FACULTY OF EDUCATION (PF), Matej Bel University (UMB)
Ružová Street, No. 13, 974 11 Banská Bystrica, P. O. Box 43, Slovak Republic
www.pdf.umb.sk

Study department contacts:
ivona.bajsova@umb.sk                       048/4464248
janka.korcokova@umb.sk                  048/4464264
romana.duchlanska@umb.sk            048/4464267
marian.lakomcik@umb.sk                  048/4464262

 Deadlines for submission of applications:
-          for first level (Bachelor), second level (Master) and PhD. Programs:

Based on the decision of the faculty management, the 2nd phase for submitting applications for selected study bachelor and master Programs may be announced.

Based on the decision of the faculty management from 21st of March 2022 submitting applications is prolonged until 30th of April 2022 for all study programs in I., II. and III. levels.

Based on the decision of the Slovak Accreditation Agency of the Slovak Republic dated 18 November 2021 on granting accreditation of new study programs, the PF UMB management will update the offer and admission conditions for the academic year 2022/23 for valid decisions.

Based on the Dean of Faculty of Education MBU´s panel extraordinary act nmb. 45/2022 held on April 11^th, 2022, it has been decided: the study program Teaching of Music Art (with combination of another teaching field), at the 1^st Bachelor degree study (Bc.) will not undergo the process of accreditation as this study program does not meet the standards of Slovak Accreditation Agency for Universities (SAA VŠ) related to the number of guaranteeing experts in the relevant qualification structure. For this reason, we are withdrawing this study program from the study offer for the academic year 2022/2023.

Dates of entrance examination
-        for Bachelor and Master study Programs: written exam:      18^th June 2022
-         for PhD Programs:                                                                    1^st – 2^nd July 2022

 The 2^nd round of the admission exam in selected study Programs: 13 - 14 July 2022

 Open days: November 2021 and February 2022 (the specific date will be specified on the website of the faculty and the UMB)  

 Fee for the admission procedure:
35 € in case of sending only printed application form for Bc, M.A., PhD.
32 € in case of online application for both full-time and part-time studies. After first registering the application in the electronic system of PF UMB at

https://e-prihlaska.umb.sk/ais/start.dosending, the applicant is obliged to also print this application out and send it to the address: Faculty of Education UMB, Ružová 13, 974 11 Banská Bystrica, Slovakia.

Information about payment for admission procedure (also on: www.platby.umb.sk):

 1.     For applicants from EU countries

Name of the account:             Univerzita Mateja Bela v Banskej Bystrici
Name & address of the bank: Štátna pokladnica, Radlinského 32, 810 05 Bratislava 15
Account number / IBAN:       SK75 8180 0000 0070 0009 5590
SWIFT / BIC:                        SPSRSKBA
VS (variable symbol):           7031 (for applicants into Bachelor Program)
                                                7032 (for applicants into Master Program)  
                                                7033 (for applicants into PhD Program)      

KS (constant symbol):           0308 – cashless payments
ŠS (specific symbol):             identification number (applicants from Slovakia)
                                                 date of birth DDMMYY (foreign applicants)
Message for recipient:           name and surname of the applicant

 2.     For Applicants from the “third” countries, paying via intermediary bank:
Name of the account:             Univerzita Mateja Bela v Banskej Bystrici
Name & address of the bank: Všeobecná úverová banka, a. s., Mlynské Nivy 1, 829 90 Bratislava
Account number / IBAN:       SK75 8180 0000 0070 0009 5590
SWIFT / BIC:                        SUBASKBXXXX
VS (variable symbol):      7031 (for applicants into Bachelor Program)
                                           7032 (for applicants into Master Program)                                                             
                                           7033 (for applicants into PhD Program)      

KS (constant symbol):           0308 – cashless payments
ŠS (specific symbol):            identification number (applicants from Slovakia)
                                                date of birth DDMMYY (foreign applicants)                     
Message for recipient:           name and surname of the applicant

Payment by postal money order is not accepted due to the impossibility of identifying the payer in the university information system. 

In the academic year 2021/2022, the Faculty of Education UMB offers the following accredited study programs:
Accredited Study Programs

Notes: 

(*)........the proposed number of admissions is the sum of the number admitted in the original study programs (in the bachelor's degree = Andragogy, Pedagogy - Leisure Education, in the master's degree = Andragogy, Social Pedagogy) in full-time and part-time study. The study programs implemented so far replace the new study programs in the bachelor's degree Education and training of children, youth and adults in full-time and part-time study, in the master's degree Management and counseling in education and training in full-time and part-time study

(**)      study combinations with Teaching of music art are accredited only for the bachelor's degree

(***)     interfaculty study with the Faculty of Arts, MBU

(****)   interfaculty study with the Faculty of Sciences, MBU

 

Accredited doctoral study Programs

Faculty	Study Program	Form of study	Level of study	Length of study	Place of Study
PF	Education Sciences (*)	FT	PhD.	3	Banská Bystrica
PF	Education Sciences (*)	PT	PhD.	4	Banská Bystrica
PF	Pre-primary and Primary Pedagogy	FT	PhD.	3	Banská Bystrica
PF	Pre-primary and Primary Pedagogy	PT	PhD.	4	Banská Bystrica
PF	Theology	FT	PhD.	3	Banská Bystrica
PF	Theology	PT	PhD.	4	Banská Bystrica
PF	Social Work	FT	PhD.	3	Banská Bystrica
PF	Social Work	PT	PhD.	4	Banská Bystrica

Notes: 

(*)..The new study program Educational Sciences (PhD.) Replaces the study programs of the third degree Andragogy and Pedagogy in full-time and part-time study implemented so far.

