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Master Degree in Geographic Information Systems and Science, with a specialization in Geographic Information Systems and Science

MCSIG (1)

Master's Degree in Geographic Information Systems and Science,
with a specialization in Geographic Information Systems and Science

The specialization in Geographic Information Systems and Science provides a technical and scientific framework related to the use of geographic information technology and analysis, especially skills related to the modeling and analysis of spatial data, and the design and planning of geographic information technology and analysis in organizations.

This program is developed in collaboration with UNIGIS, international network that brings together the best schools in Geographic Information Systems and Science and it has obtained the GEOINT (Geospatial Intelligence) accreditation by the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) and was the 1st program outside the US to be accredited by this organization.

This program is taught in b-learning or e-learning formats. It lasts 4 semesters: 2 semesters correspond to the curricular component and 2 semesters to the development of a thesis, work project or internship report, in a total of 120 ECTS. The classes (1st and 2nd semesters of the program) will start in September 2024, ending in June 2025.

The applications for this program are open between July 23rd and August 13th, 2024. To apply, click here.

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Accredited by

  • USGIF
    United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation
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Partner entity

  • Unigispt
    UNIGIS
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  • Vagas

    Format

    E-Learning and B-Learning

  • Media

    Length and ECTS

    4 semesters (120 ECTS)

  • Semestres (1)

    Attendance

    2 to 3 times a
    week

  • Lingua (1)

    Start Date

    September 2024

Who is it for? image

Who is it for?

The main goal of the specialization in Geographic Information Systems and Science is to train managers and technical staff able to lead and conduct the design and development of GIS, adapted to the needs of the organizations and public and private institutions. This program is taught in Portuguese and aims at everyone from Portuguese-speaking African countries but also Portugal, Brazil, Timor, and Portuguese communities all over the world, who is interested in continuing their studies by getting a Postgraduate diploma and/or a master’s degree in a Portuguese University.

Goals

The goal of this program is to train technical staff and managers to:

  • Develop appropriate strategies, methodologies, and tools of geographic information management, for the analysis of questions raised when using this type of information;

  • Model, monitor, and simulate geographic, demographic, and environmental phenomena in diverse analysis contexts;

  • Use exploration and analysis methodologies and tools, to reduce the levels of uncertainty related to the resolution of problems of a geographical nature;

  • Design and develop information systems and technologies that meet the needs of geographic information within an organizational context.

Study plan

This program lasts 4 semesters: 2 correspond to the curricular component and 2 to the development of a thesis or work project, in a total of 120 ECTS.

For the conclusion of the curricular component (1st and 2nd semesters), the students must complete 60 ECTS, of which 7,5 ECTS corresponds to the mandatory course unit Geographic Information Systems, and 52,5 ECTS corresponding to the elective course units.

Faculty

Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) Certificate

The Geospatial Intelligence Certificate, accredited by the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) provides education and training in scientific concepts, methods and key geospatial technologies, used in the solution of global problems of human security, including natural disasters, humanitarian crisis, environmental risks, military operations, political violence, public health and challenges in access to food.

USGIF’s purpose is to promote the geospatial intelligence tradecraft and to develop a stronger community of interest between government, industry, academia, professional organizations and individuals. USGIF is the only organization providing Higher Education accreditation in the GEOINT domain, being a world leader in this field.

USGIF

The GEOINT certificate can be awarded through completing 4 course units of the Master program in Geographic Information Systems and Science, in a total of 30 ECTS:

  • Geographic Information Systems and Science;
  • GIS Modelling;
  • Remote Sensing;
  • Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT).

These course units can be complemented by a set of elective course units, in a total of 30 ECTS.

UNIGIS Certification

UNIGIS is an international network of Universities that, through e-learning program, offers a postgraduate diploma and a Master's degree in Geographical Sciences and Information Systems. This international consortium was founded in 1990 and today is formed by a network of universities.

The planning and the structure of the program result of close cooperation between the members of UNIGIS, which cooperate in the development of program's curriculum to adapt to different national realities.

Certificado UNIGIS

Under the International network UNIGIS, the students who complete the Master program in Geographic Information Systems and Science (90 ECTS) can earn the European Master's diploma in GI Science, Project 29320-IC-3-98-1-AT-ERASMUS -CDA-1 (EuroMaster GI Certificate) as a complement to their degree, by performing:

Note: The participation in other Summer School can be accepted, as long as it is related to the program's field and it has been pre-approved by the Coordinator of the Master degree program.

