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 on Great Explorers and Discoveries
This course invites you on a fascinating journey along the sea and land routes that transformed history. We will analyze the motivations, challenges, and legacies of iconic figures such as Magellan, Columbus, and Livingstone…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts28 December
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 on Great Explorers and Discoveries?
Discover the world through the eyes of the Great Explorers and Discoveries.
This course invites you on a fascinating journey along the sea and land routes that transformed history. We will analyze the motivations, challenges, and legacies of iconic figures such as Magellan, Columbus, and Livingstone, exploring their maps, instruments, and original accounts. You will learn about the cultures encountered, trade exchanges, and the global impact of their expeditions, understanding how these voyages shaped the world we know today.
This course invites you on a fascinating journey along the sea and land routes that transformed history.
Differential Advantages
- Analysis of Primary Sources: ancient maps, travel diaries, and original letters.
- Historical and Cultural Context: understanding the societies and motivations of the time.
- Geopolitical and Economic Impact: how the discoveries influenced trade and international relations.
- Debates and Controversies: exploring the ethical aspects and negative consequences of exploration.
- Multimedia Material: videos, documentaries, and reenactments for an immersive experience.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Relive history: a fascinating journey through the lives of the most daring explorers.
- Discover unexplored routes: from the poles to the ocean depths, we'll analyze the voyages that changed the world.
- Learn from their mistakes and successes: we'll analyze strategies, challenges, and the consequences of their discoveries.
- Cultural and scientific impact: explore how these voyages shaped our understanding of the planet and societies.
- Inspiration for the future: find the motivation to take on your own challenges and explore new horizons.
- If you're passionate about adventure and history, this course is for you.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Historical foundations of exploration, geographical expansion and construction of knowledge of the world
- Exploration concept throughout history: political, commercial, scientific, religious and strategic motivations
- The known world before the great expeditions: ancient cartography, geographic imaginaries and limits of knowledge
- Innovations that made exploration possible: navigation, astronomy, shipbuilding and guidance techniques
- Empires, routes and rivalries: the role of crowns, commercial cities and maritime powers in the expansion
- Historical sources of discoveries: chronicles, travel diaries, maps, nautical charts and official records
02
Explorers of Antiquity and the Middle Ages: Pioneer Travel, Exchange Routes and Expansion of the Geographical Horizon
- Explorers of the ancient world: Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and their contributions to geographic and maritime knowledge
- Travel and networks of the Islamic world: geographers, merchants and sailors in Africa, Asia and the Mediterranean
- Medieval land and sea routes: the Silk Road, the Indian and the Intercontinental Commercial Circuits
- Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta and other great medieval travelers: stories, observation and transmission of information
- Viking exploration and early Atlantic expansion: Iceland, Greenland and travel to North America
03
The Age of Ocean Discoveries: Atlantic Navigation, Opening of New Routes and Imperial Expansion
- Portugal and Castile in the ocean expansion: strategic objectives, rivalries and consolidation of sea routes
- Christopher Columbus and the opening of the Atlantic: context, travel, consequences and historical reinterpretation of your company
- Vasco da Gama, Bartolomé Díaz and the route to the East: African exploration and maritime connection with Asia
- Magallanes and Elcano: the first circumnavigation and its impact on the global understanding of the planet
- Cartography, nautical science and imperial control: maps, paths, treaties and organisation of ocean knowledge
04
Scientific Explorers and Expeditions of the Modern and Contemporary Age: Science, Territory and Observation of the World
- Illustrated Scientific Exploration: Objectives, Methods and Transition from Imperial Expansion to Systematic Research
- James Cook and the Pacific Expeditions: Cartography, Astronomical Observation and Discovery of New Territories
- Alexander von Humboldt and Continental Scientific Exploration: Nature, Measurement and Integrated Vision of the Planet
- Botanical, geographical and naturalistic expeditions: collection, classification and circulation of scientific knowledge
- Exploration of the interior of Africa, Asia and America: travelers, missionaries, military and scientists in unknown territories
05
Legacy of the Great Explorers and Final Project of Historical, Geographic and Cultural Analysis of a Relevant Discovery
- Transformations of the world derived from discoveries: global economy, strategic routes and circulation of species and ideas
- Critical rereadings of exploration: colonialism, violence, appropriation and contemporary historiographical perspectives
- Exploration, memory and heritage: museums, archives, monuments and debates on the heritage of explorers
- Methodologies for the analysis of historical expeditions: chronology, comparative cartography, primary sources and geopolitical context
- Preparation of an applied study on an explorer, trip or discovery: objectives, structure and analytical criteria
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
History lovers who wish to delve into the motivations, challenges, and consequences of the great explorations.Students of geography, history, and anthropology who require a comprehensive and detailed overview of the discoveries that shaped the world.Travelers and adventurers seeking inspiration and knowledge about unexplored territories and their cultures.Teachers and educators interested in
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
- 01Mapping unexplored territories and recording findings
- 02Understanding the motivations and consequences of explorations
- 03Navigating using tools and instruments of the time
- 04Adapting to unfamiliar environments and overcoming challenges
- 05Establish and maintain beneficial intercultural relationships
- 06Leading and motivating crews on long-duration expeditions
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Specialized Tour Guide: Design and implementation of thematic routes focused on explorations and discoveries, with an emphasis on history, geography, and anthropology.
02Researcher/Historian: In-depth study of historical archives, analysis of original documentation, and contribution to the historiography of explorations.
03Cultural Heritage Manager: Conservation and dissemination of historical sites related to explorations, including museums, monuments, and heritage routes.
04Exploration Project Consultant: Historical and cultural advice for contemporary exploration projects, whether scientific, geographical, or cultural.
05Educator/Science Communicator: Creation of educational and outreach content about explorations and discoveries for diverse audiences (schools, media, general public).
06Documentary Filmmaker/Audiovisual Producer: Research, Scriptwriting and production of documentaries and other audiovisual formats about historical and contemporary explorations.
07Historical Writer/Novelist: Creation of literary works (novels, essays, biographies) based on explorations and discoveries.
08Exhibition Curator: Design and installation of thematic exhibitions in museums and cultural centers about explorations and discoveries.
09```
Questions
Entry Requirements
Christopher Columbus
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.
Christopher Columbus, the discovery of America.
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
Academic Profile/Interests:Demonstrated interest in history, geography, anthropology, or related fields. No specific qualification is required, but a background in the humanities or social sciences will be valued.Skills:Ability to critically analyze historical sources, understand diverse cultural and geographical contexts, and possess effective communication skills (oral and written).Documentation:Letter of motivation explaining your interest in the course, a concise CV (optional), and any other documents that demonstrate relevant experience (courses, workshops, projects).Addit
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.