Program Details

Volunteered geographic information and cellular navigation are just two examples of the innovative technologies used in modern urban development. In fact, the list of cities adopting 'smart' technologies is constantly growing. Smart cities integrate information, communication technology and various physical devices to optimize the efficiency of city operations and services, connect to citizens, and improve urban quality of life. Hebrew University’s M.A. in Smart Cities and Urban Informatics program prepares students for this exciting and future-oriented field.

Designed to meet the growing demand for experts in cutting-edge smart city technologies, this master’s program equips a new generation of urban planners, analysts and policy makers with the requisite tool box for developing smart cities. This includes both hands-on analytical skills as well as the ability to address current and anticipated future challenges posed by smart cities.

Students will take courses on topics such as geoinformatics, urban planning, urban remote sensing, python programming, geo-spatial data analytics, smart urban transportation and energy systems, and social planning for smart communities, among others. To view a complete list of courses, click here. In addition, field trips are an integral part of the program, with the city of Jerusalem showcased as a unique testing ground for the subject matter.

For additional information, please visit the program’s website.

Career & Networking 

Graduates of the program are prepared for positions in national and local government, private companies providing location-based and urban data-analytics services to municipalities, and transportation and infrastructure agencies in Israel and worldwide. They will be prepared to work as members of urban planning teams, as technical and information experts, infrastructure consultants, and urban policy makers, among other positions.

Teaching Faculty

The program capitalizes on the joint strengths of Hebrew University’s Urban Planning program and the Geoinformatics track in the Department of Geography, drawing on their renowned lecturers as well as other experts in various fields.

Prof. Daniel Felsenstein of the Department of Geography is the academic director of the program. His work uses the tools of dynamic simulation modeling and spatial econometrics to study urban development, and one of his areas of expertise is simulating urban resilience to large scale shocks.

Faculty of Social Sciences 

The Faculty of Social Sciences is Hebrew University’s largest faculty, with a total of 3,600 students studying towards undergraduate and graduate degrees. The Faculty is devoted to training future leaders by providing its students with a first-class education with practical, hands-on elements.

The Faculty of Social Sciences encompasses a broad spectrum of fields such as Communications and Journalism, Economics, Geography, International Relations, Political Science, PPE (Philosophy, Political Science and Economics), Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology, and Statistics (with a focus on Data Science).  

The teaching staff at the faculty is composed of world-class researchers and practitioners, many of whom have received prestigious awards, among them Israel Prizes, Emet Prizes, and Rothschild Prizes.

This program is run collaboratively with Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School (RIS). Over 2,000 students from 90 countries worldwide convene in Jerusalem each year to participate in RIS programs, ranging from intensive language courses to short-term courses, internships, study abroad, and full-fledged MA degree programs offered in English. RIS’ innovative programming, diverse community, and rich student life offer an unforgettable, transformative experience for students of all backgrounds and academic pursuits.

For more information about the Faculty of Social Sciences, visit their website.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have an internationally accredited bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 80 (or equivalent).

Candidates must also demonstrate a high level of English proficiency by providing one of the following documents:

• a TOEFL exam score of 80 or above

• an IELTS exam score of 6 or above

• an Amir or Amiram exam score of 120 or above

Applicants who completed degrees at universities at which English is the sole language of instruction, as well as applicants who completed degrees in English Language and Literature, may request an exemption. Such applicants must submit documentation from their university verifying English as the language of instruction. Note that exemption is not automatic and is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Visit the program’s website for more information about the admissions process or apply here.

For detailed information on admission requirements, based on the country where you completed your undergraduate studies, please click here.

Tuition & Scholarships

Tuition is US$11,400 for the entire program.

Students are eligible for a variety of scholarships. More information can be found on the  Scholarships & Financial Aid page. For additional information regarding tuition and other costs, please visit the program’s website.

Further Information

Academic Inquiries: Prof. Daniel Felsenstein, Academic Director: daniel.felsenstein@mail.huji.ac.il

Administrative Inquiries: RIS Division of Graduate Studies: gradmiss@savion.huji.ac.il
Program Website

 

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