  • A minimum of 12 ECTS obtained in a foreign language (other than the language of the course or the national language);
  • Course unit "EuroGIS" 6 ECTS - Dipl. Forstwirt Nikolaus Strobl - Universität Salzburg;
  • Dissertation, Work Project or Professional Internship written in English;
  • An international learning experience (eg. International UNIGIS Summer School) with a minimum of 2 ECTS, these have to be performed in classroom (the courses are excluded in e-Learning format).

Timetable

The course units operating in classroom start at 4:30  p.m. and the course units in e-Learning format have synchronous sessions (virtual classes in real time on the Internet), which always run after working hours (8 p.m. to 10 p.m. GMT), except GI Standards, which runs from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The timetable of synchronous sessions, exams, and delivery and presentation of assignments work in e-learning formats for the academic year 2024-2025 are available here, and the schedule for the b-learning format will be available soon.

The e-learning format is implemented in a way that all material is taught through synchronous and asynchronous sessions with students, followed through e-mail, chats and discussion boards that enable the quick interaction between students and the teacher. In each edition of the program, they are created classes in a virtual environment, for students to access all necessary studying material, print or digital, including notes, study guides, practice exercises and software licenses.

Protocols

  • LNEG
    Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia (LNEG)

    This protocol offers special attendance conditions to LNEG staff. The students of Master degree program in Geographic Information Systems and Science are able to perform internships in this institution.

  • Mundogeo
    Editora MundoGEO

    This protocol aims at cooperation and exchanges in the fields of education, training and scientific development, offering a 1-year digital signature of the bimonthly magazines InfoGEO e InfoGNSS.

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Access to Software and Geographic Information

  • Esri (1)
    Esri Portugal

    Access to Esri© software and data suite:

    • ArcGIS for Desktop Advance;
    • ArcGIS Pro;
    • ArcGIS for Enterprise;
    • Esri CityEngine;
    • ArcGIS Online;
    • ArcGIS for Developers;
    • ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World;
    • ArcGIS Apps;
    • ArcGIS Training courses.
  • Digitalglobe
    DigitalGlobe

    Allocation of a free account to DigitalGlobe's EarthWatch that allows students to use online (cloud access and/or API) and offline (download) high-quality satellite images and geospatial information from DigitalGlobe.

  • Hexagon (1)
    HEXAGON GEOSPATIAL

    Exclusive and free access to the software promoted by HEXAGON GEOSPATIAL, for example:

    • Desktop Educational Program: ERDAS IMAGINE Professional; IMAGINE Expansion Pack; ERDAS ER Mapper; IMAGINE Photogrammetry; IMAGINE Terrain Editor; PRO600 CART; PRO600 DTM; GeoMedia Professional; GeoMedia Transportation Manager; GeoMedia Motion Video Analyst Professional; GeoMedia Advanced Collection; ERDAS APOLLO Essentials;

     

    • Smart M.Apps for EDU: M.AppX; M.App Studio; M.App Chest; M.App Reader; Incident Analyzer; Area Analyzer; Network Analyzer; IMAGINE M.App Connect; IMAGINE Developer's Toolkit; Spatial Modeler SDK; GeoMedia Objects; GeoMedia Smart Client and Workflow Manager; Mobile SDK; API Console; Hexagon Geospatial U Community.
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Scholarships

The NOVA IMS programs, offer a unique learning experience, combining theory with the application of the best and most innovative teaching practices.

If you are interested in studying at NOVA IMS and want to explore scholarship and award opportunities, this page is your starting point to discover the options available in the different programs.

Know more about it here.

Achievement awards

All students that stand out, during their academic path, for their academic excellence in the different course units and programs are celebrated. These awards are given by Members of AD NOVA IMS and/or other supportive entities.

AD NOVA IMS Member

  • ESRI
    Best Student

    €750

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Supportive Entity

  • Governodeportugal (1)
    Best Student of Undergraduate and Master Degree Programs

    Scholarship with Value to be Defined

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Admissions and fees

NOVA IMS is looking for excellent students who have the potential to become good technical staff and excellent managers. Qualities such as maturity, determination and motivation, both in the academic path as well in a professional career, are some of the required attributes.

Admissions' Requirements

The applicants to the Master program in Geographic Information Systems and Science should hold a relevant bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in Statistics and Information Management, Geography, Economics, Engineering, Computer Sciences, Physics, Mathematics, Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, or in other relevant scientific fields to be approved by the Scientific Council of NOVA IMS.

We accept applications from those:

  • Holding higher education level conferred on the 1st cycle of studies (undergraduates) under the Bologna legislation, by an adherent European country.
  • Holding a foreign academic degree, approved by the Scientific Council of NOVA IMS, for achieving undergraduates' goals;
  • Holding a relevant academic, professional and scientific curriculum, approved by the Scientific Council of NOVA IMS, for being able to conduct this study program.