ADMISSION PROCEDURE

General information about admission procedure

The condition for participation in the admission procedure is a completed lower level of education: for admission to Bachelor study programs - completed secondary education with the secondary school leaving examination; for admission to Master study programs - completed Bachelor degree of university education with state examination.

In the programs in which the talent test takes place, its successful completion is a condition for progressing to the written part of the entrance exams. Success in the first round will be decided by the Dean on the basis of the recommendation of the commission for entrance examinations. Talent exams for applicants to study fine arts and music arts will take the form of practical exams.

The content of entrance examinations in both rounds is specified in individual fields (including the scope of talent exams) in the theses that each applicant will receive and will be published at www.pdf.umb.sk.

Talent entrance exams are not held for the bachelor's study program of preschool and elementary pedagogy.

In the case of interfaculty teacher study programs, the conditions of admission for the part of the study that is not carried out by PF UMB are formulated and published by the relevant faculty.

If the applicant wants to apply for more fields of study, respectively, study programs at the Faculty of Education, he/she must submit a separate application for each study program separately and pay a fee for each application.

 An applicant cannot apply for the same field of study and study program for both full-time and part-time study.

Applications must contain all the annexes listed in the application instructions on p. 3 and confirmation of payment of the fee. The fee is non-refundable. Incomplete applications will be returned. Transfers of applications within study fields and study programs are not possible after 31 March 2022. The Dean decides on alternative or additional dates of the entrance examinations on the basis of the current situation.

Based on the Amendment to the Act on Higher Education Institutions, during an emergency situation, or state of emergency declared in connection with COVID-19, the Ministry of Education determines the method of admission to study of university study in the Slovak Republic - in accordance with the measures of the Public Health Office of the Slovak Republic.

The study of all programs and forms is carried out in the Slovak language, therefore it is necessary to master the Slovak language at the B2 level. We recommend that the applicant from abroad check and document his / her mastery of the Slovak language:

 -        graduation exam in Slovak language
-        to submit an ECL certificate, the name of the certification network: the European Consortium for the Certificate of Attainment in Modern Languages, or.
-        Certificate of command of the Slovak language at the B2 level issued by a language school included in the network of schools and school facilities of the Ministry of Education, Science and Research of the Slovak Republic (the list is available on the website https:// www.minedu.sk/siet-skol-a -skolskych-zariadenie-slovenskej-republiky /).

 The knowledge of the Slovak language can be verified for foreign applicants by a test and / or an interview in the Slovak language.

 Proof of medical fitness is not required.

The PROCEDURE FOR AN APPLICANT´S ADMISSION WITHOUT the documents proving the COMPLETE High school EDUCATION OR COMPLETE VOCATIONAL TRAINING is:

1. There are the Faculty of Education MBU special conditions and procedures concerned to those ones who have received asylum, or subsidiary protection or temporary refuge:

-        an applicant has to prove the achievement a full/complete high school education or a full/complete vocational education according to § 56 par. 1 of the Act about Higher Education Institutions in a form of the Legal Approval on the Recognition of Evidence of Education by the Regional Office of Education in the Slovak Republic (about obtaining complete high school or secondary vocational education).

-        a study applicant must meet the criteria for faculty study admission.

-        the condition of achieving a complete high school or complete vocational education is possible to prove by a solemn declaration (https://www.pdf.umb.sk/en/students-and-study-programmes/) and by a test taking of general study prerequisites. An applicant´s solemn declaration cannot replace the unfinished high school or vocational education. Neither an applicant´s solemn declaration nor a test of general study prerequisites applies to the applicants for the 2^nd Master degree university study level.

-        a test of general study prerequisites, as one of the conditions for the minimum level of admission, is a mandatory part of the admission procedure. The test will be performed by the Faculty of Education MBU, and an applicant will be informed about its form, dates and timing in advance.

-        There is an admission fee. An applicant may apply for this fee remission to the Dean of Faculty of Education MBU.

-        the students who have been guaranteed an asylum, temporary refuge status or subsidiary protection are not obliged to pay this admission fee.

2. Faculty of Education MBU special conditions and procedures in relation to those ones who have not been guaranteed asylum, subsidiary protection or temporary refuge status:

-        submits a Legal Approval on the Recognition of Education diplomas by the Regional Office of Education in the Slovak Republic (about complete high school or vocational education).

-        a study applicant must meet all the study admission conditions stated by the Faculty of Education MBU.

 

Bachelor study programs

The evidence of successful completion of the Matura examination (secondary school leaving exam) for admission to bachelor's study programs must be delivered to the study department of PF UMB immediately after its completion. The admission is based on the result of the entrance exam.

 

Master study programs

Evidence of successful completion of the bachelor's study, including a statement of the weighted study average achieved during the bachelor's study (confirmed by the study department of the faculty where the applicant completed the bachelor's study), must be delivered to the study department of PF UMB. The admission is based on the weighted study average achieved in Bc. study of the specific study program.

 

-        The principles of conducting entrance examinations apply to full-time and part-time study. The Dean of PF UMB has the right, based on the current situation in the number of applicants for the relevant program, to decide not to take the entrance exams or any part of them.

-        The Dean of PF UMB has the right, based on the current status (mostly according to the number of registered applications), to decide not to open a certain study program in the given academic year.

-        The basic condition for admission to study is the successful completion of entrance examinations, unless the Dean decides otherwise.

