Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Masters · 1600 h · 11 modules
Master's in Climate Adaptation of Coastal Cities
This program prepares you to lead the resilient transformation of urban environments in the face of climate change challenges. You will learn to assess the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure and ecosystems, to design and…
Duration1600 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Climate Adaptation of Coastal Cities?
The Master's in Climate Adaptation of Coastal Cities
This program prepares you to lead the resilient transformation of urban environments in the face of climate change challenges. You will learn to assess the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure and ecosystems, to design and implement nature- and engineering-based adaptation strategies, and to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders. This program will provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary to build safer, more sustainable, and more livable cities.
Differential Advantages
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Integrating engineering, urban planning, economics, and social sciences.
- Real-World Case Studies: Analyzing successful projects and lessons learned in cities around the world.
- Climate Modeling Tools: Using advanced software to simulate the impacts of climate change.
- Collaboration with Experts: Learning from leading professionals in the field of climate adaptation.
- Applied Master's Thesis Project: Developing an innovative solution to a real-world challenge in a coastal city.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,600 hours
Modules
11
Start date
07-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Innovative Strategies: Master the latest techniques for resilient urban planning and coastal risk management.
- Cutting-edge Tools: Learn to use climate models, geographic information systems (GIS), and other key technologies.
- Hands-on Experience: Participate in real-world case studies and adaptation projects to apply your knowledge.
- Global Networking: Connect with international experts, policymakers, and industry professionals.
- Career Opportunities: Boost your career in Environmental consulting, public administration, research, and non-governmental organizations.
- Prepare to lead the transformation of coastal cities in the face of climate change.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Strategies of urban resilience in coastal cities in the face of climate change.
- Fundamentals of urban resilience: key concepts, theoretical framework and specificities in coastal contexts
- Assessment of coastal vulnerabilities: methodologies to identify climate risks, exposure analysis, sensitivity and adaptability
- Advanced climate modelling tools applied to urban areas: simulation of sea level rise scenarios, extreme storms and coastal erosion
- Design and implementation of blue green infrastructures: Nature-based solutions to mitigate floods and improve urban environmental quality
- Integrated land use planning in coastal cities: adaptive zoning, regulatory regulation and sustainable coastal management
- Early Warning and Continuous Monitoring Systems: IoT technologies, environmental sensors and data platforms for quick response
- Resilient Coastal Engineering Strategies: Breakwaters, Flexible Docks, Renaturation and Hybrid Solutions for Defence Against Extreme Events
- Participatory governance and inter-institutional coordination: models of public-private collabouration and community participation in climate planning
- Economic and financial evaluation of adaptation projects: cost-benefit analysis, climate financing and green investment mechanisms
- International case studies: detailed analysis of successful experiences and lessons learned in vulnerable coastal cities
02
Integrated risk management and coastal adaptation models under extreme climate scenarios
- Fundamentals of comprehensive risk assessment in coastal zones: identification, analysis and quantification of climate threats
- Advanced hydrodynamic modelling: tidal simulation, waves and extreme events under future climate scenarios
- Tools and software for the integration of climate and urban data in predictive models
- Ecosystem-based adaptation methodologies: green solutions for coastal resilience and impact mitigation
- Design and management of resilient infrastructure: Technical criteria for adaptive coastal works against storms and sea level rise
- Analysis of socioeconomic vulnerability and its incorporation into risk adaptation and management plans
- Multi-criteria evaluation for the prioritisation of adaptation measures in coastal urban contexts
- Participatory planning and multi-scale governance: collabourative strategies for decision-making in climate adaptation
- Monitoring and early warning systems: integration of remote sensors, predictive models and effective communication
- International case studies and lessons learned on the practical implementation of integrated coastal risk management models
03
Advanced strategies for urban resilience and risk modelling in coastal environments under extreme climate change scenarios
- Fundamentals of urban resilience in coastal environments: key concepts, definitions and theoretical framework
- Advanced modelling of climate risks: integration of hydrometeorological, geospatial and socioeconomic data
- Urban Vulnerability Assessment: Multiscale Analysis of Critical Infrastructure, Ecological Systems and Human Communities
- Extreme climate change scenarios: methodologies for projecting impacts at sea levels, storms and extreme events
- Computational simulation tools: use of GIS software, hydro-mechanical modelling and information systems for risk management
- Design and implementation of adaptive strategies: green infrastructures, grey infrastructures and integrated hybrid solutions
- Planning and Inclusive Governance: Integration of Local Actors, Public Policies and Financing Strategies for Urban Resilience
- Continuous monitoring and evaluation: Resilience metrics, performance indicators, and early warning systems
- International Case Studies: Comparative Analysis of Coastal Cities Applying Advanced Measures Against Extreme Climate Change
- Technological innovations and emerging trends: artificial intelligence, big data and IoT sensors for dynamic risk management
04
Blue-green infrastructure and nature-based solutions for coastal protection: design, hydrodynamic modelling and efficiency assessment against sea level rise