How to Apply and Selection Process

To apply, you need to access the NOVA IMS' Applications Portal and follow these steps:

  • Fill in the form available in the user area, namely:
    • Personal, academic and professional background;
  • Upload your Curriculum Vitae (this is the only mandatory document for the application). Although it is not necessary to attach any other documents, the applicant has the option of including other documents that they consider relevant to enrich their application, such as a certificate of completion of their Bachelor's and/or Master's degree. Please note that if you are admitted, you will need to submit your Bachelor's and/or Master's degree completion certificate, or a certificate of attendance if you have not yet completed your degree, within one month;
  • Choose the program;
  • Present the goals and motivation for applying to the program (limit 1,000 characters, including spaces);
  • Pay the application fee. After this last step, the applicant will receive an email confirming their submitted application.

The selection process is based on the analysis of academic and professional curriculum. The members of the Admissions’ Jury Panel may decide to hold an interview with all or some applicants - face-to-face or videoconference.

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 Costs

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

  • €1.250 for applicants from EU and Portuguese-speaking countries;
  • €2.500 for applicants from other countries, 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).

The registration fee for the 2nd year and the following years is €35 (the value is updated annually).

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee of this master degree program is €4.200, of which €3.000 corresponds to the curricular component (1st year) of the program and €1.200 to the development of a thesis or a work project.

Tuition Fee Payment Dates

The tuition fee of this program can be paid in two or in four installments:

  • Payment in two installments:
    • 1st. from September 25th to 30th, 2024 (100% of the tuition fee of the 1st year);
    • 2nd. from September 25th to 30th, 2025 (100% of the tuition fee of the 2nd year).
  • Payment in four installments:
    • 1st. from September 25th to 30th, 2024 (50% of the tuition fee of the 1st year);
    • 2nd. from February 22nd to 28th, 2025 (50% of the tuition fee of the 1st year);
    • 3rd. from September 25th to 30th, 2025 (50% of the tuition fee of the 2nd year);
    • 4th. from February 22nd to 28th, 2026 (50% of the tuition fee of the 2nd year).

Discounts

  • Financial discount: students who choose to pay the tuition fee in two installments 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 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.

  • Members of the Ordem dos Engenheiros – Região Sul, have 15% discount on tuition fees. This discount can be extended to members' spouses and descendants upon presentation of valid documentation. For more information, please contact admissions@novaims.unl.pt. This discount is not cumulative with other financial discounts.

     

FAQ

  • Applications

    When can I apply?

    It is only possible to submit the application during its applications phase. The date of the call for applications is available in the Admissions and Fees page of each program. 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 2024-2025. 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.

    I'm a bachelor's degree senior student. Can I apply?

    Yes. If you are a final year student and you graduate until September 2024, you can apply and you must deliver an authenticated copy of your degree certificate or diploma until the beginning of the academic year, until September 2024.

    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 by Zoom.

    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?

    In the e-learning format, most course units are taught in Portuguese. In the b-learning format, the classes will be taught in English and Portuguese (if the students attend course units of the e-learning format).

    Are there scholarships?

    NOVA IMS does not award scholarships. However, you can apply to Universidade Nova de Lisboa’ scholarships and financial support, provided by the university’s Social Welfare Services. You can learn more at https://sas.unl.pt/en/scholarships-2/scholarships_/ or contact them directly to bolsas@unl.pt. We don’t hold information about other scholarships.

    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. The request for access of vehicles to Campus de Campolide is made through registration or renewal of registration and subsequent payment. To do this, the interested parties should register in the system and select the type of access. Afterwards, they will receive all the data for the payment. It should be noted that the management of parking spaces is the exclusive responsibility of the NOVA’s Rectory. For more information, please visit the webpage https://www.unl.pt/en/nova/parking-campus

    Is there accommodation on campus?

    The Social Welfare Services of Universidade Nova has ties with three student residences (one of them in Campus de Campolide) for Portuguese scholarship student and international students. The capacity of accommodation at school residences is limited. We can’t, in any way, guarantee you a room and we can only put your name on a waiting list, only after confirmation of admission. You will find more information about the residences at https://sas.unl.pt/en/accommodation/.
    In case you are admitted to the program and want accommodation in one of the University’s residences, please contact adnovaims@novaims.unl.pt.

    Can you help me look for accommodation websites?

    Here’s a list of websites, just for reference:


    Does the University offer a Portuguese course for international students?