-        In the case of a lower number of applicants than the planned number of accepted students, the Dean of the faculty may decide to waive the entrance examination

-        In the case of a higher number of applicants than the planned number of accepted students in the absence of admission interviews, the criteria for admission to the Bc program will be the secondary school average (taking into account the results of the school-leaving examination) and to the Master study program the weighted study average from Bc. study (taking into account the results of the state bachelor's exam).

-        Within 30 days after the end of the entrance examinations, applicants will receive a notification of admission or non-admission to the study. In accordance with the Statute of PF UMB, applicants may appeal against the Dean's decision not to admit to study within 8 days of receiving the notice.

-        In special cases, the decision on admission may be conditional, which, after the completion of a defined condition, will take effect within a specified period.

-        When admitting foreign students, the procedure is the same as for students from the Slovak Republic and the Dean of the faculty decides based on the recommendations of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Slovak Republic, respectively, proceeds individually in accordance with the Act on Higher Education Institutions.

-        The Dean decides on the alternate or additional dates of entrance examinations based of the current situation.

 

Applicants for studies who have completed the previous level of education abroad are required by Act no. 422/2015 Coll. on the Recognition of Evidence of Education and on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications and on Amendments to Certain Acts to submit recognition of evidence of education obtained outside the territory of the Slovak Republic. The decision on the recognition of diplomas must be submitted by the admitted applicant no later than on the day of enrollment.

The content and criteria of entrance exams are the same for full-time and part-time forms of study at PF UMB. They are updated and approved annually in AS PF UMB. They are published on the faculty's website.

 

The entrance examination for individual Bachelor and Master’s study programs

 

Education of Children, Youth and Adults (Bachelor’s degree)* a new study program that is in the process of accreditation. – The prerequisite for admission is a completed secondary education with a high school diploma of school leaving examination. The condition for registration into the admission procedure is the delivery of the certificate of the school leaving examination, as well as the motivation letter, which the applicant will send together with the application. In the motivation letter, the applicant shall state the reasons for the given study (including any practical experience in working with children, youth and adults).

The admission procedure will consist of (1) a written test in pedagogy, psychology, sociology, philosophy, social studies in the scope of secondary school curriculum and a general overview of current issues of education of children, youth and adults in Slovakia and (2) a personal interview complementary to the letter of motivation, where the applicant justifies his / her interest in the study program, points out his / her abilities and involvement in working with children, youth and adults in non-formal education, taking into account (3) the candidate’s educational achievement of the whole secondary school study and also of the semester of the last year of study. All applicants undergo a personal interview about the study.

About acceptance resp. non-admission is determined by the order that the candidate obtains by the sum of the points obtained in the written test, in a personal interview and on the basis of the benefit from secondary school studies. If the candidate has not achieved the condition of half the number of points in any part, it can be determined for the decision on non-admission. The Dean of the Faculty decides on the admission of the applicant. The Dean of PF UMB has the right, based on the current status of the number of applicants in the relevant program, to decide not to take the entrance examinations or a part thereof.

*Note: The originally implemented study programs in the bachelor's degree Andragogy and Pedagogy - Leisure Pedagogy replace the new study program Pedagogy of Children, Youth and Adults in full-time and part-time form.

 

Management and Counselling in Education (Master’s degree)*

For the study of the master's study program Management and Counseling in Education, specific skills associated with the performance of the helping profession are required. Furthermore, the applicant's study skills are expected to help him cope with the requirements of higher education: systematic knowledge from the core of the bachelor's program "Education of Children, Youth and Adults" (or from any comparable bachelor's program in pedagogical sciences), digital skills (MS Office Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint).

The basic condition for admission of an applicant into this study is the completion of the 1st (Bachelor') degree in a study program belonging to the study field Social Sciences in Slovakia, or a comparable1st degree study program abroad.

The admission procedure consists of an (1) interview with the applicant, during which he / she demonstrates the results of his / her previous studies at the 1st (Bachelor’) level of university studies, (2) introduces the topic and results of the final bachelor's thesis, (3) a portfolio documenting own activities and involvement in the practice of education of children, youth and adults, respectively, seniors.

About acceptance resp. non-admissions decides the order that the candidate will receive by the sum of points from the individual components.

The Dean of the Faculty decides on the admission of the applicant. The Dean of PF UMB has the right, based on the current status of the number of applicants in the relevant program, to decide not to take the entrance examinations or a part thereof.

*Note: The originally implemented study programs in the master's degree Andragogy and Social Pedagogy replace the new study program Management and Counseling in Education (Mgr.) in full-time and part-time form. The study is designed with a focus on (1.) social and educational activities for children and youth or (2.) education and training of youth, adults and seniors. Two paths are created for the student, trajectories through the study through his choice of the recommended system of compulsory elective subjects. Depending on the trajectory student acquire knowledge, skills / competences and attitudes. In addition to the university diploma, the public-school diploma, the graduate of the program also obtains a diploma supplement, which contains all completed subjects during the study, which documents his / her competences acquired during the study.

 

Pre-primary and Elementary Teacher Education (Bachelor’s degree) – The basic condition for admission to study is to obtain a complete secondary education completed by a school-leaving examination. Applicants who meet the defined criteria in the following areas will be admitted: (1) the result of a written test to determine the candidate's intellectual abilities as well as their general knowledge; (2) the average of marks from the year-end evaluation for the 1st - 3rd year of secondary school in the subjects Slovak language and literature, mathematics and foreign language; (3) results of graduation exams. Furthermore, the applicant's activities will be taken into account, which must be documented by certificates, certificates, diplomas, or confirmations from the organization where the activity was performed. The following activities will be evaluated: basic art school, secondary school professional activity (SOČ), participation in competitions in artistic, sports, creative and other activities, volunteering in the field of work with children of preschool and early school age, study abroad. Applicants from abroad must prove their command of the Slovak language at the B2 level. Proof of medical fitness is not required. Please note, however, that the compulsory composition of the subjects of study also includes those in which the student demonstrates sports fitness. The Dean of the Faculty decides on the admission of the applicant. The Dean of PF UMB has the right, based on the current status of the number of applicants in the relevant program, to decide not to take the entrance examinations or a part thereof.

