Executive Postgraduate Program
in Data-driven Public Policies

The increasing digitization of public administration and developments in data science are transforming the formulation and management of public policy. The Executive Postgraduate Program in Data-Driven Public Policies responds to this challenge by preparing public decision-makers and managers to use data to create more effective and innovative policies.

Combining a solid conceptual foundation with a strong practical component, this course addresses topics such as data governance, artificial intelligence, impact assessment, and digital regulation. Through case studies and applied projects, participants develop skills to transform data into useful knowledge and promote smarter and more innovative public administration.

Applications will be accepted from January 2026.

Length

1 semester
ECTS Credits

30 ECTS
Start Date

September 2026

Who is it for?

This program is designed for senior managers, technicians, and decision-makers from public and private institutions who wish to understand and apply the potential of data analysis and intelligence in the formulation and management of public policies.

It is also suitable for professionals who wish to update or deepen their skills in the areas of public policy, data science, and digital transformation.

Goals

The course aims to train specialists capable of:

Understanding the fundamental principles of public policies and its connection to data science;
Applying advanced analytical techniques to support the formulation and evaluation of public policies;
Integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches into evidence-based policy development;
Implementing data governance models to optimize public management and transparency;
Assessing the impact of public policies using quantitative and qualitative methods;
Understanding the ethical and legal implications of using data in public policy;
Developing strategic skills for managing innovation and digital transformation in public administration.

Program Overview

The Executive Postgraduate Program in Data-driven Public Policies prepares professionals to design, manage, and evaluate evidence-based public policies, promoting smarter, more transparent, and sustainable decisions.

This Program is designed to prepare leaders and decision-makers to face the challenges of digital transformation in public administration.

In a context where data science and artificial intelligence are redefining how policies are formulated, it offers advanced training for those who want to lead innovation processes and ensure smarter, more transparent, and sustainable decisions.

With a practical and interdisciplinary approach, the Program combines:

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence applied to public management.
Data Governance and Digital Regulation, ensuring transparency and compliance.
Impact Assessment and Evidence-Based Policies for informed decisions.
Leadership and Change Management Skills, essential for driving digital transformation.

Participants will have access to real case studies, applied projects, and collaboration with public and private entities, ensuring an immersive and results-oriented experience. This Executive Postgraduate Program is not just about learning concepts; it is about transforming information into action and social impact.

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

Why choose this program

What makes this program unique

Combining academic excellence with strong practical application, this program provides structured and market-relevant training, allowing students to develop essential skills through a flexible and results-oriented curriculum.
It integrates advanced analytical techniques and artificial intelligence with public policy formulation, empowering decision-makers to act on the basis of evidence.
A solid practical focus, through case studies and projects applied in real organizations, bringing knowledge closer to the field.
A faculty of excellence with strong links to the public and private spheres, ensuring academic relevance and immediate applicability.
Collaborative and multidisciplinary environment that promotes analytical thinking, innovation in public policy, and social impact.
Compatible with professional life, allowing you to update your skills in a context of increasing digital transformation.
Lasting one semester (30 ECTS), it offers the flexibility needed for those who balance training with demanding professional responsibilities, having been designed to respond to the real demands of the market.
A unique opportunity to build an exclusive network with professionals who drive public transformation, included in the tuiton fee, parking, coffee break, lunch/dinner, promoting interaction, experience sharing, and connection between participants and teachers.

Benefits for Your Development

Develop the ability to transform data into effective public policies, integrating data science, artificial intelligence, and government management.
Apply advanced analytical techniques to support smarter, more transparent, and evidence-based decisions.
Acquire strategic skills to lead innovation and digital transformation processes in public administration.
Integrate machine learning approaches, impact assessment, and data governance models into your daily work.

Impact on Your Organization

Strengthen institutional capacity to design, manage, and evaluate public policies with greater rigor, efficiency, and transparency.
Promote a data-driven decision-making culture that fosters innovation, modernization, and continuous improvement of public services.
Empower teams to manage data ethically, securely, and in line with the latest digital governance models.
Drive digital transformation projects with a real impact on society, using robust methodologies and applied knowledge.

Study plan

The study plan corresponds to 30 ECTS, in a total of 8 course units:

Mandatory Course Units

Study Plan

Program Coordinators

Miguel de Castro Neto

Associate Professor
mneto@novaims.unl.pt Know more
Pedro Simões Coelho

Full Professor
psc@novaims.unl.pt Know more

Faculty

Guilherme Victorino

Assistant Professor
gmvictorino@novaims.unl.pt Know more
Bruno Damásio

Assistant Professor
bdamasio@novaims.unl.pt Know more
Miguel de Castro Neto

Associate Professor
mneto@novaims.unl.pt Know more
Pedro Simões Coelho

Full Professor
psc@novaims.unl.pt Know more
Mauro Castelli

Full Professor
mcastelli@novaims.unl.pt Know more
Roberto Henriques

Full Professor
roberto@novaims.unl.pt Know more
Nuno António

Assitant Professor
nantonio@novaims.unl.pt Know more
Manuel Cabugueira

Professor of the Practice
mcabugueira@novaims.unl.pt Know more

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

The application phase will take place in January 2026.

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 postgraduate program is:

€ 7.200, for applicants with a nationality from a European Union member country;
€ 9.000, 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.