- Blue-Green Infrastructure Basics: Definition, Features and Ecosystem Services Applied to Coastal Environments
- Design of Nature-Based Solutions (SBNs) for climate adaptation: technical criteria, selection of plant and structural species, and integration into the urban coastal fabric
- Advanced Hydrodynamic Modelling: Principles, Navier-Stokes Equations, Numerical Models (SWAN, Delft3D, AdCirc) and Water-Ground Interaction Simulation in Sea Level Rise Scenarios
- Coastal Resilience Assessment: Quantitative metrics to assess the effectiveness of natural infrastructure in wave dissipation, erosion reduction and flood control
- GIS and remote sensing tools for mapping and monitoring of blue-green solutions: spatial analysis, calibration with satellite data and drones
- Parameterization of climate change scenarios: regionalized climate projections, extreme hydrometeorological events and their impact on coastal systems
- Multidisciplinary design integration: Collabouration between coastal engineering, marine biology, landscape architecture and sustainable urban planning
- Adaptive design methodologies and dynamic management: Incorporation of environmental and socioeconomic feedback to optimise solutions against climate uncertainties
- International case studies: technical analysis and results of emblematic blue-green infrastructure projects in sea level rise contexts
- Regulations, standards and public policies for the implementation of SBN in urban coastal zones: legal evaluation, environmental permits and sustainable financing
05
Design and implementation of public policies for climate adaptation in coastal urban environments: governance, citizen participation and environmental assessment tools
- Fundamentals of coastal urban climate adaptation: analysis of specific vulnerabilities and risks to coastal environments
- International, national and local regulatory framework for integrated climate risk management in coastal areas
- Design of public policies oriented to urban resilience: principles, instruments and key actors
- Multisectoral and multi-scale governance: inter-institutional coordination and public-private partnerships in climate adaptation
- Effective Citizen Participation Mechanisms: Inclusive Methodologies for Incorporation of Communities in Decision Making
- Advanced Environmental Assessment Tools: Climate Modelling, Environmental Impact Analysis, and Strategic Assessment Methodologies
- Social Risk and Vulnerability Assessment: Integrated Approaches to Equity and Environmental Justice in Adaptation Policies
- Development and implementation of urban adaptation plans: phases, monitoring indicators and evaluation of results
- International case studies and best practices in governance and public policy for coastal cities adapted to climate change
- Technological innovation for environmental assessment and real-time monitoring: remote sensing, GIS, IoT sensors and big data applied
06
Innovation in integrated resilience strategies and natural solutions for coastal protection against climate change
- Fundamentals and conceptual framework of coastal urban resilience: definitions, components and metrics applied to dynamic environments
- Comprehensive Climate Risk Assessment: Hydrometeorological Threat Analysis, Socio-Economic Vulnerabilities and Adaptive Capacities
- Innovations in Nature-Based Solutions (NBS): Design, implementation and monitoring of green and blue infrastructures for coastal impact mitigation
- Predictive modelling and simulation of future scenarios: integration of climatic, geomorphological and anthropogenic data for adaptive planning
- Advanced tools for the integration of hybrid strategies: combining grey engineering with natural solutions to optimise protection and resilience
- Implementation of early warning and environmental monitoring systems: sensory networks, IoT and big data techniques applied to coastal management
- Participatory methods and multilevel governance: approaches to community inclusion, collabourative decision-making and effective public policies
- Emblematic cases and international comparative analysis: successes, challenges and lessons learned in vulnerable coastal cities
- International regulations and standards on coastal climate adaptation: detailed analysis of legal frameworks, guidelines and technical protocols
- Economic and financial evaluation of integrated interventions: costing techniques, cost-benefit analysis and tools for long-term financial sustainability
07
Strategic planning and impact assessment for urban resilience in coastal environments
- Fundamentals of urban strategic planning: key concepts, objectives and integral processes in the coastal context
- Climate risk assessment: identification, quantitative and qualitative analysis of hydrometeorological and marine threats
- Advanced methodologies for the evaluation of environmental, economic and social impacts in coastal cities
- Predictive modelling of climate change and its effects on urban infrastructure and coastal ecosystems
- Design and implementation of adaptation and mitigation strategies based on scientific evidence and best global practices
- Participatory planning and multisectoral governance tools for building community resilience
- Evaluation and optimisation of early warning systems and emergency protocols in coastal urban environments
- Integration of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to strengthen adaptive capacity in the face of extreme events
- Urban Resilience Indicators: Design, Continuous Monitoring and Reporting for Strategic Decision Making
- International Case Studies: Comparative Analysis and Lessons Learned for Adaptive Management in Vulnerable Coastal Areas
08
Advanced monitoring and predictive modelling of hydroclimatic phenomena for comprehensive coastal resilience
- Fundamentals of coastal hydroclimatic dynamics: physical, chemical and biological processes in aquatic systems
- Advanced instrumentation for environmental monitoring: multi-parameter sensors, automatic weather stations and IoT applied to coasts
- Remote sensing technologies and satellite systems for monitoring extreme phenomena and climate variability
- Hydrodynamic and atmospheric numerical modelling: Navier-Stokes equations, tidal modelling, waves, wind and sea currents
- Integration of Observational Data and Predictive Modelling: Data Assimilation Techniques and Machine Learning for Real-Time Forecast Improvement
- Analysis of future climate scenarios applied to sea level rise, storm events and coastal erosion using IPCC AR6 and regionalized models