 

Primary Teacher Education (Master’s degree) –The basic condition for admission is the completion of a bachelor's degree program in the study field Teaching and Pedagogical Sciences. Graduates of the study program of pre-school and elementary pedagogy, for whom this study is primarily intended, will be admitted on the basis of the weighted study average of their bachelor's study. For acceptance according to this criterion, a critical weighted average limit will be determined. Graduates of other programs in the field of teaching and pedagogical sciences and graduates of preschool and elementary pedagogy with a weighted average above the critical threshold will be admitted on the basis of the results of the entrance exam, which will verify their prerequisites for studying Primary Teacher Education. Applicants from abroad must prove their command of the Slovak language at the B2 level. The Dean of the Faculty decides on the admission of the applicant. The Dean of PF UMB has the right, based on the current status of the number of applicants in the relevant program, to decide not to take the

 

Social Work (Bachelor’s degree) – The basic condition for admission to study is the completion of the secondary education by the Matura (secondary school leaving) examination. The content and criteria of entrance examinations are determined by the Department of Social Work, Faculty of Education, UMB and its study guarantor. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the results of the oral interview. The content of the oral interview will be the following thematic areas: (1) demonstration of the necessary personal prerequisites and abilities for university studies, (2) motivation to study, (3) solving the social situation and (4) current socio-political overview. The Dean of the Faculty decides on the admission of the applicant. The Dean of PF UMB has the right, based on the current status of the number of applicants in the relevant program, to decide not to take the entrance examinations or a part thereof.

 

Social Work (Master’s degree) – The prerequisite for admission into this study is successful completion of Bachelor’s study of Social Work or of a related study Program (Pedagogy, Psychology, Andragogy, Sociology etc.). The entrance exam has a form of a written test of the contents of the main subjects of Social Work Bachelor’s study Program: historical, societal and philosophical bases of Social Work, Theory of Social Work, Methods of Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Security. The Dean of the Faculty decides on the admission of the applicant. The Dean of PF UMB has the right, based on the current status of the number of applicants in the relevant program, to decide not to take the entrance examinations or a part thereof.

 

Psychology (Bachelor’s degree) – The conditions for this study program are set as follows: the method of selection of candidates is based on a written test of knowledge orientation (from the subject of psychology and biology) in the scope of secondary school curriculum, assessment of knowledge of English text at B1 level, assessment of general intellectual abilities (solving verbal, numerical, logical and abstract assignments) and analysis of personality profile assumptions. The standard form of entrance exams is written tests. The content of the entrance tests respects fair access to education and in the content and scope of the written tests do not go beyond the scope of secondary education. The method of conducting written tests, as well as their evaluation and publication of results, is ensured consistently anonymously using the candidates' code and secrecy of their names. Only after assessment, by means of a computer program and the creation of an independent and objective order, will the names of the candidates be assigned to the codes.

The requirements placed on candidates and the method of their selection are a guarantee of the selectivity of candidates with the necessary skills and prerequisites.

In the event of the state of emergency, it is possible to accept as an alternative form of admission the study results of the study achievements during the whole secondary school attendance and the results from the study achievements in the profile subjects during the last winter term of secondary study (Slovak language, mathematics, English, psychology and biology). These would be parts of a written knowledge test.

The Dean of the Faculty decides on the admission of the applicant. The Dean of PF UMB has the right, based on the current status of the number of applicants in the relevant program, to decide not to take the entrance examinations or a part thereof.

 

Psychology (Master’s degree) – Admission to this study program is carried out on the basis of the study results achieved in the bachelor's degree and the relevant activities of the applicant for the field of study. The basic condition for admission is completed study at the bachelor's degree of university study in accordance with § 56 par. 2 of Act no. 131/2002 on universities. The candidate may receive a maximum of 100 points in the admission procedure. Based on the points obtained, the admissions committee will compile the ordered list of candidates. Applicants with the highest number of points obtained are going to be accepted. Three criteria are assessed: (1) total study achievement during the bachelor's degree expressed by a weighted study average - 50 points; (2) achievement from the defense of the bachelor's thesis - 30 points; (3) completed relevant activities to the field of study - 20 points. Another condition for admission to study is the relationship of the field of study of the completed bachelor's study to the study of psychology. The applicant is required to complete a previous bachelor's degree in psychology or a master's degree in psychology teaching (in combination). The criteria used in the assessment and selection of applicants for study ensure the evaluation of study prerequisites for university studies characterized by long-term academic performance. The criterion of activity expresses the degree of motivation and commitment of the applicant beyond the scope of study obligations and at the same time allows to estimate the interest orientation of the applicant for study. The applicant can obtain points for activities such as: active participation in a scientific professional psychological event (such as a conference), participation in an educational activity accredited by MŠVVaŠ SR, MZ SR, MPSVaR SR, active participation in the SVOUČ competition on departmental level, active student participation in foreign mobility within the field of study of psychology. The conditions of the admission procedure are reviewed and updated annually.

The Dean of the Faculty decides on the admission of the applicant. The Dean of PF UMB has the right, based on the current status of the number of applicants in the relevant program, to decide not to take the entrance examinations or a part thereof.

