Master’s Degree in Maritime Cultures of the World
Why this master’s programme?
The Master in World Maritime Cultures
Immerse yourself in a transcultural journey across the oceans, exploring the rich diversity of human societies shaped by the sea. Discover the traditions, art, literature, music, and gastronomy of coastal communities around the world. This program offers an interdisciplinary perspective that integrates anthropology, history, archaeology, and cultural studies to understand the profound connection between humanity and the ocean.
Differential Advantages
- Global Approach: Comparative analysis of maritime cultures on different continents.
- Field Research: Opportunities to participate in research and documentation projects in coastal communities.
- Interdisciplinary Perspective: A holistic approach that integrates diverse academic disciplines.
- International Experts: Learn from leading academics and professionals in the field of maritime studies.
- Professional Development: Acquire skills to work in museums, archives, cultural tourism, and maritime heritage conservation.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Masters
- Hours: 1600 H
- Start date: 25-04-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Anthropologists, historians, and sociologists interested in gaining deeper into coastal societies, their cultural heritage, and human interactions with the sea.
- Cultural tourism and heritage management professionals seeking to develop projects for the conservation, interpretation, and promotion of maritime cultures.
- Educators and outreach workers wishing to incorporate the maritime dimension into their educational programs and awareness-raising activities.
- Cultural policy and local development managers focused on promoting initiatives that value and protect maritime identities.
- Graduates in the humanities, social sciences, and related fields seeking interdisciplinary specialization with a global perspective and practical applications internships.
Academic Flexibility
Adapted to diverse professional paths: online modality, accessible multimedia content and personalized tutoring.
Objectives and skills
Analyze and understand the diversity of maritime cultural expressions:
Identify and value tangible and intangible maritime heritage, recognizing its impact on the identity and development of coastal communities.
Documenting and preserving the intangible heritage of coastal communities:
“To develop participatory inventories, record oral narratives, and promote the intergenerational transmission of traditional knowledge and practices.”
Design and implement sustainable management strategies for coastal tourism:
“Implement ecological footprint monitoring systems and environmental impact mitigation plans, involving local communities and stakeholders.”
Assess and mitigate the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems and associated cultures:
Develop and implement adaptive coastal management strategies based on scientific evidence and local traditional knowledge.
Promote intercultural dialogue and cooperation between maritime communities globally:
Promote participation in international maritime collaboration forums and networks, sharing best practices and lessons learned.
To investigate and disseminate scientific knowledge about human-marine interactions throughout history:
“To analyze archaeological, historical, and ethnographic data to understand the evolution of fishing, navigation, and maritime trade practices, and to communicate these findings through academic publications and public outreach.”
Study plan – Modules
- Fundamentals of Technological Innovation in Marine Ecosystems: Advances and Disruptive Applications in Marine Biotechnology and Smart Oceanography
- Advanced Principles of Sustainability: Assessment of Environmental and Socioeconomic Impacts in the Integrated Management of Marine Resources
- Integrated Models for the Management of Global Marine Ecosystems: Ecosystem Approach, Multilevel Governance, and International Coordination
- Real-Time Monitoring Systems: Implementation of IoT Sensors, Oceanographic Data Networks, and Big Data Platforms for Marine Conservation
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Tools Applied to Predicting Changes in Biodiversity and Oceanographic Dynamics
- International Policies and Regulatory Frameworks: Detailed Analysis of Conventions such as UNCLOS, CBD, and the Global Strategy for Marine Biodiversity
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies: Blue Carbon Management and Restoration of Critical Marine Habitats
- Innovation in the circular economy and eco-efficiency in fishing and aquaculture: clean technologies and sustainable business models
- Community participation and local capacity building: participatory methodologies for collaborative management and conservation
- Case studies and critical analysis of successful international projects: challenges, solutions, and lessons learned for sustainable innovation in marine environments
- Fundamentals of Maritime Heritage: Definition, Classification, and Cultural Dimension of Seafaring Communities
- Ethnohistory and Marine Archaeology: Methods and Techniques for the Study of Material Remains in Aquatic and Coastal Contexts
- Traditional Fishing and Navigation Practices: Nets, Tackle, Vessels, and Ancestral Sustainable Methods
