|
6TH SEMESTER
|
|
|
| 16 |
Preparation of the Doctoral Dissertation
|
24 |
| 17 |
Individual Research Project Work in the Field of Communication Management (Case Study)
|
6 |
Elective Project Seminars of the 5th Semester
|
|
Teaching Unit | ECTS |
| 15.1 |
Management and Leadership (Leadership)
|
8 |
| 15.2 |
Graphic Design of Media Campaigns
|
8 |
Lecturers
Why is the doctoral study program in Strategic Communication Management at Alma Mater Europaea University the right choice?
Top professional and research training
The program enables an in-depth understanding of strategic communication at the intersection of theory and practice. Students acquire advanced knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methods, develop their own research models, and create scientifically relevant solutions to contemporary communication challenges.
International orientation
The program is comparable to the best foreign universities, thus enabling participation in international research projects, publications, and academic networks.
Development of leadership competencies
The program strengthens strategic thinking, critical judgment, and communication decision-making, which is essential for taking on leading roles in organizations, institutions, and the media.
Strong connection with practice
The content is directly applicable in the real world, from reputation management and internal change to crisis communication and strategic consulting.
Entry into the professional community
The study program provides access to a network of distinguished professors, experts, and academics, facilitating collaboration, projects, and career growth.
Winner in the labor market
PhD graduates in strategic communication management are an exceptionally sought-after profile, as they offer a broad range of knowledge and skills suitable for various fields of employment.
Employment opportunities include:
Academic and research career
PhD graduates can work as lecturers, researchers, or leaders of research projects at universities and research institutes.
Corporate communication and consulting
Employment includes roles in corporate communication, reputation management, crisis communication, and the development of strategic communication plans.
Public administration and politics
The field of work includes advising governments and political parties on the development of communication policies, crisis communication, and managing media relations.
International organizations and the non-governmental sector
Opportunities include leading communication strategies in international organizations and participating in campaigns in the non-governmental sector.
Digital and media strategies
Strategic experts in digital communication, social media, content marketing, and the analysis of data-driven communication patterns.
Independent professional consulting and education
Opportunities include establishing a consulting company or conducting workshops and training sessions for organizations and individuals.
DURATION
6 semesters / 3 years
SCOPE
180 ECTS
AWARDED TITLE
Doctor of Philosophy
LOCATION
Maribor, remote
MODE OF STUDY
part-time
START OF LECTURES
November
CLASSIFICATION
SOK 10 / EQF 8 / EOVK third level
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