 

Evangelical Theology and Mission (Bachelor’s degree) – The condition for admission is successful completion of secondary school graduation examinations, applicant’s basic knowledge of the Bible and Church History (according to prescribed references) and communication skills. Applicants are ranked according to the results of the admission procedure, applicants with highest level of abilities are accepted. In case the Dean decides to waive the entrance examination, the best graduates of secondary schools will be admitted. The Dean of the Faculty decides on the admission of the applicant. The Dean of PF UMB has the right, based on the current status of the number of applicants in the relevant program, to decide not to take the entrance examinations or a part thereof.

 

Evangelical Theology (Master’s degree) – The applicant has to provide evidence about successful completion of Bachelor’s Program of Evangelical theology and mission or a related theological study program. The entrance examination committee assesses the results of bachelor studies using a point scale. The quality of knowledge related to evangelical theology and mission is assessed. The candidates with the highest number of points and knowledge level will be admitted to this study. The Dean of the Faculty decides on the admission of the applicant. The Dean of PF UMB has the right, based on the current status of the number of applicants in the relevant program, to decide not to take the entrance examinations or a part thereof.

 

Teaching of Music Art (Bachelor’s degree) – The condition for admission to study is passing a talent test: from playing a musical instrument and solo singing at level II of ZUŠ – elementary art and music schools (a graduate of solo singing at ZUŠ has to master playing a musical instrument at the level of the 5th year of ZUŠ), knowledge of the content of music education is required at the level of a graduate of the 1st cycle of ZUŠ. The candidate must have a healthy voice with a potential to develop, also appropriately developed musical abilities (rhythmic feeling, auditory preconditions, harmonic feeling, musical memory) and a relationship to the chosen profession. The talent test includes a written hearing test. The Dean of the Faculty decides on the admission of the applicant. The Dean of PF UMB has the right, based on the current status of the number of applicants in the relevant program, to decide not to take the entrance examinations or a part thereof.

 

Teaching of Psychology (Bachelor’s degree) – The condition for admission to bachelor's studies is the acquisition of a complete secondary education completed by the Matura (secondary school leaving) examination. Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of psychology and biology in the scope of the secondary school curriculum. The selection of admitted students is made on the basis of the results of a written test and in accordance with the Principles of the Admission Procedure.

The Dean of the Faculty decides on the admission of the applicant. The Dean of PF UMB has the right, based on the current status of the number of applicants in the relevant program, to decide not to take the entrance examinations or a part thereof.

 

Teaching of Psychology (Master’s degree) – The condition for admission is the completion of the bachelor's study program in Teaching psychology by a state exam. The content of the entrance exams is determined by the department together with the guarantor of the study program. In the admission procedure, the demonstration of the necessary prerequisites and abilities for the 2nd level of university study, the demonstration of knowledge in the field of psychology at the bachelor's degree level is monitored. The Dean of the Faculty decides on the admission of the applicant. The Dean of PF UMB has the right, based on the current status of the number of applicants in the relevant program, to decide not to take the entrance examinations or a part thereof.

 

General pre-conditions for admission into PhD studies

 

The condition of admission is the successful completion of the second stage of university study in the relevant field of study according to the fields listed below. The candidate registers for one of the listed thesis topics for a specific supervisor. The lists of topics and supervisors will be published on www.pdf.umb.sk after March 31, 2022.

The applicant for doctoral studies is obliged to enter in the application a foreign language from which he / she will take the entrance examination (English, French, Russian, German).

 

The applicant shall attach to the application:

‒       A preliminary project of focus and research of the future dissertation thesis, which demonstrates knowledge of the subject, research methodology and knowledge of the topic content (in two duplicates),

‒       An overview of his/her previous scientific and publishing activity, listing all current activities related to scientific activity or topic of the thesis (participation in research and other projects, participation and placement in SVOUČ (university scientific or art competition), active presentations at conferences and seminars, education completed, other activities of the applicant related to the chosen field of study), a list of own publications including professional publishing on websites, foreign internships and stays at relevant institutions, including Erasmus, volunteering activities, etc.

 

The condition for acceptance is a successful completion of the admission test in three parts:

 

1. Defense of the dissertation project – research methodology according to the field of study and the topic of the thesis, namely: knowledge of selected methodological procedures, methods and research tools, principles and risks of their use, terminological correctness of methodological concepts, previous use of research tools on given topic, knowledge of methodological literature.
2. Defense of the dissertation project - expert knowledge of the relevant study field, respectively its subdisciplines, which includes the topic of the thesis, namely: knowledge of approaches to the topic and relevant conceptions, the current state of the research, the literature on the topic as well as the interdisciplinary knowledge related to the topic of the thesis
3. Knowledge of a foreign language, which allows independent study of foreign literature and especially ability to communicate in a foreign language, ability to communicate professionally on the topic of the thesis, ability to understand a professional text.

Education Sciences (PhD.)* a new study program that is in the process of accreditation.

Admission to doctoral studies in the study program Education Sciences is based on the fulfillment of two conditions (while the faculty may determine for doctoral studies in individual study programs also other conditions of admission to this study approved after getting approvement by the Academic Senate of the faculty):

a)     graduation from a second degree (Master’s) study program in the study field Social Sciences in Slovakia, or a comparable Bachelor's degree program abroad;

b)     successful completion of the entrance examination.

For the study of the doctoral study program Educational Sciences in Education, developing skills related to the performance of this profession are required.

Furthermore, the applicant should have skills and competencies that will enable him/her to master the requirements of the third (Doctoral) level of higher education: systematized comprehensive content knowledge of educational sciences, ability to use acquired knowledge responsibly and independently in work and study situations and in professional and personal development, digital skills (f MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook and MS PowerPoint).

