Master’s degree1,500 h · Online · 11 modules
Master's in Port City Urban Planning
This master's offers comprehensive training for professionals who want to lead the sustainable and resilient development of port cities. You will learn to integrate port activity with the urban fabric, addressing infrastructure, multimodal mobility and urban logistics, environmental quality, waterfront regeneration and social cohesion, and to design innovative strategies, supported by GIS, BIM and urban modeling, that strengthen both the competitiveness of the port and the quality of life of the city.
Duration1,500 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules11
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About the program
What is the Master's in Port City Urban Planning?
This master's approaches the port city as a single system in which port, logistics and urban life must be planned together. You will study strategic design and master plans for port cities, dynamic zoning, mixed uses and public space; sustainability indicators, green and blue-green infrastructure and climate adaptation to sea level rise and storms; multimodal mobility, rail and road connections to the hinterland, urban freight and last-mile logistics; smart port city technologies such as IoT, big data, SCADA, 5G, digital twins and artificial intelligence; BIM for port and urban infrastructure; water, waste and energy management and the circular economy; port-city governance, legal frameworks, financing and stakeholder participation; and port heritage and waterfront regeneration, with references such as Barcelona, Bilbao, Hamburg and Rotterdam.
What sets this master's apart: it is centered on the port-city interface, the zone where operational, environmental and social interests collide, and on the tools to plan it, from land-use planning and multicriteria spatial analysis to governance and conflict management; it combines urban design and heritage with logistics, mobility and digital technologies in one multidisciplinary program; it uses international case studies of waterfront transformation as a constant reference; and it closes with a Final Project in which you design an urban plan for a port city that integrates GIS, big data and urban modeling to maximize resilience, functionality and sustainability.
Program typeMaster’s degree
ModeOnline
Duration1,500 hours
Modules11
Start1 December
Program highlights
- Port-city interface: master plans, zoning, mixed uses, land-use planning and conflict management.
- Multimodal mobility, hinterland connections, urban freight logistics and emission reduction.
- Resilience and sustainability: green and blue-green infrastructure, climate adaptation, water, waste and energy.
- Smart port city tools: GIS, BIM, IoT, big data, digital twins and urban simulation.
- Waterfront regeneration and port heritage, with cases such as Barcelona, Bilbao, Hamburg and Rotterdam.
- Final Project: a resilient urban plan for a port city built with GIS, big data and urban modeling.
Syllabus
Syllabus of the Master's in Port City Urban Planning
11 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Module 1
Strategic design and integrated sustainability in the urban planning of smart port cities
- 1.1. Foundations of strategic design in port cities: analysis of urban, maritime and logistics contexts for comprehensive master plans
- 1.2. Advanced territorial management models: dynamic zoning, mixed uses and optimization of public space in port environments
- 1.3. Assessment and application of sustainability methods: environmental, social and economic indicators adapted to ports
- 1.4. Planning resilient infrastructure: green systems, climate risk management and adaptation strategies for extreme events
- 1.5. Smart mobility and multimodal transport: design and optimization of urban and port flows with a focus on energy efficiency and emission reduction
- 1.6. IoT and big data for real-time monitoring of resources, traffic and environmental quality in port cities
- 1.7. Design of inclusive urban spaces with social equity and universal accessibility in the maritime-urban environment
- 1.8. Governance and public participation: collaborative models, public policy and strategic alliances for co-creating smart port cities
- 1.9. Analysis of successful international cases: lessons learned and knowledge transfer in port design and sustainability
- 1.10. Advanced simulation and urban modeling tools for strategic decisions in sustainable planning and port urban design
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 2
Technological innovation and coastal resilience in smart port urban development
- 2.1. Foundations of technological innovation in port urban environments: evolution and applications
- 2.2. Digital tools for smart urban planning: advanced GIS, 3D modeling and integrated information systems
- 2.3. Architecture of smart port cities: IoT sensors, communication networks and real-time management platforms
- 2.4. Environmental and maritime monitoring systems: water quality, air quality and detection of natural hazards
- 2.5. Coastal resilience: vulnerability to extreme climate events and adaptive strategies based on emerging technologies
- 2.6. Computational models for simulating coastal impacts: sediment dynamics, erosion and management of critical infrastructure
