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ME - Data-driven Organizations

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Executive Master Program in Data-driven Organizations

Turn data into strategic decisions.

The Executive Master's in Data-driven Organizations is designed to empower managers to use information as their organization's most valuable asset.

This program prepares leaders and managers to integrate data-driven strategies into decision-making, ensuring greater efficiency, competitiveness, and innovation through technologies such as Big Data, Machine Learning, Business Intelligence, and Cloud Computing.

Applications for this program are open between April 13th and May 13th, 2026.
Apply now!

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    Length and ECTS

    2 semester
    (60 ECTS)

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    Fall Semester Schedule

    Tuesday & Thursday
    6:30PM to 10:30PM

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    Start Date

    September
    2026

Partner Entities

  • bi4all
    BI4ALL
  • unipartner
    Unipartner
  • Jerónimo Martins
    Jerónimo Martins
  • Arquiconsult
    Arquiconsult
  • GUSP
    GUSP
Who is it for? image

Who is it for?

The executive master’s in data-driven organizations is designed for executives, managers, and middle managers in public and private organizations who wish to deepen their skills in business intelligence, analytics, and digital transformation, applying data-driven strategies to organizational management and decision-making.

It is also suitable for professionals with relevant experience who wish to update or expand their technical knowledge in areas such as Human Resources Management, Marketing, Operations and Logistics, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Data Science, Information Management, Computer Science, and Engineering, strengthening their ability to operate in increasingly competitive and data-driven business contexts.

Bridge Room
This Program is taught in person, and classes are held in the hybrid classroom (Bridge Room) at NOVA IMS. This unique and innovative space offers students who are occasionally unable to attend in person the flexibility to follow the course with an experience equivalent to that of an in-person session.
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Why specialize in Data-Driven Organizations?

Data-driven organizational management is today the fundamental requirement for business survival. This program offers unique training in operational efficiency with data in Portugal, standing out for:

  • Digital transformation: Understanding the importance of data in digital transformation and organizational competitiveness;

  • Evidence-based decision-making culture: Learning to implement data-driven decision-making models that reduce uncertainty and enhance ROI;

  • Governance and security: Developing and implementing data governance strategies to ensure quality, security, and regulatory compliance, ensuring an ethical and sustainable approach to data usage;

  • Extracting value from data: Applying analytical methodologies and technological tools to extract value from data.

What makes this program unique

Benefits for Your Professional Development

Develop the capacity to use advanced business analytics techniques to identify opportunities for innovation and process optimization. Upon concluding this Master's Program, you will have the necessary competencies to lead technical and strategic teams, promoting an ethical and secure data culture throughout the organizational structure.

Impact on Your Organization

Enable your company to scale data initiatives that generate real and sustainable value. Improve operational efficiency, optimize critical processes, and increase competitiveness through the intelligent integration of data into daily products, services, and operations.

Partners

Collaboration with technology companies, consulting firms and public organizations through applied projects that expose participants to real business challenges in data analysis, information governance and organizational transformation.

Faculty

A faculty team with extensive experience in business intelligence, analytics, big data, data governance and digital transformation, embedded in an institution that includes researchers ranked among the Top 2% Scientists worldwide.

Applied labs

Hands-on learning through projects developed in collaboration with the NOVA Business Intelligence and Analytics Lab, applying business intelligence and analytics solutions to management, transformation, and data-driven decision-making in real-world organizational contexts.

LAB BIA

Program Overview

The Executive Master's in Data-Driven Organizations prepares professionals to lead organizational transformation through the strategic use of data, combining analytics, technology, and management vision to promote innovation, efficiency, and sustainable competitive advantage. In a context marked by digitization, the growing availability of data, and the need for more informed decisions, this program is designed to empower leaders to transform information into organizational value.

With a practical and interdisciplinary approach, the program combines:

  • Data-driven decision making, supporting strategic decisions based on evidence and advanced analysis.
  • Data governance, quality, security, and regulatory compliance as pillars of organizational trust and sustainability.
  • Digital transformation and organizational innovation, integrating data into processes, business models, and operations.
  • Leadership, change management, and impact, essential for promoting a data-driven culture and ensuring the effective adoption of analytical solutions.

Participants have direct contact with real cases, case studies, and applied projects, culminating in the development of a final project aimed at solving concrete challenges faced by organizations, reinforcing the link between academic knowledge and business practice.

The language of instruction is Portuguese; however, if there are foreign students or teachers, classes will be taught in English.

Study plan

The study plan corresponds to 60 ECTS, in a total of 8 course units and a Final Project:

Course Units

  • Artificial Intelligence in Business
  • Business Intelligence and Analytics
  • Business Processes Optimization
  • Data Governance
  • Data Value Creation Use Cases
  • Digital Transformation strategies Digital Transformation strategies Digital Transformation Strategies
  • Final Work Project
  • Leadership, Change and Impact
  • New Horizons

Faculty

Admissions and fees

Applications are evaluated by the Admissions' Jury Panel of NOVA IMS, which seeks candidates with relevant professional experience, leadership skills, and a strong motivation to learn and apply advanced knowledge. This process ensures that each class is composed of professionals capable of contributing to a dynamic and collaborative learning environment.