In the study plan of the doctoral study program Educational Sciences, the subject Scientific Discourse in English is compulsory and, at the same time, part of the study literature in other subjects is in English, therefore the basic knowledge of English at intermediate level is necessary.

* Note: the originally implemented doctoral study programs Andragogy (PhD.) And Pedagogy (PhD.) replace the new study program Educational Sciences (PhD.) in full-time and part-time form.

 

Pre-primary and Primary Pedagogy (PhD.) - Students of the following degree programs may be enrolled in the study: Teaching for Primary School Education, Teaching for Primary Education and Preschool Education, exceptionally also of related study fields: Pedagogy, Social Pedagogy, Special Pedagogy, Leisure Education, as long as the applicant develops the issue of education of preschool children, respectively, younger school age children, in an interdisciplinary way.

 

Theology (PhD.) - Graduates of the 2nd grade of study in theology or related study fields with knowledge of biblical Hebrew and Greek ​​can apply for study.

 

Social Work (PhD.) - Graduates of the 2nd degree of study of the study field of Social Work or of the following related study fields may be accepted for this study: Social Pedagogy, Sociology, Psychology, Treatment pedagogy, Nursing, Public Economics and Services.

 

Information about ‘small doctorate’ (called ‘rigorous’) procedureof PD UMB

The candidate may apply for a ‘small doctorate’ title procedure at the PF UMB in the study program, in which the faculty conducts so called rigorous thesis and examprocedures, leading to awarding the small doctorate title. The exams for the ‘small doctorate’ and defense of the ‘small doctorate’ thesis which is its precondition are governed by Act no. 131/2002 Coll. on Higher Education Institutions and on Amendments to Certain Acts and on the current directive at FE UMB in Banská Bystrica.

 

Graduates of the 2nd (Master) degree study programs can take a ‘small doctorate’ examination, which includes the defense of a thesis in the field of study in which they obtained their university degree. By means of this examination and the defense of athesis, the candidate has to prove on the basis of self-study that he / she has deeper knowledge in his / her field of study and is able to acquire new knowledge of science and practice independently and able to apply the acquired knowledge creatively in practice.

The Faculty of Education UMB has the right to conduct ‘small doctorate’ examinations and defense of a thesis in the following study programs:

 

-        Teaching and Pedagogical Sciences

-        Social Work

-        Psychology

-        Theology

 

After defending the thesis and passing an oral exam, the graduates are awarded:

a)     the academic degree ‘Doctor of Education’ (abbreviated to ‘PaedDr.’) in the study programs of the study fields of Teaching and Pedagogical Sciences;

b)     the academic title of Doctor of Philosophy' (abbreviated to ‘PhDr.’) in the study programs of the study fields Social Work and Psychology;

c)     the academic title of ‘Doctor of Theology’ (‘ThDr.’) in the study program of the study field of Theology.

Full information on ‘small doctorate’ procedures at FE UMB can be found at https://www.pdf.umb.sk/studenti/studujem/rigorozne-konanie.html.

 

ACCOMMODATION AND CATERING OPTIONS FOR STUDENTS

Students of the Faculty of Education of Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica have the possibility of accommodation in student homes. The student canteens provide dining options.

 

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE GRADUATES of FE UMB

 

Education of Children, Youth and Adults (Bachelor’s degree)* a new study program that is in the process of accreditation. – The graduate is ready to work independently as an educator, leisure animator, lecturer-methodologist-consultant in education and a specialist in education. During the study, he/she develops competencies in the following key professional areas: general knowledge of the field and work areas; biodromal and wider socializing factors in education; inclusive and individualized approaches in education; diagnostics - intervention - correction - prevention; didactic competencies; advisory, managerial and leadership competencies; leisure and civic education; scientific research competencies; legislative, economic and ethical contexts of professions; communication and presentation; professional reflection, engagement and professional development. It also focuses on the development of the following transferable competencies: critical thinking, digital literacy, foreign language, soft-skills, moral and ethical values. The graduate of the study program can work in schools, school educational facilities (afternoon school clubs, leisure centers, school dormitories), special educational facilities (reeducation centers, medical-educational sanatorium, diagnostic center), special-purpose school facilities (school in nature), social facilities (center for children and families), recreational facilities (tourism facilities), children's camps, social service homes, non-governmental and non-profit organizations working with children and young people in their leisure time (community centers, low-threshold centers), cultural and edification facilities; as a specialist in education in public administration, municipality and state administration, but also for legal entities that provide educational services to clients or provide education and development for their employee; or as a self-employed person in the educational services sector.

*Note: the employment of graduates of the new study program expands their employment opportunities in comparison with the previous study programs Andragogy (Bc.) and Pedagogy – Leisure Education (Bc.).