- Geospatial visualisation platforms and geographic information systems (GIS) for territorial management and integrated decision-making
- Development of coastal resilience indicators based on hydrometeorological and socioeconomic metrics
- International case studies: Ecosystem-based adaptation, resilient infrastructure and public policies of comprehensive coastal management
- Design and evaluation of hydroclimatic early warning systems: protocols, risk communication and community response
09
Urban Resilience Strategies and Natural Solutions for Coastal Protection: Integrated Design, Hydrodynamic Modelling and Efficiency Assessment Against Sea Level Rise
- Fundamentals of urban resilience in coastal contexts: definitions, principles and scope
- Coastal vulnerability assessment: risk analysis of extreme events, hazard maps and socioeconomic exposure
- Integrated design of green and grey infrastructures: synergies between civil engineering and nature-based solutions
- Restoration and conservation of ecosystems: wetlands, dunes and reefs as natural barriers against the rise in sea level
- Advanced hydrodynamic modelling: tools and software for tidal simulation, waves and coastal dynamics under future scenarios
- Application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial planning and monitoring of environmental interventions
- Innovations in materials and construction techniques for resilient and adaptive structures in coastal areas
- Evaluation of efficacy and continuous monitoring: quantitative and qualitative indicators to measure the performance of the implemented strategies
- Integration of public policies, environmental regulations and multi-scale urban planning for climate adaptation
- International Pilots: Critical analysis of successful projects and lessons learned in vulnerable coastal cities
10
Financing, governance and citizen participation in coastal adaptation
- European funds for adaptation
- International Climate Financing
- Insurance and risk transfer
- public-private collabouration
- Multilevel governance
- citizen participation
- Climate justice and social vulnerability
- risk communication
- monitoring and evaluation
- Local adaptation plan
11
Master’s Final Project in Climate Adaptation of Coastal Cities
- Introduction to the Master’s Final Project: objectives, scope and multidisciplinary methodology for the integration of adaptive solutions in coastal contexts
- Advanced analysis of climate risks in coastal cities: assessment of threats, vulnerabilities and exposure to extreme events and rise in sea level
- Conceptual and scientific framework of nature-based solutions (SBN): principles, ecosystem functionalities and socio-environmental benefits
- Design and implementation of green and blue infrastructures: restoration of mangroves, coastal dunes, intertidal wetlands and artificial reefs
- Integration of innovative technologies for climate adaptation: IoT sensors, predictive modelling, early warning systems and real-time monitoring
- Methodologies for co-creation and community participation in coastal adaptation projects: tools for governance, social inclusion and effective scientific communication
- Economic and financial evaluation of hybrid solutions: cost-benefit analysis, climate financing and incentive mechanisms for urban resilience
- Strategic planning for integrated resilience: adaptive management, future scenarios and design of public policies based on scientific evidence
- International case studies and replicable strategies: comparative analysis of successful interventions in cities with similar coastal challenges
- Technical writing and professional presentation of the final work: structure, APA standards, advanced graphics development and oral defence before specialised jury
Workload
Study Time and Workload
1600 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
Architects and urban planners seeking to design resilient environments, incorporating nature-based solutions and urban adaptation strategies.Civil and environmental engineers wishing to manage coastal risks, implementing green infrastructure and mitigating the impact of extreme weather events.Local and regional public administration officials needing to plan adaptation to climate change, devel
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
- 01Designing resilient strategies to address rising sea levels
- 02Assessing the climate vulnerability of urban infrastructure
- 03Implement nature-based solutions for coastal protection
- 04Managing coastal risks through predictive modeling
- 05Promote citizen participation in climate adaptation
- 06Develop urban policies for climate change mitigation
Careers
Career Opportunities
01```html
02Urban Climate Adaptation Technician: Design and implementation of adaptation strategies in coastal cities.
03Climate Change Consultant: Advising companies and public administrations on risk assessment and the design of adaptation plans.
04Adaptation Project Manager: Direction and coordination of projects related to climate change adaptation in coastal urban environments.
05Climate Change Researcher: Participation in research projects on the impacts of climate change and adaptation strategies.
06Corporate Sustainability Manager: Implementation of sustainable policies and practices in companies with a presence in coastal areas.
07Public Administration Technician: Development and implementation of public policies for climate change adaptation in coastal cities.
08Environmental Educator: Dissemination and Raising awareness about the impacts of climate change and adaptation strategies in coastal communities.
09Urban resilience specialist: Analysis and improvement of the resilience of coastal cities to extreme weather events.
Questions
Entry Requirements
The adaptation of coastal cities to the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and coastal erosion.
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.
Adaptation to its effects.
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 Architecture, Civil Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Oceanography, Marine Biology, or related field; or accredited professional experience in coastal management, urban planning, or climate change adaptation.Language proficiency:Recommended English level B2 for access to scientific literature and participation in international forums.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree, academic transcript, ID/Passport, cover letter explaining interest in climate adaptation of coastal cities.Technical
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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