Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Masters · 1500 h · 11 modules
Master's in Naval History and Underwater Archaeology
Offers an in-depth immersion into the evolution of maritime warfare and trade, combined with cutting-edge techniques for the exploration and conservation of underwater heritage. Discover lost civilizations through historical…
Duration1500 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 Master’s in Naval History and Underwater Archaeology?
The Master's in Naval History and Underwater Archaeology
Offers an in-depth immersion into the evolution of maritime warfare and trade, combined with cutting-edge techniques for the exploration and conservation of underwater heritage. Discover lost civilizations through historical shipwrecks, learn to document and preserve ancient artifacts, and master historical research with a unique interdisciplinary approach. This program prepares you for an exciting career in heritage management, academic research, and underwater archaeology.
Key Advantages
- Real Expeditions: Participate in excavation and documentation projects at underwater sites.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Use ROVs, side-scan sonar, and 3D modeling for archaeological research.
- International Collaborations: Connect with leading experts and research centers in the field.
- Comprehensive Training: Combine naval history, archaeology, conservation, and heritage law.
- Career Opportunities: Open doors to museums, academic institutions, and consulting firms and government agencies.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,500 hours
Modules
11
Programme highlights
- Delve into Naval History: Explore the battles, strategies, and technological evolutions that have shaped world maritime history.
- Master Underwater Archaeology: Learn techniques for excavating, documenting, and conserving submerged archaeological sites.
- Advanced Research: Develop research skills to discover and analyze artifacts and shipwrecks with scientific rigor.
- Innovative Methodologies: Apply the latest technologies in the prospecting, mapping, and analysis of underwater sites.
- Hands-on Experience: Participate in real field projects, gaining invaluable experience in underwater archaeology.
- Prepare for an exciting career in the research, conservation, and dissemination of naval heritage submerged.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Advanced techniques of exploration and documentation in underwater archeology applied to historical ships
- Fundamentals of underwater prospecting: geophysical and acoustic analysis applied to historical contexts
- Advanced Instrumentation: Use of multi-frequency echo sounders, underwater lidar and magnetometry technologies for accurate detection of naval artifacts and structures
- Three-dimensional mapping methodologies: submarine photogrammetry techniques and 3D laser scanning for digital reconstruction of sunken ships
- International regulations and ethical protocols for intervention and documentation in historic submarine sites
- Scientific planning of archaeological campaigns: risk assessment, permits, logistics and inter-institutional coordination
- Sedimentation and conservation processes on site: identification of environmental conditions and biofouling for structural preservation
- Document management metadata and systems: standards for the catalogueing, storage and dissemination of underwater archaeological data
- Advanced techniques of safe immersion and equipment management in environments with reduced visibility and complex sea currents
- Integration of autonomous aquatic drones and ROVs in the exhaustive exploration of inaccessible areas and continuous monitoring
- Inter-disciplinary analysis with support in artificial intelligence and big data for historical and cultural contextualization
02
Comprehensive Naval Heritage Analysis: Scientific Techniques for the Conservation and Restoration of Historical Submerged Remains
- Submerged Naval Heritage Foundations: Definition, Typologies and Classification of Underwater Archaeological Remains
- Scientific methodologies for prospecting and documentation: topographic analysis, underwater photogrammetry and 3D scanning applied to historical naval sites
- Degradation mechanics in aquatic environments: electrochemical processes, biofouling, microbiological corrosion and physical-chemical environmental factors
- Naval artifact materials and composition: metallurgical, ceramic, organic and synthetic compounds in submerged archaeological contexts
- Advanced on-site and ex-situ conservation techniques: stabilisation, desalination, consolidation and preventive protection for naval-structural structures and artifacts
- Specialised restoration: scientific protocols for the treatment of naval wood, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, ceramics and recovered glass
- Applied scientific instrumentation: spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and microscopy techniques for diagnosis of conservation status
- International legal and regulatory dynamics: UNESCO, The Hague Conventions and National Legislation for the Management, Custody and Protection of Submerged Naval Heritage
- Design and execution of comprehensive assets management plans: impact assessment, anthropic and natural risks, and sustainable mitigation strategies
- Application of geospatial technologies and GIS for continuous monitoring and spatial analysis of submarine reservoirs and their long-term conservation
03
Advanced methodologies for exploration, documentation and conservation of historical naval remains in underwater environments