- Worldviews and Rituals Linked to the Sea: Anthropological Analysis of Beliefs, Myths, and Ceremonies in Coastal Societies
- Impact of Globalization on Contemporary Seafaring Cultures: Challenges and Technological Adaptations
- Technological Innovation in Naval Construction and Design: Integration of Modern Materials and Preservation of Ancestral Techniques
- Transfer of Traditional Knowledge through Oral Tradition and Informal Education in Maritime Communities
- Heritage Management and Conservation Intangible: Policies, International Regulations, and Success Stories in Maritime Communities
Use of Digital Technologies and GIS Systems for Mapping and Protecting Maritime and Fishing Cultural Spaces
Global Case Studies: Comparative Analysis of Practices and Technologies in Ancestral and Present-Day Communities from the Pacific to the Atlantic
- Characterization and classification of global marine ecosystems: coastal, pelagic, benthic, and abyssal ecosystems;
- Determining physical, chemical, and biological parameters
- Ecological dynamics and processes: marine primary productivity, biogeochemical cycles, resilience, and biological adaptations in extreme environments
- Technological innovation for the exploration and monitoring of marine ecosystems: advanced remote sensing systems, remote sensors, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and bioacoustic techniques
- Marine sustainability: assessment of anthropogenic impacts, development of environmental indicators for adaptive management, and application of mitigation strategies in protected areas
- Integrated environmental management models: adaptive management, marine spatial planning, and ecological risk assessment in the context of global climate change
- Marine cultural heritage: identification, valuation, and protection of submerged cultural resources, archaeological sites, community traditions, and cultural marine landscapes
- International standards and public policies for the Marine heritage conservation: UNESCO, Ramsar Convention, World Heritage Convention, and legislation on marine protected areas
Integrated management of marine ecosystems and cultural heritage: interdisciplinary methodologies, community participation, multi-level governance, and sustainable use of marine resources
Global case studies: comparative analysis of successful conservation and restoration initiatives in coastal and marine areas, and their replicability in different cultural and ecological contexts
Future perspectives: innovation in marine biotechnology, the blue economy, environmental education, and challenges for preserving the balance between ecological protection and socioeconomic development
- Fundamentals of the Blue Economy: principles, scope, and challenges in the conservation and sustainable management of marine resources
- International and regional policies for marine governance: UNCLOS, multilateral agreements, and national coastal development strategies
- Coastal resilience assessment models: theoretical frameworks, socioeconomic and environmental indicators
- Integrated strategic planning for marine communities: participatory methodologies, adaptive management, and inclusive development
- Advanced coastal surveillance technologies: satellite systems, coastal radar, UAV drones, and remote sensors for real-time monitoring
- Numerical modeling for predicting natural and anthropogenic events: waves, erosion, pollutants, and ecosystem responses
- Financing instruments and the blue economy: ecosystem services markets, blue bonds, and international climate funds
- Development of Resilient infrastructure: coastal design, habitat restoration, and climate impact mitigation mechanisms
Risk management and adaptation to climate change in marine communities: scenarios, contingency planning, and local governance
Applied case studies: comparative analysis of successful and unsuccessful coastal policies in different regions of the world
- Historical and contemporary dynamics of maritime trade routes: evolution of routes from antiquity to current globalization, impact of the global economy and nautical technologies.
- Advanced models of port logistics management: comprehensive analysis of operations, optimization of supply chains and intermodal coordination for efficiency in maritime hubs.
- Geopolitics and maritime diplomacy: influence of coastal states, international treaties, exclusive economic zones and conflicts in strategic maritime corridors.
- Comprehensive study of ocean currents and meteorological meteorology applied to route planning: prediction systems, adaptation to extreme weather events and risk mitigation.
- Sociocultural impact on coastal communities and maritime stakeholders: analysis of cultural exchanges, syncretism and heritage preservation in global trade transit contexts.
- Technological tools for navigation and fleet management: integration of AIS, ECDIS, GNSS, and big data systems for real-time monitoring, traceability, and strategic decision-making.
- Fundamentals and application of sustainable policies on trade routes: environmental assessment, reduction of polluting emissions, and blue economy strategies for responsible management.
- Risk assessment and operational safety methodologies: international protocols, crisis management, contingency plans, and crew training.
- Economic and financial analysis of maritime routes: operating costs, strategic investments, market trends, and profitability assessment in global commercial shipping.