- 2.7. Integration of renewable energy and sustainable solutions into port urban design: energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction
- 2.8. Smart management of maritime and land traffic: advanced control systems and logistics optimization with artificial intelligence
- 2.9. International regulations and technology standards for smart port cities: compliance and certification schemes
- 2.10. Case studies: successful implementation of innovative technologies and coastal resilience projects in international ports
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 3
Sustainable design strategies and technological resilience in the transformation of smart port cities
- 3.1. Foundations of sustainable design in port environments: ecological principles, environmental integration and energy efficiency
- 3.2. Urban resilience models applied to port cities: systems approaches, vulnerability analysis and adaptive strategies
- 3.3. Environmental impact assessment in port planning: indicators, carbon footprint and mitigation
- 3.4. Technological innovations for sustainability: renewable energy, smart water management and waste treatment systems
- 3.5. Green and blue-green infrastructure: design and benefits for the microclimate and stormwater management
- 3.6. Digitalization of port management: IoT, big data and real-time monitoring systems for decision-making
- 3.7. 5G technologies and communication networks to optimize connectivity and emergency response
- 3.8. Integrated planning of urban mobility and sustainable logistics: multimodality, emission reduction and operational efficiency
- 3.9. International sustainability and resilience regulations and standards applicable to smart port cities
- 3.10. Global case studies: leading projects in the sustainable and resilient transformation of port cities
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 4
Strategic and integrated port-city planning: multimodal mobility, urban logistics, green infrastructure, BIM and IoT for smart, adaptive ports
- 4.1. Foundations of integrated strategic planning in port-city contexts: vision, objectives and key stakeholders
- 4.2. Multimodal mobility: design, integration and optimization of road, maritime and rail transport networks
- 4.3. Advanced urban logistics models for ports: flow management, congestion reduction and improved operational efficiency
- 4.4. Green infrastructure and environmental resilience: sustainable systems, management of public spaces and mitigation of climate impacts
- 4.5. BIM (Building Information Modeling) for port and urban infrastructure projects: planning, design, construction and maintenance
- 4.6. Internet of Things (IoT) for smart ports: sensors, automation, real-time monitoring and resource optimization
- 4.7. Spatial analysis tools and geographic information systems (GIS) for planning adaptive port cities
- 4.8. Collaborative governance strategies between port authorities, municipalities and local communities for integrated development
- 4.9. International case studies: successful integrated models of mobility, logistics and environmental management in smart ports
- 4.10. Impact and sustainability assessment: key indicators for measuring the effectiveness of strategic and adaptive plans in the port-city context
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 5
Integrated management of port urban spaces: logistics optimization, environmental sustainability and emerging technologies
- 5.1. The concept of integrated management of port urban spaces: foundations, scope and relevance in modern port cities
- 5.2. Logistics optimization: design and management of multimodal infrastructure, sequencing of port operations and intermodal cargo flows
- 5.3. Advanced territorial planning models for the harmonious integration of urban and port areas
- 5.4. Emerging technologies: IoT, big data, artificial intelligence and cyber-physical systems (CPS) for monitoring and controlling port urban environments
- 5.5. Environmental sustainability strategies: waste management, water treatment, emission reduction and design of green spaces around the port
- 5.6. Smart port cities: communication architectures and integrated platforms for smart management of urban resources and services in port areas
- 5.7. Assessment and mitigation of environmental and social impacts through life-cycle assessment (LCA) and urban resilience approaches
- 5.8. Land-use planning and inter-institutional coordination for the sustainable development of port areas with a view to adaptability and future expansion
- 5.9. GIS and remote sensing for dynamic mapping and spatial-temporal monitoring of port urban transformations
- 5.10. International regulations and standards for port urban management: integration of security, environmental protection and economic development policies
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 6
Sustainable design, technological resilience and integrated management for smart and adaptive port cities
- 6.1. Foundations of sustainable design in port cities: ecological principles, energy efficiency and green urbanism
- 6.2. Integration of smart infrastructure: IoT, environmental sensors and SCADA systems for real-time port management
