Archives Management

Archival science is a professional field concerned with the creation, classification, appraisal, arrangement, protection, and long-term preservation of documentary and archival records. Its role is not limited to preserving historical documents. Modern archivists also manage electronic documents, databases, and digital archives, ensuring that information remains authentic, accessible, and properly protected.

At Alma Mater Europaea University, we offer a three-year professional higher education study programme in archival science, comprising six semesters or 180 ECTS credits. The programme combines archival science, diplomatics, information technologies, law, history, and practical work with records. After successfully completing all study requirements, the graduate obtains the professional title of graduate archivist.

What does archival science include in the modern information environment?

Archival science addresses the entire life cycle of documents. This begins at the moment of their creation and continues through registration, classification, use, appraisal, and long-term preservation. This requires consideration of professional procedures, legislation, information security, and the characteristics of the records.

Digitalization has expanded the work of archivists into new areas. Electronic records require different methods of capture, storage, protection, and access provision than paper documents. It is also important to preserve their authenticity and integrity over a longer period, even as information systems, file formats, and software change.

The study of archival science therefore includes the knowledge needed to work with physical and digital records. Students learn to understand the organizational environment in which documents are created, as well as the procedures by which important information is preserved for administrative, legal, business, research, and cultural purposes.

The study of archival science connects the profession, law, and information technologies

The curriculum is designed interdisciplinarily. In the first year, students are introduced to archival science, the theoretical foundations of archival science and diplomatics, the history of archival activity, business informatics, research methods, and the functioning of institutions. E-archives are also an important part of the content, as records management is increasingly moving into digital environments.

In the second year, the study of archival science focuses on physical preservation, archival law, legislation in the field of data management, conservation and restoration of records, and professional procedures for description and arrangement. Students also cover records typology and methods of working with documentation at the point of its creation.

Elective courses allow for additional specialization in topics such as:

• information security, in which students learn about the protection of documents and information in the electronic environment; 
• capture and preservation of e-archives, which address the long-term management of digital records; 
• Latin paleography and the Latin language, useful when working with older written sources; 
• public e-archives, their information infrastructure, and related services; 
• the cultural history of Slovenians and the history of early modern Europe, which help in understanding the origin, content, and broader context of archival records. 

Such a programme structure enables students to treat archival records not merely as a collection of documents, but as information created within legal, administrative, technological, and social processes.

Eight weeks of practical training in the third year

An important part of the programme is practical training, as archival science requires precise knowledge of professional procedures and the ability to apply them in a specific environment. Practical training takes place in the third year and lasts eight weeks.

The internship is included in the course Practical Training, worth 10 ECTS, and is linked to the course Project Assignment, worth 5 ECTS. The practical training is organized by the faculty, but the student may also find a suitable placement independently.

During the training, the student becomes familiar with work processes, documentation organization, and tasks related to archival or documentary records. If the student already has relevant work experience, they may apply for recognition of the internship as informally acquired knowledge.

The practical part of the study of archival science enables the connection of theory with actual tasks such as arranging and describing records, participating in digitalization, checking documentation, or preparing records for long-term preservation.

Part-time study with flexible organization of lectures and practical classes

The study of archival science is delivered part-time. Lectures are generally held in the afternoon between 16:00 and 20:00. They are recorded, and the recordings are available to students in Moodle throughout the academic year, making it easier to balance study with employment and other obligations.

If a student watches a lecture recording online afterwards, they must submit a lecture summary in Moodle within six days in order to receive 100% attendance recognition. In the case of in-person attendance, attendance is recorded during the lecture.

Practical classes are mandatory and, depending on the course or mode of delivery, take place on-site or online. During the week they are generally held in the afternoon between 16:00 and 20:15, and on Saturdays between 9:00 and 13:15. Practical classes are not recorded, and 100% attendance is a condition for taking the exam.

Exams follow completed courses

Courses are generally organized sequentially, so the first exam session follows immediately after the lectures and practical classes for the individual course are completed. As a result, students generally do not need to wait for a traditional exam period.

As a rule, three exam dates are announced for each course. Depending on the course, the exam may be taken at Alma Mater premises or online, generally in the afternoon around 16:00.

For in-person exams, the usual options are Maribor or Ljubljana, while the exact format and location depend on the organization of the individual course or agreement with the course instructor.

Accredited study programme and student support

The Archival Science programme is an accredited first-cycle professional higher education study programme. The Slovenian Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education awarded the programme its first accreditation on 15 December 2016.

Alma Mater has also established a quality management system in accordance with the international standard ISO 9001:2015. In addition to national accreditations, the university also holds international accreditations for individual programmes. The ECBE international accreditation applies to the undergraduate programme Management of Business Systems and the master's programme European Business Studies, and should therefore not be directly attributed to the Archival Science programme.

Students also have access to a tutoring system during their studies. It includes student tutors and teacher tutors, while support for organizing study through online platforms is also provided by an online tutor. Tutoring is especially helpful for integration into the study environment, organizing study obligations, and resolving questions that arise during studies.

What competencies do graduate archivists acquire?