Applications phase

Applications for this program are open between April 13th and May 13th, 2026. To apply, click here.

  • Application

    Entry Requirements

    To enter this program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

    • Hold a bachelor's degree;
    • Be proficient in English;
    • Have at least 5 years of professional experience relevant to the course or related areas.

    Application Fee

    The fee of the application is €51. The application can only be considered after the payment of the application fee, within the stipulated period, non-refundable in case of withdrawal or non-admission in the program.

  • Registration Fee

    After being admitted to the program and upon confirmation of enrollment, the applicant must make a payment of a pre-registration fee (around one week after the admission result announcement), deductible in this postgraduate program's tuition fee, non-refundable in case of withdrawal, with the following value:

    • €1.250 for applicants with a nationality from a European Union member country;
    • €2.500 for applicants of other nationalities, unless their registration fee is provided by an official entity.

    Upon registration, students should make the following payments:

    • €35 - for enrollment fee (the value is updated annually);
    • €1.40 - for annual school insurance (the value is updated annually).
  • Fees

    Tuition Fee

    The tuition fee of this executive master program is:

    • € 12.000, for applicants with a nationality from a European Union member country;
    • € 15.000, for applicants of other nationalities.

    Included in the tuition fee: parking, coffee break, lunch/dinner.

    Tuition fee payment dates

    Tuition fees may be paid in full or in six installments, with the following payment dates:

    Full payment September 25th to 30th, 2026.

    Payment in six installments:

    • September 25 to 30, 2026 (corresponding to 25% of the tuition fee);
    • November 25 to 30, 2026 (corresponding to 15% of the tuition fee);
    • January 25 to 31, 2027 (corresponding to 15% of the tuition fee);
    • March 25 to 31, 2027 (corresponding to 15% of the tuition fee);
    • From May 25 to 31, 2027 (corresponding to 15% of the tuition fee);
    • From July 25 to 31, 2027 (corresponding to 15% of the tuition fee).

Discounts

  • Financial discount: students who choose to pay the tuition fee in a single payment have a 2,5% discount on the payable amount.
  • NOVA IMS’ alumni who have completed a bachelor's, postgraduate, master's, or doctoral degree at NOVA IMS have a 20% discount on tuition fee, cumulative with the financial discount.
  • Companies that finance the program to at least 2 employees, in the same academic year, have a 10% discount on the tuition fee. This discount is not cumulative with other discounts.
  • Companies that finance the program to 3 or more employees, in the same academic year, have a 20% discount on the tuition fee. This discount is not cumulative with other discounts.
  • Employees of BI4ALL, Esri, Jerónimo Martins, Arquiconsult, ERLOG, GUSP, Newbridge Digital, Impulso Criativo and Unipartner benefit from a 10% discount on the tuition fee, not cumulative with other discounts.

FAQ

Do you have a question? Explore the most frequently asked questions and find the answer here! If you still have unanswered questions, please contact us!

  • Frequently Asked Questions about the Executive Master in Data-Driven Organizations

    1. Is this Executive Master Degree in Data-Driven Organizations suitable for professionals without a technical background?

    Yes, that is precisely one of its greatest strengths.
    This Executive Master Degree was designed for leaders and experienced professionals who recognize the power of data but do not necessarily have a technical background. If you have at least five years of experience in areas such as management, finance, technology, or decision-making roles, this program allows you to enter the data-driven world with confidence.
    Throughout the journey, you will develop the ability to understand, interpret, and use data to make better decisions—without needing to know how to program. Rather than training technical specialists, our ambition is to develop decision-makers capable of leading data-driven organizations.

    2. What skills are developed in an Executive Master Degree in Data-Driven Organizations?

    This Executive Master Degree enables you to lead in the data era.
    You will develop the ability to turn data into actionable insights, guide strategic decision-making, and lead digital transformation initiatives with real impact. Over the course of the program, you will engage with key areas such as data governance, business intelligence, artificial intelligence, and organizational transformation.
    Most importantly, you will learn how to bridge technology and business by understanding the potential of analytical tools and knowing how to apply them to create sustainable value within organizations.

    3. What is the difference between an Executive Master Degree and a postgraduate program in Data-Driven Organizations?

    The difference lies in ambition, depth, and impact, in addition to awarding the academic degree of Master.
    The Executive Master Degree offers a more comprehensive, demanding, and transformative experience. It goes beyond knowledge acquisition by challenging you to apply what you learn in a real-world project that integrates strategy, data, and decision-making.
    This program is designed for experienced professionals who want to make a qualitative leap in their careers, take on a more strategic role, and lead the data-driven transformation of their organizations. A postgraduate program, on the other hand, tends to focus more on updating technical skills. The Executive Master Degree prepares you to think, decide, and lead differently.