- 6.3. Modeling and simulation of urban resilience: advanced techniques for assessing risks from natural and human-made hazards
- 6.4. Climate adaptation strategies: mitigating the impacts of sea level rise, storms and extreme events
- 6.5. Integrated management of water resources and waste: circular systems for reuse, treatment and pollutant reduction
- 6.6. Optimization of multimodal transport: logistics corridors, last-mile delivery and connections with the urban hinterland
- 6.7. Regeneration and revitalization of port public spaces: accessibility, inclusiveness and quality of urban life
- 6.8. Disruptive technologies: artificial intelligence, big data and blockchain for transparency and efficiency in port governance
- 6.9. International and local regulations: environmental compliance, operational safety and sustainable development standards
- 6.10. Participatory strategic planning: methods for involving public, private and community stakeholders in co-creating adaptive port cities
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 7
Technological innovation and sustainable strategies for transforming smart and resilient port cities
- 7.1. Foundations of technological innovation in port urban settings: definition, fields of application and emerging trends
- 7.2. Smart infrastructure: IoT sensors and SCADA systems for real-time control and monitoring of critical port networks
- 7.3. Advanced data management models for port cities: big data, machine learning and predictive analytics applied to urban planning
- 7.4. Sustainable mobility and multimodal connectivity: integrating maritime, road and rail transport with clean technologies and smart management
- 7.5. Urban resilience strategies against climate threats: adaptive infrastructure design and AI-based early warning systems
- 7.6. Efficient management of water and energy resources: technologies to optimize consumption and reduce the environmental footprint of port areas
- 7.7. Digital platforms for public participation: collaborative tools and open governance in sustainable port city development
- 7.8. International regulations and standards for technological innovation and sustainability in port urban planning
- 7.9. Success stories and pilot projects: detailed analysis of smart and resilient port cities around the world
- 7.10. Development and application of urban sustainability indicators for port environments: measuring the impact of innovative technologies
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 8
Advanced governance models and sustainable development in the urban planning of smart port cities
- 8.1. Theoretical foundations of urban governance in smart port cities: definitions, evolution and contemporary models
- 8.2. International, national and local legal and regulatory framework for urban port governance
- 8.3. Integrated planning instruments: strategic, territorial and environmental planning in the port context
- 8.4. Stakeholder and governance network analysis: public-private relations, the port community and advanced public participation
- 8.5. Advanced methods for collaborative and multilevel management of urban port projects
- 8.6. Indicators and metrics for assessing social, economic and environmental sustainability in port cities
- 8.7. Financing models and the circular economy applied to sustainable urban port development
- 8.8. Technological innovation in governance: IoT, big data and artificial intelligence in port planning and management
- 8.9. Design and management of public policies for climate resilience and environmental adaptation in coastal urban areas
- 8.10. International case studies of smart port cities: successful strategies and lessons learned
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 9
Innovation, sustainability and resilience in the integrated management of smart port cities
- 9.1. Foundations of technological innovation in port cities: trends in automation, digitalization and smart city frameworks
- 9.2. Advanced urban sustainability models: environmental impact assessment, circular economy and water resource management in port environments
- 9.3. Adaptive urban resilience: strategies for mitigating climate risks, sea level rise and extreme events in coastal cities
- 9.4. Integration of cyber-physical systems into the management of port infrastructure and its links with urban logistics
- 9.5. Design and application of key performance indicators (KPIs) for smart port cities focused on sustainability and resilience
- 9.6. Evaluation of public policies and regulatory frameworks that promote sustainable innovation in port urban planning
- 9.7. Energy optimization through renewable technologies and energy efficiency solutions in the urban-port ecosystem
- 9.8. Advanced data analysis and big data methods for decision-making in the planning and operation of port cities
- 9.9. Integrated management of public space and sustainable mobility: intermodal networks, smart transport and emission reduction
- 9.10. Development of public participation and collaborative governance programs to strengthen community resilience in smart port cities
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 10
Port heritage, waterfront regeneration and public space
- 10.1. History of port cities
- 10.2. Industrial and port heritage