- Fundamentals of Underwater Archeology: Theoretical Principles, Work Techniques and International Regulations Applicable to the Exploration of Historic Naval Remains
- Advanced prospecting methodologies: magnetometry, multi-beam acoustic sounding, and geophysical techniques for the detection and delimitation of submarine reservoirs
- Comprehensive planning of underwater campaigns: design of objectives, risk analysis, operational logistics and interdisciplinary coordination
- Safe dive and access techniques: Scientific diving protocols, use of respiratory mixtures and time regulation for the preservation of the environment and the investigator
- Advanced digital documentation: Underwater photogrammetry, 3D scanning, virtual modelling and GIS systems applied to mapping naval debris
- In-situ artifact conservation: Preservation status assessment, Chemical and physical stabilisation techniques to minimise degradation in marine environments
- Controlled extraction procedures: technical criteria for the recovery, packaging and specialised transport of underwater archaeological material
- Post-extraction restoration: decontamination, consolidation, and long-term conservation of organic and inorganic materials from the underwater environment
- Documentary registration and preparation of scientific reports: international standards, regulations for the presentation and dissemination of naval heritage underwater
- Ethics and legality in underwater archeology: permit management, international maritime law and protection of submerged cultural heritage
04
Historical-documentary research, naval typologies and 3D digital reconstruction of boats and underwater contexts for scientific and museum interpretation
- Fundamentals of historical-documentary research applied to naval history: primary and secondary sources, documentary criticism and validation methods.
- Advanced methodologies for the identification and typological classification of historical vessels: structural characteristics, technological evolutions and operational functionality.
- Detailed study of classical and contemporary naval typologies: from sailing ships to engines and military, commercial and exploration boats.
- D digital reconstruction techniques: specialised software, archaeological data processing and parametric modelling applied to boats and underwater environments.
- Integration of underwater surveys and scans with virtual modelling: photogrammetry, multi-beam sonar and LiDAR for the generation of faithful and detailed representations.
- Application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Underwater Archeology: georeferencing, spatial analysis and contextual reconstruction in digital maps.
- Scientific interpretation of 3D digital models for structural, functional and environmental analysis of submerged naval remains.
- Development of digital museological resources: creation of virtual environments, augmented reality and interactively designed tours for scientific dissemination and public education.
- Documentation, digital conservation and archival protocols for naval archaeological projects: international standards and specialised metadata.
- PILOTS CASE AND REAL CASE STUDIES: Comprehensive reconstruction of emblematic historic vessels and their environmental and cultural contextualization for scientific and museographic purposes.
05
Geophysical and geomatic prospecting technologies applied to underwater archeology and naval historical cartography
- Fundamentals of Geophysics Applied to Underwater Archeology: Physical Principles, Material Properties and Their Response in Aquatic Environments
- Instrumentation in geophysical prospecting: magnetometres, multi-beam sonar, sub-fund profilers, gravimetres and submarine lidar systems; Technical characteristics, advantages and limitations
- Geophysical data acquisition methodologies: campaign planning, equipment calibration, grid design and transects for maximum coverage and resolution
- Advanced signal processing: filtering, noise correction, interpolation, spectral analysis and generation of three-dimensional submarine models
- Geomatic Systems in Underwater Archeology: Digital Cartography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Specialised Spatial Database Management
- Integration of geophysical and geomatic data for archaeological interpretation: identification of anthropic structures, location of naval remains and contextual analysis
- Naval Historical Mapping: Ancient Cartography Analysis, Geo-referencing Techniques and Digitization of Historical Plans for Overlay with Modern Geophysical Data
- Remote sensing techniques applied to the marine environment: use of satellite images, aquatic drones and unmanned submarine vehicles (AUV/ROV) in archaeological exploration
- Scientific documentation protocols: Preparation of technical reports, digital fund modelling, thematic map creation and international presentation standards
- Normative and ethical aspects in underwater geophysical prospecting: international legislation, conservation of submerged cultural heritage and interdisciplinary collabouration
06
Innovative techniques in exploration, documentation and conservation of historical naval heritage in underwater environments
- Technical Foundations of Underwater Archeology: Specific methodologies for the identification, excavation and preservation in situ of the Historic Naval Heritage.
- Innovations in underwater exploration technology: advanced use of multi-beam systems, digital photogrammetry and side-scan sonar for high-resolution mapping.