Upon completion of the programme, graduates understand the principles of managing documentary and archival records from their creation to long-term preservation. They are qualified to participate in the arrangement, description, appraisal, protection, and provision of access to records.

The study of archival science also develops competencies for:

• working with electronic documents and digital archives; 
• understanding archival legislation and data management rules; 
• participating in digitalization and the establishment of electronic preservation systems; 
• identifying risks to physical and digital records; 
• research and professional presentation of archival content; 
• cooperation with records creators, archive users, and other professionals. 

Graduates can apply the acquired knowledge in public and private archives, state administration, municipalities, cultural institutions, educational and research organizations, and companies that manage larger volumes of business or other documentation.

Who is the study of archival science intended for?

The study of archival science is suitable for candidates interested in documents, data, history, law, and information technologies. Important qualities include precision, systematic thinking, a responsible attitude toward information, and a willingness to keep up with technological changes.

Archival science makes it possible to understand documents as evidence of the functioning of individuals, organizations, and society. By combining traditional archival procedures, legislation, digital technologies, and practical training, the programme prepares graduates for the responsible management of information in both physical and electronic environments.

1. How long does the study of archival science last and what title do I obtain?

Undergraduate study of archival science lasts three years or six semesters and comprises 180 ECTS. After successfully completing all study requirements, the graduate obtains the professional title of graduate archivist.

2. How much practical training does the study of archival science include?

The study of archival science includes eight weeks of practical training in the third year. The internship is worth 10 ECTS and is also linked to project work in the course Project Assignment, which comprises 5 ECTS. During the practical training, the student connects theoretical knowledge with actual procedures of managing documentary and archival records.

3. Is the internship organized by Alma Mater or can the student find it independently?

The practical training is organized by the faculty, but the student may also find a suitable placement independently. If the student already has relevant work experience, they may apply for recognition of the internship as informally acquired knowledge.

4. How is the study of archival science delivered?

The study of archival science is delivered part-time. Lectures generally take place between 16:00 and 20:00, are recorded, and the recordings remain available to students in Moodle throughout the academic year. Depending on the course, practical classes are conducted on-site or online, generally between 16:00 and 20:15 on weekdays or between 9:00 and 13:15 on Saturdays.

5. Are lectures and practical classes in the study of archival science mandatory?

In the study of archival science, attendance at lectures is recorded depending on the mode of participation. If a student watches a lecture recording online afterwards, they must submit a summary in Moodle within six days, thereby ensuring 100% attendance. In the case of in-person attendance, attendance is recorded during the lecture. For practical classes, 100% attendance is required, which is also a condition for taking the exam.

6. How are exams conducted in the study of archival science?

Courses generally follow one another sequentially, so the first exam date is announced after the lectures and practical classes for the individual course have been completed. As a rule, three exam dates are announced for each course. Depending on the course, exams are taken at Alma Mater premises or online and are generally organized in the afternoon.

7. Can I take an exam at another Alma Mater location?

Yes. When an exam is conducted in person, it may, depending on the organization of the individual course, be taken in Maribor or Ljubljana, while for some courses the exam is held online. The location or mode of taking the exam depends on the specific exam date and agreement with the course instructor.

8. What is the tuition fee for the study of archival science and can it be paid in installments?

The tuition fee for an individual year of the study of archival science is EUR 2,900. Payment is generally possible in one, two, five, or eight installments. In the case of installment payments, administrative costs are also charged for each installment, so it is advisable to check the current payment conditions before enrollment.

9. Is the Archival Science programme accredited?

Yes. The professional higher education programme Archival Science is accredited by the Slovenian Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. The programme received its first accreditation on 15 December 2016. The programme lasts three years and comprises 180 ECTS.

10. What support do students have during their studies?

Students have access to a tutoring system that includes student tutors and teacher tutors, as well as an online tutor for support in using online platforms and organizing the online study process. Tutoring is intended to facilitate easier integration into studies, guidance in study obligations, and support with various questions during studies.

11. Does Alma Mater have an ISO standard and international accreditations?

Yes. Alma Mater Europaea University has established a quality management system in accordance with the ISO 9001:2015 standard, while the Archival Science study programme is nationally accredited by NAKVIS. Alma Mater also has ECBE international accreditation, but this applies to the undergraduate programme Management of Business Systems and the master's programme European Business Studies, not to the Archival Science programme.

12. Do I receive a diploma after successfully completing the study of archival science?

Yes. After completing all obligations of the study of archival science, the graduate receives a diploma certificate at a formal graduation ceremony. An integral part of the diploma is also the Diploma Supplement, issued in Slovenian and English, which contains information about the completed studies and the qualification obtained.

13. Will I still have access to materials in Moodle after completing my studies?

No. When a student completes their studies or graduates, they lose student access to Alma Mater materials. It is therefore advisable to organize any materials that may be retained for personal study needs appropriately while still holding active student status.

14. Where can a graduate archivist find employment?

Graduates can work in public and private archives, state administration, municipalities, museums, libraries, cultural institutions, research organizations, and companies that manage larger amounts of documentation. The knowledge acquired during the study of archival science is also useful in digitalization, electronic document management, information systems, and the organization of documentation services.