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Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Glaciers, Sea Ice and the Polar Ocean
The Diploma in Glaciers, Sea Ice and the Polar Ocean Prepares you to understand how the polar regions work and the role they play in the global climate. You will study the dynamics of glaciers and ice sheets, the formation and ret
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts16 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Glaciers, Sea Ice and the Polar Ocean?
The Diploma in Glaciers, Sea Ice and the Polar Ocean
Prepares you to understand how the polar regions work and the role they play in the global climate. You will study the dynamics of glaciers and ice sheets, the formation and retreat of sea ice, the oceanography of the Arctic and the Southern Ocean, polar ecosystems and the satellite observation of the cryosphere, as well as shipping in polar waters and the governance frameworks that apply to these remote and rapidly changing regions.
Key advantages
- Both poles: The Arctic and Antarctica studied side by side, with their differences.
- Up-to-date science: Grounded in the IPCC assessments of the ocean and cryosphere.
- Satellite data: Hands-on work with open sea ice and glacier products.
- The human dimension: Shipping, Arctic peoples and international governance.
- Case study: Analysis of change in a polar region.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Programme highlights
- Understand the cryosphere: Grasp the dynamics of land and sea ice.
- Analyse the polar ocean: Study Arctic and Southern Ocean oceanography.
- Observe from space: Use satellite data on the cryosphere.
- Know the ecosystems: Analyse life in and under the ice and its vulnerability.
- Boost your career: Open doors to research, consultancy, communication and polar tourism.
- Train to understand the regions where climate change is moving fastest.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
The Cryosphere and the Climate System
- Components of the cryosphere
- Albedo and the ice feedback
- Ice mass balance
- The polar regions in the global climate
- Arctic amplification
- Climate records in ice cores
- Land and subsea permafrost
- IPCC assessments of the cryosphere
02
Glaciers and Ice Sheets
- Glacier formation and flow
- Tidewater glaciers and iceberg calving
- The Greenland ice sheet
- The Antarctic ice sheet
- Floating ice shelves
- Ice-ocean interaction
- Contribution to sea level rise
- Instabilities and thresholds
03
Sea Ice
- Sea ice formation and growth
- First-year and multi-year ice
- Ice dynamics and drift
- Polynyas and leads
- Extent and thickness
- Trends in the Arctic
- Variability in the Antarctic
- Sea ice projections
04
Polar Oceanography
- Polar water masses
- Deep water formation
- The Antarctic Circumpolar Current
- Arctic Ocean circulation
- Exchanges with the Atlantic and Pacific
- Freshwater and stratification
- Polar ocean warming
- Role in global circulation
05
Observing the Cryosphere
- Passive microwave satellites
- Radar and laser altimetry
- Synthetic aperture radar
- Gravimetry measurements
- Stations and field campaigns
- Ice buoys and floats
- Open data products
- Basic analysis of ice time series
06
Polar Ecosystems
- Life associated with sea ice
- Krill and Antarctic food webs
- Arctic ecosystems
- Polar marine mammals and seabirds
- Phytoplankton blooms
- Species vulnerable to ice loss
- Species moving poleward
- Conservation of the polar regions
07
Human Activity and Governance
- Shipping in polar waters
- The IMO Polar Code
- New Arctic routes and their risks
- Fishing in polar regions
- Responsible polar tourism
- The Antarctic Treaty System
- The Arctic Council and cooperation
- Indigenous peoples of the Arctic
08
Case Study: Analysing Change in a Polar Region
- Choosing the region
- Literature review
- Obtaining satellite data
- Analysing ice trends
- Links with ocean variables
- Ecological and human impacts
- Conclusions and scenarios
- Presenting the analysis
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Graduates in marine science, geology, physics or geography: who want to specialise in the polar regions Navigation professionals: who operate or plan voyages in polar waters Environmental specialists: working on climate and the cryosphere Polar tourism guides and staff: who want a solid scientific grounding Teachers and science communicators: who explain climate change
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Understand the cryosphere
- 02Analyse polar oceanography
- 03Interpret satellite data
- 04Assess observed change
- 05Know polar ecosystems
- 06Know polar governance
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Polar research assistant: Supporting scientific projects on the cryosphere.
02Cryosphere data analyst: Processing satellite data.
03Polar environmental consultant: Assessing activities in polar regions.
04Polar navigation adviser: Supporting voyage planning in ice.
05Expedition science guide: Environmental interpretation in polar tourism.
06Science communicator: Communicating change at the poles.
Questions
Entry Requirements
No. Polar Code training for officers is regulated statutory training; this programme does not replace it.
No. The programme is online and based on satellite data and scientific literature.
Yes. Both regions are covered and their processes and changes are compared.
It is not essential; the analyses can be done with simple tools.
An analysis of observed changes in the ice and ocean of a polar region.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 800 hours of study. You can work at your own pace within the timetable we give you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, shown on this page and confirmed by our admissions team when you enquire.
On completing the programme you receive the Diploma in Glaciers, Sea Ice and the Polar Ocean qualification awarded by Navalis Magna Institute.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Entry profile: A degree in marine science, geology, physics, geography, environmental science, nautical studies or a related field; or professional experience in navigation, research or polar tourism. Language: A good working level of English to follow classes and materials. Technical requirements: A computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a webcam for live sessions and project presentations. Admissions process: Online application, profile review and a short interview with the academic team. We confirm your start date when you enquire.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave your details and admissions will write back. If you already know this is the one, go straight to the application and pay in the same session.