    Yes, there is a Course of Portuguese as Foreign Language. This course is available in 4 types of classes:

    1. Individual lessons (the student arranges the schedule with the teacher according to their availability);
    2. Semester Group lessons (56 study classes + 8 hours for other activities);
    3. 30 hours intensive course(2 weeks);
    4. Online summer course (month of July).

    If you have any questions about this course, please contact: cursoportugues@fcsh.unl.pt.

Caroline Wentling
Program Manager Assistant at Universidade Nova de Lisboa & Founder of the Apregoar Project at LocaLeads
Alexandre Dargains
Managing Partner and Project Manager | Dargains Projects
Rogério Madeira
Geographer | Mafra City Council
Catarina Nunes
Chief of Geospatial Service at Naval Command | Portuguese Navy
Telmo Dias
Head of the Hydrographic Survey Section of the Hydrography Division | Hydrographic Institute Portuguese Navy
Jorge Pereira
Executive Director | Bohus Biotech Portugal
André Duarte
Senior Research Technician | RAIZ (Navigator Company)
Jorge Cunha
Project Manager | CTGA - Centro Tecnológico de Gestão Ambiental
Diogo Cardoso
Consultant ServiceNow | Adquam
Luís Canaria
Prehospital Emergency Technician | INEM
João David
Teacher and Researcher | NOVA IMS
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I joined this master's program after completing a Post-graduation in Smart and Sustainable Cities so that I could deepen my technical capacity to plan and execute this kind of urban data project. From the very beginning of my experience, I learned from many excellent instructors who provided concrete case studies and projects to complement their lectures. I was regularly challenged yet supported throughout my academic experience, and had the freedom to pursue projects of my own design to consolidate my learning. I was extremely lucky to have Professor Marco Painho as my thesis advisor, who not only provided thorough guidance, but also arranged for additional direction from other specialized professors to help me realize and deliver my thesis project. Ever since, I have continued to benefit from the resources of my alma mater, both enjoying access to the facilities, programs and minds that are helping me to transform my final project into a new business.
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NOVA IMS surprised me by offering a pleasant academic and professional experience. The high level of quality and demand of the Master's gave me the opportunity to generate even more value for my projects, clients and business partners. Thanks to this environment of synergy and exchange of knowledge, I have won awards and notable achievements for my career. Thank you very much NOVA IMS.
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The Master Program in Geographic Information Systems and Science was fundamental to improve my skills in the several areas of Geographical and Cartographic Sciences. I was able to recycle knowledge previously acquired in order to improve my performance as a Geographer.
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In order to raise the quality of geospatial challenges in my work, I joined the Master Program in Geographic Information Systems and Science, which allows me to assimilate knowledge in a clear way and to open new horizons, while also provides the necessary tools to improve in this area. The international aspect provides an enriching exchange of experiences.
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The Master Program in Geographic Information Systems and Science focuses on the analysis, management and visualization of geospatial information, fundamental methods in a global and digital world. Geoinformation is transversal to all sciences and activities (economy, health, security) and its study motivates innovative approaches and the generation of new knowledge
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When I was looking for a program in Geographic Information Systems that would allow me to grow and deepen knowledge, combining a solid theoretical training with a strong practical component, the Master Degree Program in Geographic Information Systems and Science came to me as “the reference". Exceeded expectations! The e-learning format, despite some initial skepticism, allowed me to manage the issue of distance and availability, in no way compromising the rigor and the demand. On the contrary. I found a diversified offer, with a faculty of recognized professional and academic merit, whose support was decisive for the completion of the program. Better yet, NOVA IMS’ experience and follow-up continue well beyond the end of the program!
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Quality, rigorous, targeted and very up-to-date teaching.
The Master Degree Program in Geographic Information Systems and Science offered me new perspectives and ideas to be able to apply in reality.
It was/is worth it.
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The way they address the relevant issues in terms of subjects such as Environment, Spatial Planning and Urban Planning, as a resource to geographic information technologies, in addition to their contribution to society through scientific research, makes this Master Degree Program the most relevant at national level, which I felt proud to be part of!
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The Master Degree Program in Geographic Information Systems and Science stands out for its innovative and differentiating curriculum, considering what organizations want for their staff and introducing very current topics.
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The Master Program in Geographic Information Systems and Science, with an internationally recognized academic quality and associated with the availability of the latest technologies, is the best option to be at the forefront of Geographic Information Systems.
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The best Master Degree Program in Geographic Information Systems in Portugal.
The excellent international partners, the teaching staff and the learning materials are a differential and valuable factor that allowed me to start an academic and professional career in this area.