This English‑taught master's programme is aimed at professionals with prior university education and practical experience who want to take leadership roles in complex, international urban projects. It attracts experienced postgraduates from around the world and is particularly relevant for those coming from architecture, urban design, urban planning, infrastructure or engineering backgrounds.
The course equips students with methods and knowledge to deliver smart city initiatives, with emphasis on strategy, conceptual development and project implementation. It develops a cross‑sectoral understanding of systems such as water, energy and mobility, together with IT‑ and data‑driven solutions. The programme is offered in a flexible, modular format so students can follow a full‑time route or combine study with part‑time work; full‑time and part‑time curricula are available on the programme website.
Graduates typically progress into strategic roles within the growing smart city sector — working as independent practitioners, senior consultants for international firms, or as lead architects, urban planners or engineers. Employers of alumni include national and international municipalities, real‑estate developers, utility companies, architectural and engineering firms, and research institutes.
For detailed curricula and application information, consult the programme webpage.
Overview This program delivers an interdisciplinary approach to designing and managing intelligent urban environments, combining civil engineering perspectives with urbanism, building technology, information modelling, infrastructure, finance and governance. The curriculum is split across three semesters: the first two focus on taught modules and an extended case study that integrates classroom learning into a real-world project, while the third semester is reserved for an independently researched Master's thesis guided by both academic and industry supervisors.
First- and second-semester study is organised into ten modules. In semester one you concentrate on foundational topics—core concepts of smart solutions, smart urbanism, smart buildings and smart information modelling—alongside an application module (a case study) that begins translating theory into practice. Semester two mirrors this structure but shifts attention to infrastructure, finance and management for smart cities, with content modules on smart energy and mobility; smart resources and resilience; smart sustainable finance; and smart governance, citizens and management. The case study continues across the second semester and culminates in a cross-disciplinary project that demonstrates integrated thinking and practical implementation.
Key learning outcomes include the ability to synthesize technical, social and economic aspects of smart cities; to apply information modelling and urban design tools to real-world problems; to plan resilient infrastructure and sustainable service systems; and to assess financial and governance mechanisms that enable citizen-centred smart solutions. The final thesis, produced under supervision from both academic and professional experts, is intended to contribute directly to smart city practice or development.
Key modules
Learning outcomes
Program structure and requirements (concise)
This master’s programme requires a first university degree that provides solid academic preparation in construction, infrastructure or related fields. Applicants should normally hold a Bachelor’s, Magister, Diplom or equivalent in a relevant subject; the standard entry qualification is a degree comprising at least 210 ECTS (a seven‑semester full‑time programme). If your background differs from the typical profiles, the admissions committee will assess whether your qualifications match the programme’s aims.
In addition to the academic qualification, you must show above‑average grades, proof of English language ability, and at least one year of relevant full‑time professional experience after completing your first degree. You will also be asked to submit a short academic-style essay (1–2 pages, 600–900 words). If your first degree totals 180 ECTS (six semesters), please consult the programme FAQs for guidance.
Admission requirements (summary)
Note: ECTS = European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System.
Winter Semester (International)
15 April 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for strategic and managerial roles in the expanding smart city sector. Typical career paths include positions as consultants or project leaders in international engineering and planning firms, senior roles in municipal authorities and utility providers, in-house specialists for real-estate developers, or research and advisory roles in institutes and think tanks.
The programme’s applied case studies and industry-supervised thesis help students build a professional network and practical experience, making them attractive to employers seeking cross-disciplinary expertise in areas such as smart infrastructure, urban resilience, sustainable finance and citizen-centred governance.
Technical University of Munich — München
Deggendorf Institute of Technology — Cham
SRH University — Heidelberg
RWTH Aachen University — Aachen