Duration: 1 semester
ECTS credits: 30
Mode of delivery: on-site, online, and hybrid instruction
Language of instruction: Croatian and English
Programme coordinator: Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (University of Rijeka)
Head of the Programme: dr. Marko Kovačić, Assoc. Prof.
Call for Expressions of Interest for Enrolment in the Microqualification Programme “Public Policy Analysis”
The Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Rijeka invites expressions of interest for enrolment in the Public Policy Analysis microqualification programme — the only academic programme in the field of public policy in the Republic of Croatia.
Duration and Enrolment
The call for expressions of interest is open from 15 October to 5 November 2025 (until the end of the day).
The programme begins on 29 January 2026 and runs until June 2026.
The programme lasts one semester and carries 30 ECTS credits. Upon completion, participants receive an official certificate of completion issued by the University of Rijeka.
Programme Purpose
The programme is intended for:
- employees in public administration and local government,
- members of civil society organisations,
- consultants and managers in project management, public procurement, and strategic communication.
- students of YUFE universities network and the University of Rijeka
The goal of the programme is to equip participants with the skills to analyse, develop, and implement public policies based on evidence and contemporary methodologies.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a completed undergraduate or graduate (university or professional) degree in any field, except for students of YUFE universities network and the University of Rijeka.
Required Documentation
To express interest, applicants must submit:
- A completed online application form: https://forms.gle/VGG3LqResS8n1Gnr9
- A copy of their degree certificate (undergraduate or graduate)
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- A motivation letter (up to 500 words) explaining how the programme will contribute to their professional development
The number of participants is limited. The ranking list of candidates will be created based on the submitted documentation.
In case of technical difficulties when completing the form, please contact: csmk@uniri.hr
Programme Delivery
The programme consists of:
- four in-person sessions and online learning,
- mentoring and practical application of acquired knowledge.
Locations of in-person sessions:
- University Campus Rijeka (January, March, April 2026)
- Moise Palace, Cres (June 2026)
Sessions are generally held from Thursday to Saturday.
Tuition Fee
The regular tuition fee is EUR 1,100.00,
however, a discount is offered for the first cohort, reducing the fee to EUR 700.00.
The tuition fee includes:
- teaching and learning materials,
- lectures by university professors from Croatia and abroad,
- administrative costs and issuance of the completion certificate.
Costs related to accommodation, travel, and meals during in-person sessions are not included in the tuition fee.
Program is free of charge for students of YUFE universities network and the University of Rijeka.
Learning Outcomes
Through the programme, participants will learn to:
- Critically analyse public policies at the local, national, and European levels
- Develop policy documents, strategies, and briefs
- Apply methodologies and tools for public policy analysis in practice
- Understand the context and needs of various sectors (education, health, culture, energy, social policy, etc.)
- Write clearly and effectively for decision-making purposes
- Engage in advocacy and strategic communication processes
Why Enrol in This Programme?
Decision-making in the public sector increasingly relies on expert analysis and evidence-based policy design.
The Public Policy Analysis microqualification is designed to provide participants with the tools and knowledge needed to shape effective and equitable policies, grounded in contemporary approaches and data-driven reasoning.
Whether you are a professional in education, healthcare, law, transportation, civil society, or the private sector, this programme offers valuable insight and opportunities for professional growth.
Programme Structure
The programme consists of three modules:
Challenge Module (8 ECTS)
Practical work on a real social challenge through policy analysis and development of proposed solutions.
Core Competences (10 ECTS)
Covers public policy theory, methodology, policy writing, and advocacy.
Sectoral Public Policies (12 ECTS)
Elective courses based on participants’ interests: security, social, education, health, cultural, anti-corruption, innovation, energy policy, and more.
Courses and lecturers
Challenge – Students are expected to identify a problem within the local, national, or European community and conduct a public policy analysis addressing it | dr. Marko Kovačić, Assoc. Prof. |
Theory and Methodology of Public Policy | dr. Marko Kovačić, Assoc. Prof. |
Public Policy and Advocacy | dr. Marko Kovačić, Assoc. Prof. dr. Valentina Otmačić / PhD |
Evidence-Based Policy-Making | dr. Marija Spevan, Assist. Prof. |
Writing for and in Public Policy | dr. Gorana Mišić / PhD |
Security Policy | dr. Marta Zorko, Prof. |
Social Policy | dr. Danijel Baturina, Assoc. Prof |
Education Policy | dr. Vesna Kovač, Prof. |
Health Policy | dr. Silvije Šegulja, Assist. Prof. |
Science and Innovation Policy | dr. Saša Zelenika, Prof. |
Cultural Policy | dr. Željka Tonković, Assoc. Prof. |
Energy Policy | dr. Vanja Jurišić, Assoc. Prof. |
Anti-Corruption Policy | dr. Tena Prelec, Assist. Prof. |
YUFE Catalogue of Public Policy Courses |