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Executive Master Program in Smart Cities and Urban Analytics

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Executive Master Degree Program in Smart Cities and Urban Analytics

Executive program for professionals in the fields of urban planning, mobility, environment, technology, and public management who need to apply data and analytics to solve complex urban challenges.

It combines practical learning based on projects developed in connection with NOVA Cidade - Urban Analytics Lab, using urban data and real cases.

An immersive blended learning experience provided by Bridge Room, a pioneering room in Portugal, integrated into the EDGE teaching strategy, ensuring real flexibility without compromising the quality of teaching.

12 months | 30 spots | Format: hybrid/daytime once a week | Start date: September 2026

Applications for this program are open between February 5th and April 9th, 2026. To apply, click here.

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    Format

    Working Hours

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    Length and ECTS

    2 semester
    (60 ECTS)

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    Schedule

    Friday
    9AM to 6PM

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    Start Date

    September 2026

Who is it for? image

Who is it for?

This course is designed for senior managers and technicians in the private sector and public administration who wish to lead digital transformation projects in areas such as urban mobility, energy efficiency, and smart governance.

It is also suitable for professionals with relevant experience who wish to deepen their technical skills in the area of smart cities, integrating data, technology, and innovation into urban management.

Why choose this program

What Makes This Program Unique

Partners: Applied projects developed with public entities and technology companies, bringing the training closer to the real challenges faced by cities.

Applied Labs: Hands‑on learning through projects developed in connection with the NOVA Cidade Urban Analytics Lab, applying urban data to real‑world contexts.

Bridge Room: Hybrid format ensured by the Bridge Room, a pioneering room in Portugal. Pedagogical model aligned with the EDGE pedagogical strategy.

Faculty: Professors with academic and applied experience in urban intelligence, working within an institution that includes researchers recognized among the Top 2% Scientists.

Benefits for Your Development

  • Apply data and AI to sustainable urban management
  • Make evidence‑based decisions
  • Integrate digital transformation methodologies in urban contexts

Impact on Your Organization

  • Strengthen strategic decision‑making with analytical foundations
  • Develop urban solutions with measurable impact
  • Accelerate digital transformation with technical rigor

Goals

The course aims to train specialists capable of:

  • Understanding the principles of smart cities and their application in sustainable urban management;

  • Applying urban data analysis techniques, artificial intelligence, and big data to optimize infrastructures and services;

  • Developing and implementing data-driven public policies, ensuring privacy, security, and transparency;

  • Integrating digital transformation methodologies and tools to modernize urban services;

  • Fostering technological innovation and efficient management of resources in cities.

Program Overview

The Executive Master Degree Program in Smart Cities and Urban Analytics prepares professionals to design, manage, and implement sustainable urban strategies based on data, promoting smarter, more efficient, and people-centered cities.

This program was developed to empower leaders and decision-makers to face the challenges of digital transformation and sustainability in urban management.

In a scenario where emerging technologies, data science, and artificial intelligence are redefining how cities are planned and governed, this master's degree offers advanced training for those who want to lead innovation processes and ensure more resilient and inclusive urban solutions.

With a practical and interdisciplinary approach, the program combines:

  • Data Science and Artificial Intelligence applied to urban management to optimize infrastructure and services.
  • Data Governance and Cybersecurity, ensuring transparency, privacy, and regulatory compliance.
  • Urban Planning and Sustainability, aligned with global sustainable development goals.
  • Leadership and Change Management Skills, essential for driving complex projects and digital transformation.

Throughout the program, participants will develop applied projects, analyze real cases, and collaborate with technology companies, municipalities, and public agencies, ensuring a practical and results-oriented experience.

Participants have access to the Nova Cidade Urban Analytics Lab innovation ecosystem, where models, technologies, and methodologies applied to the urban future are developed.

This program was designed to transform knowledge into concrete solutions that improve the quality of urban life and drive innovation in cities.

The language of the course is Portuguese, but materials in English may also be used.

Study Plan

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

Course Units

  • Data Governance
  • Digital Transformation
  • Final Work Project
  • Leadership, Change and Impact
  • New Horizons
  • Smart Cities & Territories
  • Sustainability
  • Urban Analytics
  • Urban Planning

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 February 5th and April 9th, 2026. To apply, click here.

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).

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;

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!

  • 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 only mandatory document during the application process is the Curriculum Vitae (in .doc or .pdf format). The applicant can upload other documents such as diploma or other certificate of their qualifications.

    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 analysis of the academic and professional curriculum. The members of the Admissions’ Jury Panel may decide to hold an interview with all or some candidates – face-to-face or videoconference).

    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. Please pay attention to the fact that there may be overlap of the Mandatory Course Units of each program, as well as the overlap of the exams.

    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 and the Embassy. 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?

    Teaching Language Portuguese. In case there are any foreign students or teachers, the classes will be taught in English.

    Is it possible to park on campus?

    The students can park their vehicles on campus, if they have the access card. There are several parking areas on campus and near to NOVA IMS. 

Applications and Contacts

Applications:

Applications for this program are open between February 5th and April 9th, 2026. To apply, click here.

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 9/2026 de 19-01-2026.

Partner Entities

  • Porto Digital
    Porto Digital
  • ESRI
    Esri
  • Portugal Oeste
    OESTE Comunidade Intermunicipal
  • AML
    Área Metropolitana de Lisboa

Discounts for Partner Entities

Employees of Porto Digital, Esri, OESTE CIM and AML benefit from a 10% discount on the tuition fee, not cumulative with other discounts.