- Application of autonomous vehicles and ROVs (vehicles operated remotely) in inspection and documentation of underwater reservoirs.
- Registration and documentation techniques: generation of 3D models, precise georeferencing and GIS systems applied to submerged naval remains.
- Advanced protocols for preventive conservation and restoration in the labouratory of recovered naval artifacts, with a focus on specific chemical and biological deterioration of marine environments.
- International regulations and legal frameworks for the protection of the underwater naval heritage: UNESCO Convention, national legislation and its practical application in archaeological projects.
- Interdisciplinary analysis: integration of historical, cartographic and oceanographic data to contextualize findings and reconstruct accurate chronologies.
- Sustainable management and professional ethics in the exploration of submerged heritage: Strategies to minimise environmental impact and guarantee long-term conservation.
- Case studies of emblematic and recent advances in global naval archeology: innovative methodologies implemented and scientific results obtained.
- Development of proposals and research projects applied to the management and dissemination of historical naval heritage in underwater environments using emerging technologies and interdisciplinary methods.
07
Multidisciplinary Techniques for the Exploration, Documentation and Conservation of the Underwater Naval Heritage and Civil
- Fundamentals of underwater exploration: multidisciplinary methodologies and international protocols for research of naval deposits
- Advanced detection technologies: use of multibeam sonars, magnetometres, underwater lidar and autonomous vehicles (AUV/ROV) in archaeological prospecting
- Underwater mapping and georeferencing: Integration of GIS systems, GPS differentials and 3D mapping for accurate documentation of submerged structures
- Scientific dive methodologies: technical diving planning, safety protocols, decontamination and handling of equipment for underwater archaeologists
- On-site registration and conservation: advanced techniques of digital photography, photogrammetry, underwater laser scanning and three-dimensional modelling of naval heritage
- Conservation materials and techniques: Chemical and biological analysis for the stabilisation and preservation of metal, organic and ceramic remains in marine environments
- Underwater cultural heritage management: legal applications, UNESCO regulations and international policies for the protection and custody of naval heritage
- Historical and archaeological interpretation: contextual analysis, typologies of shipwrecks and interdisciplinary study of remains for the reconstruction of naval historical events
- Implementation of databases and digital systems for the management and dissemination of knowledge generated in explorations and archaeological campaigns
- Research projects and case studies: design, execution, critical evaluation and scientific publication in underwater archeology and naval heritage
08
Integrated Strategies for Restoration and Advanced Digital Conservation in Underwater Naval Archeology
- Theoretical foundations of digital restoration and conservation in underwater contexts: applied physical-chemical and biological principles
- Advanced 3D digital documentation techniques: photogrammetry, submarine laser scanning and multispectral mapping for naval artifacts
- Digital data processing and analysis: specialised software for virtual reconstruction, modelling and interactive simulations
- Integrated strategies for digital consolidation and stabilisation of archaeological materials: protocols for protection of metallic, ceramic and submerged wood structures
- Application of non-invasive technologies for continuous monitoring of conservation status: remote sensors, hydroacoustics and hyperspectral imaging techniques
- International regulations for the digital conservation of underwater heritage: UNESCO, International Council of Monuments and Sites (Icomos) and guidelines of the UN Convention on Underwater Cultural Heritage
- Design and implementation of secure digital files and databases for naval archaeological information storage and management
- Integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning methodologies for the automatic detection of deterioration and prediction of risks in underwater contexts
- Case Studies: Successful Applications of Advanced Digital Conservation in Emblematic Shipwrecks and Related Museum Collections
- Planning and execution of multidisciplinary digital restoration projects: coordination between archaeologists, restorers, engineers and specialists in computer science
09
Advanced techniques of exploration, documentation and conservation of historical naval remains in underwater environments
- Fundamentals of Underwater Archeology: History, Evolution and Scientific Principles Applied to Naval Exploration
- Advanced immersion techniques and safety protocols for archaeological divers in highly complex environments
- Underwater geophysical prospecting methodologies: multi-beam probing, magnetometry, underwater lidar, and side-swept sonar
- Comprehensive planning of underwater archaeological campaigns: risk assessment, permitting and inter-institutional coordination
- Three-dimensional documentation and underwater photogrammetry: design, capture and digital processing of naval remains and structures
- Application of GIS mapping and 3D modelling technologies for the reconstruction and interpretation of submerged artifacts and wrecks
- On-site preventive conservation: stabilisation techniques, biofouling control and continuous environmental monitoring
- Post-excavation treatments in the labouratory: metallurgical analysis, restoration of naval wood and conservation of ceramics and organic materials
- International regulations and professional ethics in the management and protection of submerged naval heritage: UNESCO, The Hague Convention and National Legislation
- Preparation of scientific technical reports: quality standards, graphic documentation and multidisciplinary communication for dissemination and cultural management
10
Legislation, management and dissemination of underwater archaeological heritage
- UNESCO Convention of 2001
- National legislation on underwater heritage
- plundering and legal protection of wrecks
- Underwater archaeological charts
- On-site management versus extraction
- Underwater archaeological parks
- Museolisation and interpretation centres
- Disclosure and virtual reality
- Underwater cultural tourism
- Reservoir Management Plan
11
Master’s Final Project in Naval History and Underwater Archaeology
- Fundamentals of emerging technologies in underwater archeology: artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data analysis applied to research and conservation.
