Public Economics and Policy

(full time, postgradual degree)

Graduate profile

The graduate is proficient in the current state of knowledge in the field of Economics and Management with an emphasis on public economics and policy theory in an international context. He/she has the ability to systematically understand the interrelationships and contexts of the functioning of the public, private and non-profit sectors in the economy (Macroeconomics, Microeconomics). Understands the rationale for government intervention, i.e., the content of public sector industries (what?). Knows the methods of implementing state interventions, i.e., the economics and management of public sector industries (how?). Understands the distributional contexts of state interventions (for whom?), and the principles of decision-making about the implementation of state interventions (how are decisions made in the public sector?). He or she addresses the above basic questions of public economics scientifically in accordance with the current state of knowledge by mastering the skills and methods of scientific research (Methodology and Ethics of Scientific Work 1, 2, Quantitative Methods in Public Policy) and interdisciplinary contexts on the functioning of the public economy (Public Economics, Economics and Management of Public Services), public policy making and implementation (Public policy, Evaluation of public policy programmes, Civil society), public finance system (Public finance) at all levels of public administration (Local and regional economy and policy, Public administration and regional development).

The graduate is proficient in scientific methods of work, which he/she is able to use independently and creatively in scientific and research activities and in demanding practical conceptual work. He or she has in[1]depth knowledge, an understanding of broader relationships and a sophisticated knowledge of scientific and research methods and procedures that meet international criteria. The graduate demonstrates the ability to conceive, design, implement and adapt a large-scale research process with academic integrity, while being able to develop and offer his/her own solutions to problems in the field of public sector economics and public policy based on theoretical understanding of the problem (Active involvement in scientific research projects). During his/her studies, he/she publishes the results of his/her scientific research activities, which are subjected to domestic and international review in scientific forums and journals (Contributions of top international quality, Publication outputs).

During his/her studies, he/she will produce a comprehensive qualifying work (Dissertation Project for the Dissertation Examination, Dissertation), which will contribute to expanding and pushing the boundaries of knowledge of the problems of public economics and policy through original research. The graduate is able to identify and critically analyze a problem, evaluate the results of his/her research and synthesize new and comprehensive solutions and ideas with application not only in the development of theory but also in social practice.

In the field of communication skills, the graduate is able to handle professional discussion at national and international scientific conferences (Active presentation at conferences). He/she is able to consult, argue and defend his/her methodological approach and proposed solutions in both internal and external environments (Foreign scientific mobility). During the PhD, the graduate actively develops cross-cutting skills such as analytical thinking, digital skills, communication and interpersonal skills, creativity and cognitive skills that will help him/her to find employment, both within and outside the academic sector.

The graduate will find employment in particular in scientific research workplaces, universities, and central offices of a conceptual nature in the creation of methodological, forecasting and decision-making materials, the application of which is desirable in the development of new products and systems in the public sector economy, the implementation of new public policies and schemes promoting knowledge-based social progress. Graduates will also find employment in multinational analytical consulting firms and supranational institutions.

Acceptance conditions

All doctoral study programmes of the Economics Faculty of MBU have the same admission requirements.
The basic requirement is to have completed a Master´s programme and to pass the required entrance exam.
An applicant who is in the last year of an engineers/master's degree can also apply for the third degree of study. The certificate of completion of the second degree of university studies (or confirmation of passing the state exam) shall be submitted no later than on the day of the entrance exam.
Before the admission process starts, the faculty announces the topics of dissertation theses, which are published on the faculty's website at least four months before the last day for submitting applications. Each of the listed topics has a designated supervisor. Candidates for doctoral studies must apply for one of the listed topics. After choosing a topic, the candidate should approach the supervisor and, with his/her cooperation, prepare a written dissertation project. Only one applicant can be accepted for one dissertation topic.

Information for foreign students

Students who have completed the previous degree abroad must have the diploma recognised in the Slovak Republic. The admitted students shall submit the document recognising the diploma no later than the day of enrolment.
Applicant for a study program taught in English, who has completed a previous level of education in a country outside the European Higher Education Area, is required to attach to his/her application form a notarized photocopy of the internationally accepted IELTS certificate - International English Language Testing System with a minimum entry score of at least 6,0 from all parts no later than May 30, 2025. A notarized photocopy of the certificate must be delivered to the faculty in a paper version (the electronic version is not sufficient) no later than May 30, 2025. The certificate sent only in the electronic version will not be accepted and the applicant´s application form will be cancelled.
A foreign applicant (except an applicant from the Czech Republic), applying for a study program taught in the Slovak language, is required to demonstrate knowledge of the Slovak language at level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. A verified photocopy of the Slovak language proficiency certificate issued by language schools registered by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic in the Network of Schools and School Facilities of the Slovak Republic (registered state language schools and private language schools) must be attached to the application for study by a foreign applicant (except for an applicant from Czech Republic) no later than May 30, 2025. In case of submitting a certificate issued by another institution (University or a language school in the territory of the Slovak Republic) the Dean decides on the acceptance of the certificate.
A notarized photocopy of the certificate must be delivered to the faculty in a paper version (the electronic version is not sufficient) no later than May 30, 2025.
If the applicant does not submit a verified photocopy of the certificate within the specified deadline or submits the certificate only in an electronic version, his/ her application form will be cancelled (electronic version of the certificate will not be accepted).
The applicant who has passed his/ her school leaving exam in Slovak language or has completed (or will complete in the given academic year) a Bachelor´s degree or a Master´s degree in Slovak language is exempt from the obligation to submit a certificate of knowledge of the Slovak language at level B1.

Application fees

Application fee: 70,00 €

Online application fee: 50,00 €

General information about the entrance exam

The admission procedure provides an opportunity for applicants to prove that they meet certain admission requirements for study in order to become a student of a chosen study programme at the Faculty.
The admission procedure begins after the applicant delivers his / her written application form for study to the Faculty.
Applicant fill in the application
- in electronic form (information about the electronic admission and required enclosures will be published on the Faculty´s website);
- or in paper form (current application form for universities can be downloaded from the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic webpage).
EF UMB prefers applications in electronic form.
Applicants may only submit one application at one level of study and to one study programme.
The application must be sent to the Faculty by these deadlines – for the 3rd level degree programmes, the deadline is 30th May 2025. The electronic application for the third degree of study must also be confirmed with documentation in paper form.
Delivery address: Ekonomická fakulta UMB, referát VVČ a DrŠ, Tajovského 10, 974 90 Banská Bystrica, Slovak Republic