- Case studies on cultural and economic dynamics: historical routes such as the Spice Route and the Coal Triangle, and contemporary corridors, their evolution, and relevance in globalization.
- Innovation and trends in maritime infrastructure: port development and smart ports and the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies in logistics management.
International regulatory framework and compliance: in-depth analysis of international conventions (IMO, UNCLOS), maritime traffic regulations, and legal procedures related to the operation of trade routes.
Predictive models and simulations in route planning: use of artificial intelligence and optimization systems to anticipate economic, climatic, and geopolitical variables.
Transnational cooperation strategies: regional and global alliances in maritime route management, cultural cooperation, and sustainable development among coastal countries.
Future perspectives in maritime trade: challenges and opportunities in the face of automation, decarbonization, and changes in global consumption patterns.
- Fundamentals of strategic management in marine communities: multidisciplinary approaches to planning, situational analysis, and decision-making in coastal and marine ecosystems
- Technological innovation applied to marine conservation: remote monitoring systems, remote sensing, and predictive modeling of aquatic populations and habitats
- International and regional regulatory framework: conventions, treaties, and public policies that regulate the protection, use, and sustainable development of the world’s marine heritage
- Environmental sustainability: principles, indicators, and methodologies for assessing the ecological health and resilience of marine ecosystems to anthropogenic impacts and climate change
- Collaborative governance models: integration of local actors, governments, NGOs, and indigenous communities in marine resource management and cultural preservation
- Design and implementation of strategic projects for the valorization of maritime cultural heritage: Museography, Environmental Education, and Sustainable Tourism
Blue Economy and Sustainable Development: Analysis of Value Chains, International Markets, and Strategies to Maximize Socioeconomic Benefits without Compromising Marine Biodiversity
Risk and Environmental Impact Assessment in Fishing, Aquaculture, and Industrial Activities: Methodologies and Technologies to Minimize the Ecological Footprint
Advanced Digital Tools for the Management of Geospatial Information, Biodiversity, and Monitoring of Public Policies in Marine Ecosystems
International Case Studies of Innovation in Marine Management: A Comparative Study of Successful Experiences in Conservation, Ecological Restoration, and Sustainable Community Development
Development of Integrated Strategic Plans: Diagnosis, Objectives, Indicators, and Mechanisms for Long-Term Adaptive Monitoring and Evaluation
Communication and Leadership in Multicultural Environments: Protocols for Negotiation, Mediation, and Consensus Building Among Actors with Diverse Interests in Coastal Environments
Promotion Clean technologies and renewable energies in coastal areas: impact and feasibility assessment for pollution reduction and strengthening resilient communities
Protection and sustainable management of marine protected areas and World Heritage sites: regulations, management tools, and scientific monitoring
Implementation of integrated marine management policies: alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global environmental conservation strategies
- Advanced Foundations of Maritime Navigation: Global Positioning Systems (GNSS), Dead Reckoning, Principles of Inertial Navigation, and Nautical Astronomy Applied to Cultural Management
- Intangible Maritime Heritage: Identification, Documentation, and Preservation of Ancestral Knowledge, Oral Traditions, and Cultural Practices in Coastal Communities
- Technological Innovations for Sustainable Marine Management: Remote Sensing, Maritime IoT, and Digital Platforms for Environmental and Social Monitoring
- Cultural and Geospatial Mapping: Integration of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) with Ethnographic Data for Heritage Management and Territorial Planning
- Integrated Management Models: Participatory Approaches, Adaptive Management, and Multi-Level Governance in Maritime Communities
- Application of Augmented and Virtual Reality Technologies for the Dissemination and Teaching of Maritime Heritage in Academic and Community Contexts
- International Standards and Protocols for the Conservation of Maritime heritage: UNESCO, IMO conventions, and sustainable management strategies
Environmental and social impact assessment in maritime projects: quantitative and qualitative techniques and digital tools for diagnosis and mitigation
Development of sustainable technology projects: design, implementation, and evaluation of prototypes for the protection of marine and cultural ecosystems
Global case studies: comparative analysis of best practices in traditional navigation, heritage preservation, and the use of technologies with a direct impact on maritime communities
- Fundamentals of emerging technologies applied to the management of marine ecosystems: remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and geospatial databases
- Environmental monitoring systems: design, implementation, and optimization of sensor networks for the continuous assessment of oceanographic and biological parameters