 

Management and Counselling in Education (Master’s degree) * a new study program that is in the process of accreditation. – The graduate is ready to work independently as a social pedagogue; specialist in the field of education; methodologist for managing the pedagogical process in schools and school facilities; specialist in the field of education and human resources development at universities; manager, leader, supervisor, consultant, specialist, advisor, tutor, mediator in the field of education; director, manager of employee’s education and development; advisor in the education and development of learning individuals, work teams and organizations. During the study, he/she develops competencies in the following key professional areas: general knowledge of the field and work areas; biodromal and wider socializing factors at the level of the individual and groups; inclusive and individualized approaches; diagnosis, intervention, correction and prevention; teaching methodology competencies; advisory, managerial and leadership competencies; leisure and civic education; scientific research competencies; legislative, economic and ethical contexts of professions; communication and presentation; professional reflection, engagement. It also focuses on the development of the following transferable competencies: critical thinking, digital literacy, foreign language, soft-skills and moral and ethical values. The graduate of the study program can work in schools and school facilities, professional departments for education management in state, public service and self-government, public and private educational organizations, state and private organizations and companies, but also as a self-employed person in the educational services sector. The study is conceived in a modular way, either the student focuses on (1.) social and educational activities for children and youth or on (2.) education and training of youth, adults and seniors. Depending on the choice of specialization, it acquires the stated knowledge, skills / competencies and attitudes. The program also focuses on the development of the following transferable competencies of its graduates: critical thinking, digital literacy, foreign language, soft-skills and moral and ethical values. The graduate of the study program can work in schools and school facilities, professional departments for education management in state and public service and municipality, public and private educational organizations, state and private organizations and companies, but also as a self-employed person in the educational services sector. The study is conceived in a modular way, either the student focuses on (1.) social and educational activities for children and youth or on (2.) education and training of youth, adults and seniors. Depending on the choice of specialization, it acquires the stated knowledge, skills /competencies and attitudes.

* Note: The study is modular. Two paths are created for the student, trajectories through the study through his choice of focus from the recommended system of compulsory elective courses during the study. In addition to the university diploma and the state school certificate, the graduate will also receive a diploma supplement, which will contain a list of all completed courses during their studies. The graduate profile of the new study program is based on the original study programs Andragogy (Mgr.) And Social Pedagogy (Mgr.).

 

Pre-primary and Primary Teacher Education (Bachelor's degree) – The graduate of this study program is capable to perform the following profession: kindergarten teacher, teacher in institutions for children of preschool and younger school age (especially school children's clubs and leisure centers) and teacher’s assistant. Successful completion of this level of study gives the graduate the opportunity to continue in Master’s university study field of Primary Teacher Education.

 

Primary Teacher Education (Master’s degree) –A graduate of a study program is eligible to be a teacher of primary education, a qualified methodologist capable of projecting teaching in basic areas of human culture with an emphasis on the initial acculturation of children and an inclusive approach to education.

 

Social work (Bachelor’s degree) – Based on the Act no. 219/2014 Coll. on Social work and the conditions of certain professional activities in the field of social affairs and family, graduates of the Bachelor Social Work study program are social work assistants who can work at the governmental level, especially at the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Science and Research sport, public administration and the third sector. Graduate of Bachelor studies in social work. Social work assistants in these job positions can use their acquired expertise in practical, theoretical and methodological activities.

 

Social Work (Master’s degree) – Based on the Act no. 219/2014 Coll. Social work and the conditions of certain professional activities in the field of social affairs and family, graduates of the Master study program of Social Work are social workers who are qualified to work at the level of the state administration, especially at the Ministry of , Social Affairs and Family, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Science, Research and sport, public administration, the third sector but also in business focused on social work in a managerial role. The graduates - social workers in these job positions can apply their acquired expertise in performing practical, theoretical, methodological, conceptual, research and scientific activities. The career opportunities and the graduate profile is consistent with the description of the study field Social Work. 

 

Psychology (Bachelor’s degree) – The first study degree graduate in the study field of Psychology (Bc.) is able to continue successfully in his/her studies in the second university study degree. Its graduates are personalities, ready to perform competent psychological activities of an assistant assigned to various work positions in research, work, clinical, counselling, educational, forensic and other areas.

 

Psychology (Master’s degree) – The Master’s degree graduate in the study field of Psychology (Mgr.) is able to carry out the profession of psychologist and to continue in the study of the field at the 3^rd level of university study. The graduate is ready to competently work in psychological profession in various psychological areas. His/her expertise can be used in practical, theoretical, conceptual, project, and research activities within state governmental, local governmental, non-profit or entrepreneur institutions.

 

Evangelical Theology and Mission (Bachelor’s degree) – The graduate of this Bachelor’s study can use the acquired expertise in performing clerical activities of churches and congregations; in organizations that focus on education, charitable-diaconal, and missionary activities; in church services; in non-governmental organizations requiring a Bachelor's degree such as missionary work of churches, Christian children's clubs, shelters for people in social needs, dormitories for orphans, halfway houses, low-threshold day centers for children and families, emergency housing, assisted living facilities, social service facilities, youth work, day centers for the elderly, Roma mission, ecumenical activities, and biblical Christian publishing companies, diaconal and Christian charities, evangelistic centers, Christian radio and television broadcasting, Christian media activity.

 

Evangelical Theology (Master’s degree) –The graduate of this Master’s study can apply the acquired expertise in particular activities of churches and para-church organizations in positions which require autonomy and creative invention. Furthermore, they may find working positions in educational, missionary and social establishments as well as various forms of leisure activities organized by the State, public services, churches and non-governmental organizations, which require Master’s degree, such as missionary work of churches, Christian children's clubs, working with youth, seniors clubs, Roma mission, ecumenical activities, and biblical Christian publishing companies, diaconal and Christian charities, evangelistic centers, Christian radio and television broadcasting, Christian media activity.

 

Teaching of Music Art (Bachelor’s degree) – The graduates of this Bachelor’s study program

graduates are competent to work as assisting teachers respectively teachers’ assistants, assistant leisure teachers, state and public administration staff for the relevant fields. Above all, they are ready to successfully continue in their Master's studies and become teachers of music education for primary and secondary education.

