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Masters · 1500 h · 11 modules
Master's in Subsea Tunnels and Major Infrastructure
The Master's in Subsea Tunnels and Major Infrastructure Prepares you to take part in the planning, design and construction of subsea tunnels and major marine infrastructure such as fixed links, long-span bridges and breakwaters. Y
Duration1500 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Subsea Tunnels and Major Infrastructure?
The Master's in Subsea Tunnels and Major Infrastructure
Prepares you to take part in the planning, design and construction of subsea tunnels and major marine infrastructure such as fixed links, long-span bridges and breakwaters. You will study marine geotechnics, immersed tube tunnels and TBM-bored tunnels, ventilation and tunnel safety, marine construction methods and megaproject management, with an integrated view of engineering, risk, the environment and finance.
Key advantages
- A rare specialism: Tunnels under the sea and major fixed links in one programme.
- Detailed engineering: Geotechnics, structures, waterproofing and construction methods.
- Safety built in: Ventilation, evacuation and fire management from the design stage.
- Megaproject management: Risk, contracts, programme and finance for major works.
- Your own project: An options study for a marine fixed link.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,500 hours
Modules
11
Programme highlights
- Master marine geotechnics: Interpret offshore geotechnical and geophysical surveys.
- Design tunnels: Compare immersed and bored tunnels and their methods.
- Ensure safety: Apply ventilation, evacuation and fire protection criteria.
- Manage megaprojects: Control the risks, contracts and costs of major works.
- Boost your career: Open doors to international contractors, engineering consultancies and infrastructure promoters.
- Train to tackle the most demanding projects in marine civil engineering with technical rigour and a project-wide view.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Major Marine Infrastructure and Fixed Links
- History of subsea tunnels
- Types of fixed link
- Tunnels versus bridges
- Hybrid tunnel-bridge-island solutions
- Artificial islands and transition structures
- Option selection criteria
- Navigation constraints
- Life cycle of a major project
- Lessons from international projects
- Trends in major infrastructure
02
Marine Geology and Geotechnics
- Seabed geology
- Marine geophysical surveys
- Offshore boreholes and in situ testing
- Laboratory testing
- Soft soils and rock beneath the sea
- Faults and seismic hazard zones
- Water pressure and permeability
- Geotechnical model of the alignment
- Ground improvement
- Geotechnical uncertainty
03
Immersed Tube Tunnels
- Principles of immersed tunnels
- Concrete and steel elements
- Casting basin fabrication
- Trench dredging
- Floating and towing elements
- Immersion and jointing
- Joints and watertightness
- Backfill and anchor protection
- Immersed tunnel foundations
- Dimensional control and tolerances
04
Bored Tunnels beneath the Sea
- Earth pressure balance TBMs
- Slurry shield TBMs
- Rock tunnelling under the sea
- Segmental linings
- Water pressure and face support
- Hyperbaric cutter changes
- Shafts and launch chambers
- Spoil management
- Advance rates and planning
- Typical incidents and their management
05
Structural Design and Durability
- Actions on subsea tunnels
- Section design
- Earthquakes and liquefaction
- Ship impact and dropped anchors
- Durability of concrete in marine environments
- Reinforcement corrosion
- Waterproofing
- Design service life
- Numerical modelling
- Reference standards and guidance
06
Safety, Ventilation and Systems
- Longitudinal and transverse ventilation
- Fire design
- Escape galleries and refuges
- Detection and suppression systems
- Lighting and signage
- Drainage and pumping
- Control centre
- Tunnel risk analysis
- Emergency management
- Rail and road tunnels
07
Other Major Marine Works
- Long-span sea bridges
- Pier foundations at sea
- Artificial islands
- Large breakwaters
- Storm surge barriers
- Locks and closure works
- Large-scale port terminals
- Interaction with coastal processes
- Scour protection
- Comparing solutions
08
Construction Methods and Marine Logistics
- Marine construction plant
- Dredgers and dredging equipment
- Floating cranes and pontoons
- Prefabrication and transport
- Weather windows
- Surveying and positioning
- Diving and underwater vehicles
- Managing interference with shipping
- Health and safety on marine sites
- Quality control
09
Environment and Risk Management
- Environmental impact assessment
- Dredging and water quality
- Sediment management
- Underwater noise
- Protected species and habitats
- Project risk registers
- Geotechnical and contractual risk
- Construction insurance
- Environmental monitoring
- Public engagement
10
Megaproject Management
- Megaproject life cycle
- Procurement models
- Public-private partnerships
- Cost and schedule estimation
- Optimism bias
- Project governance
- Interface management
- BIM on major projects
- Claims management
- Operation and maintenance
11
Master's Final Project: Options Study for a Marine Fixed Link
- Defining the transport problem
- Site characterisation
- Preliminary geotechnical model
- Alignment and structure options
- Proposed construction method
- Safety concept
- Risk analysis
- Preliminary environmental assessment
- Cost and programme estimate
- Dissertation and defence before a panel
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
Civil, mining and geotechnical engineers and geologists: who want to specialise in tunnels and marine works Contractor and consultancy staff: working on major infrastructure Project management professionals: coordinating complex works Public sector and infrastructure operator staff: who plan or run fixed links Risk and insurance consultants: who assess major civil works
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 fixed link options
- 02Interpret marine geotechnics
- 03Design tunnels under the sea
- 04Plan construction
- 05Build in safety
- 06Manage megaprojects
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Tunnel engineer: Design and supervision of immersed and bored tunnels.
02Marine geotechnical engineer: Ground investigations and ground models.
03Marine works production manager: Planning and delivering major works.
04Tunnel safety specialist: Ventilation, evacuation and fire protection.
05Megaproject manager: Controlling risk, contracts and costs.
06Infrastructure consultant: Options and feasibility studies for public bodies.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Yes. Well-known international tunnel and fixed link projects are reviewed in general terms to draw technical lessons.
It is not essential, although a technical background helps. The early modules establish the fundamentals.
You work with geotechnical and structural modelling concepts and introductory-level tools.
No. It is a specialist qualification and does not replace the accredited degrees or chartered status required for that responsibility.
An options study for a marine fixed link, covering alignment, construction method, safety, risks and costs.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 1500 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 Master's in Subsea Tunnels and Major Infrastructure 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
Academic/professional profile: A degree in civil, mining, geological or naval engineering, geology or a related field; or proven professional experience in civil engineering or marine construction. 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.