- Predictive modeling in marine ecosystems: use of advanced algorithms to anticipate ecological changes and anthropogenic risks
- Comprehensive management of marine cultural heritage: technical criteria for the identification, registration, and conservation of underwater archaeological sites and historical records
- Methodologies for the multidimensional assessment of ecological heritage: biological, chemical, and physical indicators in historical marine contexts
- International legislation and regulations in force for the protection of cultural and ecological heritage in jurisdictional waters and global protected areas
- Digital tools for mapping and documenting Marine heritage: GIS, advanced photogrammetry, and three-dimensional modeling
Restoration and enhancement processes of marine habitats and cultural resources: innovative techniques and international success stories
Transdisciplinary integration between ecology, archaeology, and social sciences for the sustainable management of marine cultures
Environmental and cultural education and awareness strategies aimed at coastal communities, government institutions, and private stakeholders
Protocols for managing socio-environmental conflicts in protected marine ecosystems and areas of significant cultural influence
Contingency and impact mitigation plans arising from industrial, fishing, and tourism activities in marine-cultural territories
Innovations in marine technologies for ecological restoration and participatory monitoring in cultural spaces
Critical analysis of international case studies of integrated management of Cultural and ecological heritage in marine ecosystems: impacts, lessons learned, and applicable insights.
Public policies and collaborative governance models for the protection and sustainable development of maritime cultures in global contexts.
[…]
- Ecological Foundations of Sustainability in Marine Ecosystems: Biodiversity, Biogeochemical Processes, and Ecosystem Services
- Socio-ecological Resilience Models Applied to Traditional Coastal Communities: Indicators, Vulnerability Factors, and Adaptive Capacities
- Environmental and Social Impact Assessment: Quantitative and Qualitative Methodologies for Sustainable Management in Marine Regions
- Technological Innovation for Marine Conservation: Offshore Renewable Energies, Smart Monitoring Systems, and Marine Biotechnology
- International and Local Public Policies and Regulatory Frameworks for the Integrated Management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
- Socio-economic Dynamics in Maritime Cultures: Artisanal Fishing, Sustainable Tourism, and Local Trade
- Implementation of Participatory Strategies and Co-management in Traditional Communities: Inclusive Governance and Institutional Strengthening
- Adaptation to Change Climate change in coastal areas: risk management, future scenarios, and effective mitigation measures
Geospatial technologies and remote sensing applied to environmental monitoring and sustainable planning
Global case studies: successful innovations in marine sustainability and the recovery of critical ecosystems
- Conceptual framework of the Master’s Thesis: definition of objectives, hypotheses, and scope in the integration of innovative technologies and sustainable policies in marine ecosystems
- Comprehensive analysis of emerging technologies applied to marine preservation: remote sensing, real-time environmental monitoring systems, artificial intelligence, and predictive modeling
- Detailed study of international and local policies for the conservation of marine cultural and ecological heritage: conventions, protocols, and multi-scale governance strategies
- Advanced methodologies for assessing environmental and cultural impact in marine protected areas and zones of high historical value
- Design and implementation of integrative projects: alignment of technologies and policies for the sustainable and resilient management of coastal communities and traditional maritime activities
- Instrumentation and application of geospatial tools and geographic information systems (GIS) for the mapping and participatory monitoring of marine heritage
- Critical analysis of international case studies on
- Cultural and ecological preservation in marine ecosystems, with a focus on best practices and lessons learned
- Development of an interdisciplinary protocol for collaboration among scientists, environmental managers, local authorities, and marine communities
- Risk management and adaptation to climate change in marine heritage conservation: innovative and technological strategies applied to mitigation and resilience
- Scientific writing and professional presentation of the Final Project: structure, technical argumentation, use of primary and secondary sources, and oral defense before a multidisciplinary jury
Career prospects
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- Cultural Manager in Maritime Museums: exhibition design, heritage conservation, cultural outreach.
- Researcher in Universities and Research Centers: studies on maritime history, anthropology of maritime cultures, social impact of fishing.
- Consultant in Cultural Tourism Projects: development of tourist routes, heritage interpretation, promotion of sustainable tourism.
- Technician in Public Administrations: maritime heritage management, cultural policy planning, international cooperation on marine issues.
