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 the History of World Navigation
A course that immerses you in the fascinating voyages that have defined civilization. From ancient rafts to modern behemoths, explore the technological advancements, geopolitical consequences, and stories of daring explorers who…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Course on the History of World Navigation?
Discover the History of World Navigation.
A course that immerses you in the fascinating voyages that have defined civilization. From ancient rafts to modern behemoths, explore the technological advancements, geopolitical consequences, and stories of daring explorers who sailed the oceans. Learn about the evolution of trade routes, the impact of navigation on cultural exchange, and the environmental challenges we face today.
Key Benefits
- In-depth Analysis: Understanding navigation as a driving force of global history.
- Multidisciplinary Perspective: Connecting with geography, economics, politics, and technology.
- Interactive Content: Historical maps, illustrations, and firsthand accounts.
- Current Debate: Reflecting on the sustainability and future of maritime navigation.
- Certification: Recognition of your knowledge of maritime history.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
10-12-2026
Programme highlights
- From the Stars to the Compass: A journey through ancient navigation techniques.
- Empires and Explorations: Discover how navigation shaped world history.
- Nautical Innovation: Explore the technological advances that revolutionized navigation.
- Great Navigators: Learn about the lives and exploits of key figures in maritime exploration.
- Cultural and Commercial Impact: Analyze how navigation connected cultures and economies.
- Immerse yourself in a fascinating story of how humanity conquered the oceans.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Origins of navigation and first maritime civilizations in the construction of knowledge of the sea
- Emergence of navigation in the first human societies: rafts, canoes and primitive boats used for transport and subsistence
- Navigation in ancient civilizations: Egypt, Mesopotamia, Phoenicia and its role in the expansion of maritime trade
- Early Orientation Techniques: Coastal Observation, Currents, Dominant Winds and Basic Astronomical References
- Development of old boats and first maritime trade routes in the Mediterranean and Indian
- Cultural and economic exchange driven by navigation in the ancient world
02
Navigation in classical antiquity and the Middle Ages: maritime expansion, trade routes and nautical knowledge
- Greek and Roman navigation: advances in shipbuilding, early mapping and expansion of Mediterranean trade
- Islamic and Asian world maritime networks: Indian Ocean routes, intercontinental trade and monsoon navigation
- Viking Navigation and Atlantic Expansion: Exploration of Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America
- Medieval and Portulan cartography: coastal representation, sea routes and support for commercial navigation
- Medieval nautical instruments: compass, astrolabe and orientation tools used by European and Asian sailors
03
The Age of Discoveries and Ocean Expansion: Transformation of Global Navigation
- Nautical innovations of the 15th and 16th centuries: advances in astronomical navigation, shipbuilding and cartography
- Portuguese and Castilian explorations: opening of ocean routes to Africa, Asia and America
- Great exploration trips and circumnavigation of the planet: impact on global geographic knowledge
- Development of new transoceanic trade routes and formation of global maritime networks
- Evolution of navigation instruments and methods of calculation of position at sea
04
Navigation in the modern and industrial age - technological innovations and transformation of maritime transport
- Transition from sailing to steam navigation - technological revolution in maritime transport
- Advances in cartography, hydrography and geographic measurement during the 18th and 19th centuries
- Development of new types of commercial and military ships in the industrial age
- Opening of interoceanic canals and their impact on global sea routes
- Improvements in nautical instrumentation and scientific navigation: stopwatches, sextants and positioning techniques
05
Final project of historical analysis of the evolution of global navigation and its impact on global society
- Selection of a key period, civilization or innovation in the history of global navigation
- Historical, technological and geographical contextualization of the selected phenomenon
- Analysis of nautical advances, instruments, boats and routes involved
- Evaluation of the economic, cultural and geopolitical impact of the evolution of navigation
- Preparation of the historical and technical report of the analysed case
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 and geography enthusiasts who want to explore how navigation has shaped cultures and economies throughout history.Humanities, social sciences, and nautical studies students seeking a deep understanding of maritime evolution and its global impact.Tourism, logistics, and international trade professionals interested in the historical influence of shipping routes on their industries.Fans
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
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Student Reviews
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Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Understanding naval technological evolution
- 02Analyze the geopolitical impact of maritime exploration
- 03Critically evaluate the social and economic consequences of maritime trade
- 04Interpreting the narratives of the great navigators and explorers
- 05Identifying patterns of innovation and adaptation in navigation
- 06Recognizing the influence of navigation on cultural exchange
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Maritime Heritage Manager: Conservation and promotion of historic ships, naval museums, and sites related to navigation.
02Historical Researcher: Documentation, analysis, and publication of research on the history of world navigation.
03Maritime Tourism Consultant: Design of themed tourist routes, creation of immersive experiences, and consulting for companies in the sector.
04Educator/Communicator: Delivery of courses, workshops, and lectures on the history of navigation in educational or cultural institutions.
05Archivist/Librarian: Management and preservation of historical documents related to navigation in archives and specialized libraries.
06Screenwriter/Historical Consultant: Collaboration in the creation of audiovisual content (documentaries, films, series) on topics related to navigation.
07Specialized Journalist/Writer: Writing articles, books, and reports on the history of navigation for media outlets.
08Exhibition Curator: Designing and mounting thematic exhibitions in museums and cultural centers related to maritime history.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Sailing ships.
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.
It allowed navigators to determine their direction even in poor visibility, which facilitated navigation on the open sea and the exploration of new trade routes.
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/Professional Profile:Demonstrated interest in maritime history, navigation, and exploration; or experience related to the maritime field (optional).Prior Knowledge:Recommended familiarity with basic geographical concepts and historical timelines.Required Materials:Internet access, device for viewing materials (computer, tablet, etc.), notebook for taking notes.Optional Requirements:For some modules, access to online libraries or databases may be useful.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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