- Implementation of advanced geolocation systems: Use of differential GNSS, multi-frequency sonar and underwater lidar for high resolution mapping of naval heritage.
- Integration of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Underwater Autonomous Vehicles (AUVs): Planning, deployment and data collection for detailed archaeological prospecting.
- Digital archaeological data processing: 3D photogrammetry, volumetric modelling and augmented reality for the virtual reconstruction of submerged reservoirs and artifacts.
- Application of computer management systems for preventive conservation: georeferenced databases, documentary record and predictive analysis of environmental risks.
- Innovative protocols for intervention in underwater sites: design of non-invasive methodologies, controlled sampling techniques and collabourative management with local communities and international organisations.
- Legal and regulatory frameworks for technological incorporation in the preservation of naval heritage: international regulations, maritime legislation and ethical standards in digitized underwater archeology.
- Dissemination strategies and enhancement through virtual platforms: development of interactive exhibitions, educational applications and sustainable cultural tourism with technological support.
- Real-time monitoring of environmental and anthropogenic conditions: integrated sensory sensors for corrosion control, sedimentation and protection against illicit activities.
- Advanced case study: Critical analysis of multidisciplinary projects that have integrated innovative technologies for the comprehensive management of submarine naval heritage, including results, challenges and lessons learned.
Workload
Study Time and Workload
1500 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
Historians and archaeologists passionate about the research and reconstruction of naval and maritime events through material evidence.Museum and interpretation center professionals seeking to specialize in the dissemination of naval and underwater heritage.Divers and marine explorers interested in the documentation and preservation of submerged archaeological sites.Naval officers and maritim
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
- 01Leading innovative maritime research
- 02Preserving and promoting underwater naval heritage
- 03Critically analyze the evolution of naval warfare
- 04Managing underwater archaeology projects with scientific rigor
- 05Reconstructing historical contexts through the analysis of naval artifacts
- 06Identify and assess the socio-economic impact of past maritime activities
Careers
Career Opportunities
01```html
02Underwater Cultural Heritage Manager: cataloging, conservation, and dissemination of submerged archaeological remains.
03Underwater Archaeologist: research, excavation, and analysis of archaeological sites in aquatic environments.
04Naval Historian: research and dissemination of maritime, naval, and navigational history.
05Consultant in Maritime Engineering and Construction Projects: archaeological impact assessment and risk management in coastal and underwater projects.
06Technician in Museums and Interpretation Centers: design and development of exhibitions and educational activities related to naval history and underwater archaeology.
07Science Communicator: creation of content (articles, documentaries, books) to promote naval history and underwater heritage.
08Advisor on legislation and policies for the protection of underwater heritage: participation in the development of regulations for the conservation of submerged cultural assets.
09Lecturer and researcher: teaching and development of research projects at universities and specialized centers.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Naval history and underwater archaeology.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Yeah.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
```htmlAcademic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's/Undergraduate degree in History, Archaeology, Anthropology, or related disciplines; or accredited professional experience in underwater archaeology, professional diving, or marine research.Language Proficiency:Recommended: English at a level of reading and comprehension of academic texts. Desirable knowledge of other languages (French, Italian, Classical Greek, Latin).Documentation:Updated CV, copy of academic degree(s), ID/Passport, letter of motivation explaining interest in Naval History and Underwater Archaeology, letters
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.