Executive Postgraduate Program in Smart Cities and Urban Analytics

The increasing digitalization of cities and the growing demand for innovative solutions in sustainable urban management require skilled professionals to integrate emerging technologies into city governance and planning.

The Executive Postgraduate Program in Smart Cities and Urban Analytics addresses this need by equipping managers and decision-makers with the tools to optimize infrastructure, enhance energy efficiency, and implement mobility and sustainability strategies based on data and artificial intelligence.

Length

1 semester
ECTS Credits

30 ECTS
Start Date

September 2026

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.

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 Postgraduate 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.

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

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 a strong practical focus, the Executive Postgraduate Program in Smart Cities and Urban Analytics offers training designed to meet the real demands of contemporary cities.
The program prepares professionals to integrate technology, data, and innovation into urban transformation, developing highly valued skills in a rapidly evolving context.
Combining Urban Analytics, digital transformation, data governance, artificial intelligence, and sustainable urban planning, this course stands out for its strategic and applied approach, enabling participants to understand, analyze, and intervene in the complex challenges of modern cities.
Learning is enriched by direct contact with real challenges through applied projects in collaboration with partner entities, including public administrations and technology companies, bringing knowledge closer to urban reality.
Led by an experienced and renowned faculty, including national references in urban intelligence and public innovation, the program ensures scientific rigor, alignment with international trends, and immediate applicability in the field.
Based on a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment, this postgraduate program promotes critical thinking, innovation, strategic vision, and the ability to impact urban policies and services.
Lasting one semester (30 ECTS), it offers the flexibility needed for those who balance training with demanding professional responsibilities, allowing them to develop skills at a time when urban digitization is a global priority.
It is also a privileged opportunity to build qualified networking with professionals from the public and private sectors who are leading the transformation of cities, included in the tuiton fee, parking, coffee break, lunch/dinner, promoting interaction, experience sharing, and connection between participants and teachers.

Benefits for Your Development

Master the principles of smart cities and apply them to sustainable urban management, strengthening your ability to act strategically in complex urban contexts.
Use urban data analysis, artificial intelligence, and big data to optimize infrastructure, services, and urban flows.
Develop data-driven public policies, ensuring privacy, security, and transparency in the use of information.
Integrate digital transformation methodologies and tools that modernize urban services and enhance efficiency.
Promote technological innovation and smart resource management, contributing to more resilient and sustainable cities.

Impact on Your Organization

Strengthen institutional capacity to design, manage, and evaluate urban projects with greater technical rigor and analytical reasoning.
Promote a culture of data-driven decision-making, aligned with best practices in digital governance and sustainability.
Empower teams to adopt emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and Urban Analytics models in an ethical, secure, and results-oriented manner.
Develop solutions to challenges in mobility, energy efficiency, resource management, and urban services, with a measurable impact on the quality of life of populations.
Support the digital transformation of cities and organizations with robust methodologies and a strategic vision for the urban future.

Study Plan

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

Mandatory Course Units

See Detailed Study Plan

Program Coordinator

Miguel de Castro Neto

Associate Professor
mneto@novaims.unl.pt Know more

Faculty

Miguel de Castro Neto

Associate Professor
mneto@novaims.unl.pt Know more
Guilherme Victorino

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

Assistant Professor
bjardim@novaims.unl.pt Know more
Tomás B. Ramos

Full Professor
João Seixas

Associate Professor
Tiago Oliveira

Full Professor
toliveira@novaims.unl.pt Know more
Jorge Carrola Rodrigues

Invited Assistant Professor
jcarrola@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.