The academic calendar describes the study cycle by showing specific dates, which contain information on the start and end of studies, exam periods, deadlines for enrollment in the course and submission of final papers/exams. The Academic Calendar is approved at the beginning of each year. The academic year has two semesters (fall and spring) and each covers 15 weeks of lectures and seminars. There are three regular exam periods (January, June and September), and two extraordinary periods (April and November). The student workload is 30 ECTS per semester. The basic document for organizing the studies is the schedule compiled for one semester. The schedule helps to guarantee an even distribution of study load throughout the study period.
Teaching is provided through interactive lectures, seminars and individual lessons. Academic and administrative staff are responsible for providing assistance, services and guidance on academic and student affairs. In line with pedagogical approaches, some units may require more direct instruction. In many subjects, candidates must read the compulsory materials. In most subjects, students have to work on assignments, which are developed through case studies or seminar papers. These instruments are applied throughout the semester, and contain a minimum of 2500 words to 3000 words. The evaluation of these tasks is done based on several segments such as: content, structure, literature review, and findings. Also, some subjects also apply group discussions, which evaluate students from the first week to the 15th week, and includes the student’s active engagement in discussions on topics that originate from the course syllabus.
Seminar sessions and group discussions are an opportunity for candidates to discuss the topics of the week and get additional insights on specific topics. Therefore, participation in lectures and seminars is mandatory. Most of the master’s candidates are employed. Access to practical and professional topics is easier and more applicable, then the preparation and presentation of seminars, research and projects is of greater volume and quality. The Moodle electronic platform makes professor-candidate communication much easier. On this platform, professors can make all relevant materials available to candidates for specific subjects, organize online quizzes, communicate test results, send out candidate notices and answer candidate questions. Usually, the written exam has a weight of 30-50%, while other activities also meet 50-70% of the final grade while student counseling assistance is provided as needed.