Master's in Global Smart City Management

Yes. The Master’s in Global Smart City Management covers all phases of a Smart City project—from analysis and strategic planning to implementation. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of urban planning, digital governance, and policy frameworks, learning how to integrate technology, sustainability, and citizen engagement within diverse cultural contexts.

Graduates of this Smart City Master’s online are prepared for a wide range of international career paths in urban innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability. Professional opportunities include:

• Urban Planning and Placemaking: Design and manage sustainable, tech-enabled city projects.

• Urban Technology and Digital Solutions: Implement IoT, AI, and data analytics for smarter city operations.

• Project Management: Coordinate multi-stakeholder Smart City initiatives across sectors.

• Services & Operations: Optimise waste, water, energy, and mobility systems using digital tools.

• Enterprises & Startups: Create innovative products and services that address citizens’ needs.

• Smart City Consulting: Guide governments and organisations in designing and launching Smart City strategies.

• Chief Citizen Experience Officer (CCXO): Ensure technology in cities truly enhances people’s everyday lives.

You will develop a 360-degree professional profile that combines strategic, technological, and managerial skills to lead urban digital transformation projects:

• Sustainability: Circular economy, energy transition, waste management, and resilience.

• Smart Governance: Digital administration, transparency, data-driven decision-making, and citizen participation.

• Urban Mobility: GIS, 5G connectivity, autonomous vehicles, and Mobility-as-a-Service.

• Smart Economy: Low-carbon development, digitalisation of services, and project financing.

• Smart Living: Inclusive cities, digital health, wellbeing, and privacy-aware urban environments.

• Emerging Technologies: IoT, blockchain, digital twins, and AI applied to city systems.

Yes. This live online master’s is delivered through ZIGURAT’s interactive platform and awards a double degree: one from ZIGURAT Institute of Technology and another from the Universitat de Barcelona – IL3, a top-ranked institution according to the QS World University Rankings.

Absolutely. The programme follows a hands-on, practical methodology. The Final Master’s Project simulates a real Smart City initiative, where students design and implement solutions involving digital twins, IoT, and sustainable urban planning. You will apply the tools and strategies learned throughout the course to deliver a realistic, impactful project.

Students receive a Professional Membership with the Smart Cities Council, gaining access to a global network of over 400,000 professionals. You will also benefit from collaborations with IBM SkillsBuild and AWS Educate, accessing advanced digital tools, cloud computing resources, and industry-recognised credentials.

This programme is ideal for professionals in urban planning, engineering, architecture, public policy, sustainability, and technology who want to lead digital transformation in cities. It suits both public-sector leaders and private-sector professionals seeking to drive smart and sustainable urban innovation.

Throughout the Master’s, you will explore the most relevant Smart City technologies, including IoT platforms, digital twins, 5G networks, GIS, blockchain, and AI applications. You will learn to use these tools to manage data, improve connectivity, and support strategic decision-making in urban environments.

A Smart City Manager is a multidisciplinary professional who connects urban design, digital innovation, and sustainability. They lead data-driven projects that improve city services, optimise resources, and enhance the quality of life for citizens. This Master’s equips you with the global vision and technical expertise to build the sustainable cities of tomorrow.