- 10.3. Waterfront regeneration
- 10.4. The cases of Barcelona, Bilbao, Hamburg and Rotterdam
- 10.5. Design of coastal public space
- 10.6. Mixed uses and housing
- 10.7. Landscape integration
- 10.8. Public participation in planning
- 10.9. Management of port-city conflicts
- 10.10. Urban regeneration project
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your paceModule 11
Final Project
- 11.1. Foundations of geographic information systems (GIS): architectures, spatial data models, geospatial databases and international standards
- 11.2. Big data applied to port urban planning: massive data sources, real-time processing, predictive analysis and integration with urban models
- 11.3. Advanced urban modeling: 3D simulation, population dynamics and modeling of logistics and traffic flows in port environments
- 11.4. Methods for integrating GIS and big data into urban planning decisions: frameworks, interoperability and digital platforms
- 11.5. Urban resilience in port cities: assessment of natural hazards (floods, tsunamis, storms) and human-made risks, adaptive strategies and mitigation based on geospatial data
- 11.6. Design and execution of integrated projects: territorial planning and smart, sustainable port infrastructure supported by geospatial technologies and big data analytics
- 11.7. Multicriteria spatial analysis for optimizing land use and environmental management at the port-city interface
- 11.8. Advanced tools for real-time monitoring and evaluation of urban variables: IoT sensors, remote sensing and geospatial visualization platforms
- 11.9. International case studies: practical integration of GIS and big data in resilient port urban planning and management
- 11.10. Preparation of the final project: design of a port urban plan that uses GIS, big data analysis and urban modeling to maximize resilience, functionality and sustainability
At this stage
136 hestimated workload11 wkweeks at your pacePlan your pace
Duration and format of the Master's in Port City Urban Planning
It is 1,500 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
4 h30 h
With 12 h per week
29
months to finish
125 weeks
weeks in total
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
Faculty
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives
Objectives of the Master's in Port City Urban Planning
01Design resilient urban development strategies, assessing urban vulnerability, identifying climate and socioeconomic risks and integrating nature-based solutions.
02Manage the complexity of the port-city interface, identifying the relevant stakeholders (authorities, operators, community) and establishing effective channels to resolve conflicts and optimize resources.
03Promote the environmental and economic sustainability of ports through waste and energy management strategies that reduce the environmental footprint and operating costs.
04Lead innovative urban regeneration processes using participatory design methods and BIM to optimize resources and co-create solutions adapted to the local context.
05Improve mobility and accessibility in port environments through traffic management, wayfinding and assistive technologies that make movement safe and efficient.
06Foster public participation in port planning, designing transparent consultation and collaboration mechanisms that bring community perspectives into port policies and projects.
Careers
Career opportunities after the Master's in Port City Urban Planning
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the Master's in Port City Urban Planning
Port cities: cities whose development is shaped by the presence of a commercial, passenger or industrial port and by the interface between port activity and urban life.
On the integrated planning of cities that have a port, covering the port-city interface, mobility and logistics, waterfronts, public space, resilience and governance.
Geographic information systems (GIS), BIM, urban modeling and 3D simulation, multicriteria spatial analysis and data platforms based on IoT and big data.
Yes. A dedicated module covers port heritage, waterfront regeneration, coastal public space, mixed uses and housing, with references such as Barcelona, Bilbao, Hamburg and Rotterdam.
Yes. The program is aimed at architects, civil engineers, urban planners, geographers, public officials, consultants and developers as well as port professionals.
Online, with international case studies and practical exercises throughout the modules, and a Final Project in which you design a resilient urban plan for a port city.
A Navalis Institute master's certificate and a Final Project with a complete port city urban plan that you can use as a professional portfolio.
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Online admission
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
Entry requirements
- Profile: a degree in architecture, civil engineering, geography, environmental science or a related field, or professional experience in urban planning, port management or territorial development, with a demonstrated interest in port-city integration.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, able to run GIS and basic design or modeling software.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
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