Why pursue smart and safe cities studies through Erasmus Mundus?
Real-world urban laboratories
Study in cities experiencing transformation, from examples like Barcelona's smart districts to Rotterdam's flood management systems.
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Work alongside architects, engineers, planners, and social scientists to address complex urban challenges.
Industry and government partnerships
Collaborate directly with city councils, tech companies, and NGOs on projects that impact millions of urban residents.
Scholarships available
Many Erasmus Mundus programmes offer €1 400 scholarships with tuition waivers. Availability and numbers vary by consortium.
Plan ahead!
Most scholarship deadlines fall between October and January, so start preparing early!
5 exciting Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters to explore
SMACCs – Smart Cities and Communities
Study locations: University of Mons (Belgium), International Hellenic University (Greece), University of the Basque Country (Spain), University of Vaasa (Finland).
What makes it unique
The programme focuses on the five fundamental pillars of sustainable cities: energy, transport, buildings, urban planning, and ICT as the connecting factor.
Industry integration
Over 50 public and private associated partners worldwide provide internships, case studies, and career pathways.
Real city impact
Work directly with municipal governments and urban planning departments on live smart city projects.
ARURCOHE – Architectural and Urban Contemporary Heritage
Study locations: University of the Basque Country (Spain), Politecnico di Torino (Italy), Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania).
What makes it unique
This is the only Erasmus Mundus programme dedicated exclusively to 20th-century architectural and urban heritage conservation.
Compact intensive format
The 18-month programme focuses specifically on contemporary heritage challenges.
European identity focus
Addresses how contemporary heritage defines European city identities and contributes to urban resilience.
Practical learning
Work on actual heritage sites and urban environments near each university location.
NORISK – Risk Assessment and Management of Civil Infrastructures
Study locations: University of Minho (Portugal), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (Spain), University of La Rochelle (France), University of Padova (Italy).
What makes it unique
One-year intensive programme focusing specifically on critical infrastructure safety – energy, transport, communications, and water systems.
Immediate relevance
It was launched in 2024/25 as a response to urgent needs for infrastructure risk specialists across Europe.
43 associated partners
Strong connections with industry, research and developement (R&D) institutions, and NGOs provide real-world project opportunities.
IMFSE – International Master of Science in Fire Safety Engineering
Study locations: Ghent University (Belgium), University of Edinburgh (UK), Lund University (Sweden), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (Spain).
What makes it unique
This world-leading fire safety engineering programme addresses everything from high-rise buildings to space stations.
Global demand
Graduates benefit from exceptional employability worldwide as cities increasingly focus on disaster resilience.
Hands-on learning
The curriculum includes fire experiments, evacuation simulations, and structural testing across partner facilities.
RePIC – Redesigning the Post-Industrial City
Study locations: 8 UNIC university alliance universities including Ruhr University Bochum (Germany), University College Cork (Ireland), Erasmus University Rotterdam (Netherlands), University of Zagreb (Croatia).
What makes it unique
As it's part of the UNIC alliance, the programme is able to address post-industrial urban transformation across 8 European cities.
4 specialisation tracks
Choose from:
- Urban transformations and resilience
- Inequality, diversity and social justice
- Urban analysis: smart, sustainable and resilient cities
- Governance of post-industrial cities
Flexible thesis options
Complete traditional research, publication-ready manuscript, or practical project with documentation.
Living laboratories
Study in actual post-industrial cities experiencing revitalisation, from the Ruhr Valley to Cork's waterfront.