- Underwater Archaeologist: research and conservation of submerged archaeological remains, management of archaeological sites.
- Documentalist in Archives and Libraries: cataloging and digitization of documentary collections related to the sea, dissemination of knowledge.
- Journalist specializing in topics Maritime: writing articles, preparing reports, disseminating news related to the sea.
Advisor to non-governmental organizations: defense of maritime heritage, promotion of the sustainability of coastal communities, raising awareness of marine issues.
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Entry requirements
Academic/professional profile:
Bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering or a related qualification; or proven professional experience on the bridge/in operations.
Language proficiency:
Functional Maritime English (SMCP) recommended for simulations and technical materials.
Documentation:
Updated CV, copy of qualification or seaman’s book, national ID/passport, motivation letter.
Technical requirements (for online):
Device with camera/microphone, stable internet connection, monitor ≥ 24” recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admissions process and dates
Online
application
(form + documents).
Academic review and interview
Admissions decision
Admissions decision
(+ scholarship offer if applicable).
Place reservation
(deposit) and enrolment.
Induction
(access to the virtual campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and financial support
- Explore Diversity: Immerse yourself in the rich and varied maritime cultures of the world.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Analyze the interconnections between history, art, anthropology, and the marine environment.
- Innovative Research: Develop original and relevant research projects on maritime cultures.
- Career Opportunities: Open doors to careers in museology, heritage management, cultural tourism, and environmental consulting.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from leading researchers in the field of maritime cultures.
Testimonials
This master’s degree provided me with a holistic understanding of maritime cultures, from ancient trade routes to contemporary challenges. The combination of theory and fieldwork in diverse coastal communities allowed me to develop crucial research skills and an invaluable intercultural perspective, which I successfully apply in my current consulting work for international organizations focused on ocean sustainability.
The Master’s in Naval History & Heritage provided me with the tools and knowledge necessary to develop my research on shipbuilding in the 18th century. The combination of theory and practice, along with access to archives and experts, allowed me to publish my work in a prestigious academic journal and obtain a scholarship to continue my doctoral studies.
The Master’s in World Maritime Cultures provided me with a holistic understanding of the complex interaction between humankind and the sea throughout history. The research I conducted during the program, focused on traditional shipbuilding in Southeast Asia, culminated in the publication of an article in a prestigious academic journal and led to a collaboration with an international maritime museum to develop an exhibition on the subject.
This master’s degree provided me with a holistic understanding of maritime cultures, from ancient trade routes to modern marine resource management. I applied the knowledge I gained to my research on artisanal fishing in the Mediterranean, which was published in a prestigious academic journal and opened doors to international collaborations.
Frequently asked questions
The world’s maritime cultures, including their histories, traditions, environmental and socio-economic impact.
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 encompasses both the material culture and the social, economic, and religious aspects of seafaring societies.
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 University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Conceptual framework of the Master’s Thesis: definition of objectives, hypotheses, and scope in the integration of innovative technologies and sustainable policies in marine ecosystems
- Comprehensive analysis of emerging technologies applied to marine preservation: remote sensing, real-time environmental monitoring systems, artificial intelligence, and predictive modeling
- Detailed study of international and local policies for the conservation of marine cultural and ecological heritage: conventions, protocols, and multi-scale governance strategies
- Advanced methodologies for assessing environmental and cultural impact in marine protected areas and zones of high historical value
- Design and implementation of integrative projects: alignment of technologies and policies for the sustainable and resilient management of coastal communities and traditional maritime activities
- Instrumentation and application of geospatial tools and geographic information systems (GIS) for the mapping and participatory monitoring of marine heritage
- Critical analysis of international case studies on
- Cultural and ecological preservation in marine ecosystems, with a focus on best practices and lessons learned
- Development of an interdisciplinary protocol for collaboration among scientists, environmental managers, local authorities, and marine communities
- Risk management and adaptation to climate change in marine heritage conservation: innovative and technological strategies applied to mitigation and resilience
- Scientific writing and professional presentation of the Final Project: structure, technical argumentation, use of primary and secondary sources, and oral defense before a multidisciplinary jury
Request information
Complete the Application Form.
Attach your CV/degree certificate (if you have it to hand).
Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you would like the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
An academic advisor will contact you within 24–48 hours to guide you through the admission process, scholarships, and compatibility with your professional schedule.
Faculty
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.