What makes this program unique

Applied labs

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

Program Overview

Study Plan

Program Director

• 

  Miguel de Castro Neto

  Associate Professor

  mneto@novaims.unl.pt Know more

Faculty

• 

  Tiago Oliveira

  Full Professor

  toliveira@novaims.unl.pt Know more

• 

  Tomás B. Ramos

  Full Professor

• 

  Miguel de Castro Neto

  Associate Professor

  mneto@novaims.unl.pt Know more

• 

  Candela Sol Pelliza

  Adjunct Lecturer

• 

  André Barriguinha

  Professor of the Practice

  abarriguinha@novaims.unl.pt Know more

• 

  Rita Oliveira

  Adjunct Lecturer

  rmoliveira@novaims.unl.pt Know more

• 

  João Seixas

  Associate Professor

• 

  Jorge Carrola Rodrigues

  Invited Assistant Professor

  jcarrola@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

Admissions and fees

Applications phase

• 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);
  • €3 - 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 breaks and lunch.

  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).

FAQ

• Frequently Asked Questions about the Executive Master’s in Smart Cities and Urban Analytics

  1. Is this Executive Master’s in Smart Cities and Urban Analytics suitable for professionals without a technical background?

  Yes, this is precisely one of its key strengths.
  This master’s program was designed for experienced leaders and professionals who recognize the power of data but do not necessarily have a technical background. If you have at least five years of professional experience in areas such as management, engineering, architecture, urban planning, public administration or decision‑making roles, this program allows you to enter the world of data with confidence.
  Throughout the program, you will develop skills in data analysis, digital transformation and sustainable urban management, even if you do not have prior technical training. Rather than training technicians, our ambition is to develop decision‑makers capable of leading the creation of smart and sustainable cities and territories.

  2. What skills are developed in a Master’s in Smart Cities and Urban Analytics?

  The Master’s in Smart Cities and Urban Analytics develops advanced skills in using data to support decision‑making and urban transformation. Participants learn how to collect, integrate and analyze urban data from multiple sources (sensors, digital platforms, administrative data), applying data science, artificial intelligence and visualization techniques to solve real‑world problems.
  The program combines knowledge in urban analytics, data governance and ethics, sustainability and public policy, with a strong practical component focused on concrete challenges such as mobility, energy, the environment, urban planning and quality of life.
  By the end of the program, participants are prepared to design and implement data‑driven solutions, lead digital transformation processes in urban contexts, and contribute to the development of a new paradigm of evidence‑based public policies capable of supporting the creation of smarter, more sustainable and people‑centered cities.

  3. What is the difference between an Executive Master’s and a Postgraduate Program in Smart Cities?

  The main difference lies in depth and academic rigor.
  The Executive Master’s in Smart Cities and Urban Analytics has a more comprehensive and integrated structure, including a final applied project and a strong strategic orientation, and is aimed at experienced professionals. In addition, the Executive Master’s awards a Master’s degree, unlike the Postgraduate Program, which is generally shorter and focused on updating specific skills.

  4. What differentiates this Executive Master’s in Smart Cities and Urban Analytics?

  This Executive Master’s stands out for its practical orientation and its focus on using data to support the management and transformation of cities.
  The program prepares professionals to design, manage and implement sustainable, data‑driven urban strategies, promoting more efficient, intelligent and people‑centered cities. It also stands out for its strong connection to real challenges in urban management and the digital and sustainable transition of territories.

  5. What is the format and schedule of the program?

  The program runs in a condensed format.
  In the Fall Semester, classes take place on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., allowing attendance to be compatible with professional activity. The program leverages the Bridge Room, a unique and innovative space that offers the flexibility of in‑person or remote learning with the same immersive experience.

• 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:

  • https://smallpdf.com/word-to-pdf
  • https://www.zamzar.com/
  • https://cloudconvert.com/
  • https://www.ilovepdf.com/
  • https://online2pdf.com/doc-to-pdf

  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 course is taught in Portuguese, though materials in English may be used.

  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

Regulations and Accreditations