    4. What sets this Executive Master Degree in Data-Driven Organizations apart?

    This Executive Master Degree is not just about data; it is about leadership in the future of organizations and your role in shaping the new economy.
    It stands out by combining strategic vision, analytics, artificial intelligence, and change management into a single, integrated journey. The goal is not to train technical experts, but rather leaders who can mobilize teams, technologies, and data to drive impact.
    Throughout the program, you will develop a clear vision of how to use data to innovate, optimize operations, and create competitive advantage—positioning yourself at the forefront of digital transformation.

    5. Is this Executive Master Degree in Data-Driven Organizations taught after working hours?

    Yes, this Executive Master Degree in Data-Driven Organizations is delivered in an after-work format.
    It was designed for working professionals, allowing you to balance your studies with professional responsibilities and develop new skills without interrupting your career.

  • Applications

    When can I apply?

    It is only possible to submit the application during its applications phase. However, you can fill the application form at any time, submitting it when the applications phase starts.

    How can I apply?

    The applications are submitted online, in NOVA IMS’ Applications Portal.

    To submit their application, the applicants must register in the Portal, fill the form, upload your Curriculum Vitae, choose the program and pay the application fee in the Portal. The application process is the same for all the applicants, national or international.

    Which documents are required?

    The required documents for the application process are the Curriculum Vitae and the Academic Degree certificate (in DOC or PDF format).

    How do I convert a file to .PDF?

    Here is a list of websites where you can convert files to the pdf format, as a reference:

    Is there an application fee?

    The application fee is €51 in the academic year 2026-2027. The payment of the application fee will be made during the application process in the Applications’ Portal, through bank transfer/ATM reference, MBWay, PayPal or Visa. The application will only be considered successfully submitted after the payment of the application fee, within the stipulated time. It’s non-refundable in case of withdrawal or non-admission in the program.

    Can I apply to more than one program?

    You can apply to a maximum of 2 programs per application phase, by paying the application fee for each program, that is, the application to 1 program equals the payment of 1 application fee, the application to 2 programs equals the payment of 2 application fees.

    In the application form, a Tax Identification Number is requested. What is Tax Identification Number? I don’t have one, what should I put in that blank field?

    In Portugal, the Tax Identification Number is required to identify a taxable entity or person, in tax declarations or financial transactions. If you don’t have a Tax ID Number or similar, please put “999999999” in that field of the application form.

    What should I write in the field: “Goals/motivation to apply to this program”?

    In this field, please mention:

    • In which way your background (academic and professional) fits the program;
    • What are your short-term professional goals;
    • What are your expectations with the attendance of this program.
  • Admission

    How does the selection process work?

    The selection process is based on the assessment of each candidate’s academic and professional background. An additional interview may be conducted during the process. All candidates who reach the final stage will have a mandatory interview with the program coordinator(s).

    In case I am contacted for an interview, can it be held at distance?

    Yes, the interview can be held at distance, preferably via Teams.

    When will I know the result of the application?

    The result of the application will be known, through email, in the date to be announced in the confirmation of submitted application email and/or by the Admissions’ Jury/Programs Manager.

    I was admitted in the program. What’s the next step?

    In case of admission, the applicant must make the payment of the pre-registration fee (around 1 week after the result announcement), until its deadline, in NOVA IMS’ Applications Portal and upload the diploma or other certificate of his latest qualification (example: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or PhD).

    Can I attend more than one program by academic year?

    Yes, you may attend two programs per school year, although it’s not recommended.

    I was admitted in two programs, but I only intend to attend one. What should I do?

    In case of admission to two programs, the candidate will have to choose, in the Application Portal, the program in which they intend to attend. After choosing the desired program and paying the pre-registration fee, you must select the option "Withdrawal" in the 2nd program in which you do not intend to attend. Thus, your vacancy is available to a candidate on the Waiting List.

    I'm on the Waiting List. Can I still be admitted?

    Since it is possible for candidates to apply for two programs per application phase, there will be cases where the same candidate has been admitted to both programs, but intends to join only one. In these cases and if the limit number of vacancies is not completed, the remaining vacancy will be assigned to a candidate on the Waiting List.

    I intend the invoice for the payment of the application / pre-registration fees.

    The Invoice-Receipt will be available in this Applications’ Portal up to 2 business days after the payment, in the tab "Billing/Treasury".

    I was admitted in the program, but I need visa. What should I do?

    NOVA IMS can issue a document that proves admission in the program, that will be sent to the student. The document will only be issued or provided after the payment of the pre-registration fee. Regardless of issuance the document, the student must contact the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in their country to get more information.

  • Other Informations

    Is this program taught in Portuguese or English?

    The language of instruction is Portuguese; however, if there are foreign students or teachers, classes will be taught in English.

    Is it possible to park on campus?

    Parking is included in the tuition. There are several parking areas on campus and near NOVA IMS.

Applications and Contacts

Applications:

Applications for this program are open between April 13th and May 13th, 2026.
Apply now!

For more information about this course, please contact:

Renata Barateiro

Marketing and Admissions Coordinator for Executive Education
Marketing & Admissions Department

+351 213 828 619

executive@novaims.unl.pt

Regulations and Accreditations

A3ES

DGES - Registration Number nº R/A-Cr 66/2025 de 18-03-2025