Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Course in Marine Spatial Planning
The Course in Marine Spatial Planning Prepares you to take part in marine spatial planning, the process that organises the uses of the sea in space and time: fishing, shipping, offshore wind, aquaculture, tourism and conservation.
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
Prior Knowledge Assessment
These are the skills this programme builds. Tick the ones you already have and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is really for you.
Your profile
Tick what you already know to see your result.
Programme overview
What is the Course in Marine Spatial Planning?
The Course in Marine Spatial Planning
Prepares you to take part in marine spatial planning, the process that organises the uses of the sea in space and time: fishing, shipping, offshore wind, aquaculture, tourism and conservation. You will learn the ecosystem approach, how to analyse conflicts and compatibilities, GIS tools, the reference frameworks of IOC-UNESCO and the European Union, and the importance of stakeholder participation throughout the process.
Key advantages
- Growing demand: Planning the sea is key as offshore wind and other uses expand.
- Reference frameworks: IOC-UNESCO guidance and the EU Maritime Spatial Planning Directive.
- Practical tools: GIS, compatibility analysis and cumulative impact assessment.
- Ecosystem approach: Conservation built into the planning process.
- Case study: A zoning proposal for a real marine area.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Programme highlights
- Know the uses of the sea: Analyse activities, interests and conflicts.
- Apply the ecosystem approach: Build conservation into planning.
- Work with GIS: Use spatial tools to analyse the sea.
- Involve stakeholders: Design effective participatory processes.
- Broaden your profile: Specialise in maritime spatial planning.
- Train to organise an increasingly busy sea using sustainability criteria.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Foundations of Marine Spatial Planning
- What marine spatial planning is
- Origins and evolution
- The IOC-UNESCO step-by-step guide
- The EU Maritime Spatial Planning Directive
- Links with integrated coastal zone management
02
Uses of the Sea and Conflicts
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Shipping and ports
- Offshore renewable energy
- Cables, pipelines and resource extraction
- Analysing compatibility between uses
03
Ecosystem Approach and Conservation
- Sensitive habitats and species
- Marine protected areas
- Cumulative impacts
- Marine ecosystem services
- Climate change in planning
04
Data, GIS and Support Tools
- Open marine data sources
- GIS for the marine environment
- Maps of uses and pressures
- Decision-support tools
- Future use scenarios
05
Participation, Plans and Monitoring
- Mapping marine stakeholders
- Consultation and participation processes
- Zoning and measures
- Monitoring and reviewing plans
- Case study: zoning proposal for a marine area
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 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
Maritime and environmental public sector officers: involved in marine plans Environmental consultants: working on marine projects Offshore wind and aquaculture professionals: who need to understand planning Fishing organisation and NGO staff: who take part in consultations Marine science, geography or environmental graduates: interested in marine management
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 marine spatial planning
- 02Analyse uses and conflicts
- 03Apply the ecosystem approach
- 04Use spatial tools
- 05Design participation
- 06Prepare zoning proposals
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Marine planning officer: Preparing plans in public bodies.
02Marine GIS analyst: Mapping and spatial analysis of sea uses.
03Marine environmental consultant: Studies for marine projects and plans.
04Stakeholder engagement officer: Coordinating consultation processes.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Marine spatial planning focuses on organising uses at sea; coastal management covers both the land and sea sides of the coast.
It is not essential. The course includes a practical introduction to marine spatial analysis.
The EU Directive is studied as a reference, alongside the international IOC-UNESCO guidance and examples from other regions.
Yes. Planning determines where wind farms can be sited and how they coexist with other uses.
A zoning proposal for a real marine area, with analysis of uses, conflicts and measures.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 300 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 Course in Marine Spatial Planning 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: Studies or a degree in marine science, geography, environmental science, biology, engineering or a related field; or professional experience in the marine sector. 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.