 

Teaching of Psychology (Bachelor’s degree) – The graduate of this Bachelor’s study program is a personality that is ready to competently perform supportive teaching activities at primary and secondary schools, e.g. an assistant teacher, teacher assistant, assistant lecturer in education outside of the classroom, respectively an employee in the field of education outside the classroom, an assistant in coordinating prevention activities in schools. He/she can act as an assistant in specialized educational institutions, e.g. methodological centers, centers of educational-psychological counselling and prevention, leisure centers, etc. He/she may find job in state facilities outside the Ministry of Education, respectively within the third sector, e.g. in re-socialization institutions, preventive and treatment services for youth. He/she is competent to carry out activities focused on people requiring empathy, creativity and pro-social behavior. Furthermore, they are able to carry out awareness raising activities in the field of healthy lifestyle and psycho-hygiene. He/she is ready to communicate effectively with children and adults. He/she is also ready to further develop his/her personality in the following Master’s study.

 

Teaching of Psychology (Master’s degree) – The graduate of the study program Teaching Psychology is a well-prepared professional, qualified to be a teacher of psychological subjects at secondary schools and universities (according to the curriculum of secondary and tertiary educational institutions). He/she can be employed as a methodologist at methodology centers, centers of educational-psychological counselling and prevention and school inspection etc. He/she can be also employed as a qualified educational consultant, especially in the field of prevention of socio-pathological phenomena.

 

Education Sciences (PhD.)* a new study program that is in the process of accreditation. – The graduate is ready to work independently as an assistant professor - a university employee, a researcher in the field of education, an analyst in the field of education and a manager in the field of education. During the study, he/she develops competencies in the following key professional areas: general knowledge of the field and work areas; biodromal and wider socializing factors at the level of the individual and groups; inclusive and individualized approaches; diagnosis, intervention, correction and prevention; didactic competencies; advisory, managerial and leadership competencies; leisure and civic education; scientific research competencies; legislative, economic and ethical contexts of professions; communication and presentation; professional reflection, engagement. The program also focuses on the development of the following transferable competencies of the graduates: critical thinking, digital literacy, professional English, soft-skills, moral and ethical values. The graduate of the study program can apply in tertiary education (college, university); in governmental and non-governmental organizations in the field of education (eg The National Institute for Education, The Institute of Educational Policy, Slovak Governance Institute, Center for the Research of Ethnicity and Culture, Center for Economic and Social Analysis); in private educational and analytical organizations and companies; but also as a self-employed person in the education services sector.

*Note: the employment of graduates of the new study program is similar to the profile of graduates of the original study programs Andragogy (PhD.) And Pedagogy (PhD.).

 

Pre-primary and Primary Pedagogy (PhD.) – The graduates of the third degree of this university study program are competent to carry out research and development activities and the conceptual design in the field of preschool and elementary pedagogy and education, work as a university teacher. They are able to teach and to lead further training of teachers of kindergartens and primary schools.

 

Theology (PhD.) – The graduates of the third degree of this university study program are competent to carry out conceptual theological and scientific activities; conceptual professional theological activities in the area of theological theory and its practice; as well as explaining the Christian worldview based on professional exegesis of the Bible. They are ready to carry out leadership positions in the church and para-church, diaconal and ecumenical institutions and organizations. They can teach theological subjects at university level and take positions of professional staff to teach and prepare the specialized workers for church and religious organizations. They are capable to comprehend the relationship between natural sciences, humanities and theological sciences. They are competent to carry out research in theology and related fields. From the personality point of view, they are well educated both in science and faith, and they have a broader insight into issues of current philosophical and theological and ethical debate. They are able to process this information in a logical and sensitive way as well as to argument and to publicly respond to the controversial ethical and social issues relating to the Christian faith, religion and culture.

 

Social Work (PhD.) – The graduates of the third degree of this university study program are competent to carry out scientific and research activities and the conceptual project design focusing on solving social problems at micro, mezzo and macro level within the resort of Ministry of social affairs and family, Ministry of education, science, research and sport, Ministry of health, Ministry of interior and Ministry of social justice. The main focus of employment of graduates is in the area of science, research, or various other strategic, conceptual, program and project activities. They are also prepared to work in the field of higher education.

 

INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS WITH SPECIFIC NEEDS

 
How do I apply to study at the FE UMB if I have a specific need?

Relevant information can be obtained from the competent staff of the Faculty of Education of UMB - Vice-Dean for Pedagogical activities, coordinator for contacts with students with Specific Needs, or the head of the Study Department.

How to choose a study program:

 

1. Consider the prerequisites for the selected study program in terms of:

‒       knowledge level and preconditions,

‒       technical and personal preparedness and motivation,

‒       claims on the content, scope and form of the study,

‒       the conditions offered by the university,

‒       limits resulting from disability.

 

1. Try to obtain qualified information about the difficulty and conditions of the study well in advance.
2. Contact a faculty employee personally to discuss your needs and support options. In case if the selected study program requires an entrance exam - if necessary, write and send a request for an alternative form of the entrance examination together with the rest of the application for your study.

 

Students with specific needs at the Faculty of Education, UMB - assumptions:

A student is well prepared and well equipped for university studies in case if he/she possesses /has at his/her disposal the required:

 

‒       knowledge potential,

‒       study/learning habits,

‒       dispositions for study in general and for a certain study program,

‒       habits and abilities to use his/her own functional potential to maximize self-sufficiency in the study.

 

That means that a student with these prerequisites will require special support, personal assistance and assistance from the surrounding environment only in situations where the particular obstacle to his / her study is insurmountable by himself / herself.

 

COORDINATOR FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS:

doc. PaedDr. Vlasta Belková, PhD.;  048/446 4755; office No. C114

e-mail: vlasta.belkova@umb.sk