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Masters Degrees in Smart Cities in the Netherlands

Urban Governance of Inclusive Sustainable Cities Master Degree

Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB), Erasmus University Rotterdam Netherlands

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Looking for your first degree in Smart Cities? See bachelors degrees in Smart Cities in the Netherlands

Study a Smart Cities Masters in the Netherlands in 2025

The digital collection of data describing human behavior in modern cities is key to the concept of the smart city. Sources of data can include mobile devices, traffic, buildings and any number of intelligent embedded systems connected to the Internet of Things.

This data can be analyzed and subsequently used to improve the essential processes that govern the infrastructure of a city. Data may benefit citizens, businesses and governmental associations. An example application of this concept within a smart city is traffic management, which can be effectively monitored and controlled in a much more efficient manner through the use of technology.

By studying in this field, your modules are likely to cover topics such as:

  • Sustainable energy
  • The Internet of Things
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Process simulation & modeling
  • Cloud computing
  • Communication technologies
  • Robotics
  • Signal processing

Studying Smart Cities at university will equip you to take part in the planning of future urbanized environments, solving issues such as sustainability and contributing to effective governance in the future.

Career paths of graduates in university studies of Smart Cities can include:

  • Data analyst
    Where you skills at analyzing data can help to improve existing processes
  • Policy Advisor
    Where you knowledge of smart technologies can contribute to effective governance
  • Technology Entrepreneurship
    You may wish to exploit your knowledge of smart technologies in a cutting edge company
  • Smart city planning
    Using your skills to contribute to the planning of smart cities of the future
  • Security analyst
    You may wish to focus on network technology skills that help protect digital infrastructure
  • Robotics engineer
    Your degree may involve studying automation and robotics, which can lead to a career in this fast paced industry

Postgraduate programmes in Smart Cities are most commonly offered at universities around the world as a Master of Science (MSc. degree/MS degree), which can typically take between 1-2 years to complete when studied Full-time, and may include an industrial placement year.

Entry requirements for postgraduate programmes in Smart Cities will usually include a bachelor/undergraduate degree in a related topic such as electronic engineering, computer programming, economics, geography and sociology.

Study in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a great choice for international students, as it has a very large international population that would be ready to make any new international students feel at home. The Netherlands was also one of the first non-native English speaking countries to offer courses taught in English to international students. The Dutch people have a long standing reputation of being tolerant and open minded, meaning you will feel welcomed and comfortable as soon as you arrive in the country.

See our detailed guide to studying in the Netherlands for international students.

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