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 the History of Navigation and Expeditions
Immerse yourself in a fascinating journey through the centuries, exploring the sea routes that connected civilizations, the technological advances that propelled exploration, and the key figures who shaped the world. Discover the…
Duration1600 h
FormatOnline
Starts14 December
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in the History of Navigation and Expeditions?
The Master's in the History of Navigation and Expeditions
Immerse yourself in a fascinating journey through the centuries, exploring the sea routes that connected civilizations, the technological advances that propelled exploration, and the key figures who shaped the world. Discover the evolution of cartography, navigational techniques, and the cultural and economic impact of the great expeditions. This program will provide you with a deep understanding of maritime history and its relevance in today's world.
Differential Advantages
- In-depth study of primary sources: analysis of historical documents, navigation logs, and antique maps.
- Global context: study navigation from different cultural and geographical perspectives.
- Experts in the field: learn from renowned maritime historians and naval archaeologists.
- Field trips: visit maritime museums, historical archives, and iconic navigational sites.
- Professional development: opens doors to careers in research, maritime heritage conservation, and cultural tourism.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,600 hours
Modules
11
Start date
05-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Master maritime history: From the earliest explorations to the Age of Discovery.
- In-depth expedition analysis: Study the strategies, challenges, and consequences of the most important voyages.
- Social and economic context: Understand the influence of navigation on global development.
- Research and primary sources: Learn to analyze historical documents and artifacts.
- Multidisciplinary perspectives: Integrate knowledge of geography, cartography, and naval archaeology.
- Delve into the history of navigation and the maritime expeditions that shaped the world.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Maritime exploration and advanced navigation techniques in the great historical expeditions
- Origins and evolution of maritime navigation: from the first crossings to the Renaissance
- Traditional nautical instruments: astrolabe, sextant, quadrant and magnetic compass; Physical principles and practical applications
- Historical cartography: Development of the Portulan, Portulan and Nautical Atlantean charters; Symbolism, scale, projections and precision
- Estimate and Celestial Navigation Techniques: Calculation of position by sextant, observation of celestial bodies and use of nautical tables
- Planning methodologies in large shipments: route selection, provisions, crew and risk management
- Navigation on the high seas and unknown oceans: Strategies to cope with extreme weather conditions, invisible currents and storms
- Deep study of sea currents and tides: their impact on trajectories and travel times in historical expeditions
- Technical innovations during the age of discoveries: propellers, manoeuvreable sails and the strategic use of the compass
- Analysis of the key historical routes: Vasco da Gama, Magallanes-Elcano, Cook; Logistics, obstacles and achievements
- Documentation and logs: registration, interpretation and historical value of board journals and route maps
02
Historical mapping and astronomical navigation systems on transoceanic sea routes
- Fundamentals of Historical Cartography: Evolution of Cartographic Techniques and Representations from Antiquity to the Eighteenth Century
- Classic Astronomical Navigation Instruments: Sextant, Astrolabe, Quadrant and Octante: Applied Physical and Mathematical Principles
- Coordinate systems and traditional cartographic projections: Mercator, Peters, and other projections used in old nautical maps
- Determination of latitude: astronomical methods for measuring the height of the sun and main stars at different latitudes
- Calculation of the length: development of the marine chronometer, distance lunar methods and their impact on the precision of transoceanic routes
- Interrelationship between astronomical observations and nautical records: navigation diary, charts and historical tide tables
- Impact of cartography and astronomical navigation on European expansion: analysis of the main expeditions and transoceanic sea routes from the 15th to the 18th centuries
- Emblematic Case Study: Maps of Juan de la Cosa, Jodocus Hondius and Historical Nautical Atlases
- Pre-electronic technological advances and their influence on the safety and efficiency of ocean navigation
- Critical comparison between ancient and modern navigation systems: historical lessons applicable to contemporary navigation
03
Strategies and technologies of maritime exploration in the great historical expeditions
- Historical contextualization of the great maritime expeditions: political, economic and scientific objectives
- Design and shipbuilding in the age of discoveries: innovation in caravels, galleons and naos
- Astronomical mapping and navigation: sextant, astrolabe, quadrant and positioning techniques
- Navigation Instruments and Technologies: Magnetic Compass, Marine Chronometres and Timeline of its Evolution
- Exploration strategies and sea routes: analysis of currents, trade winds and unknown oceans
- Coastal and open ocean piloting techniques: drifting, drifting, heading estimation and error correction
- Management of resources and logistics in long-term shipments: supplies, maintenance and conditioning of the crew
- Impact of navigation on world geopolitics: establishment of trade routes and colonization
- Key technological innovations and their influence on maritime expansion: from cartography to propulsion
- Critical analysis of historical sources: on-board journals, old maps and technical documentation
04
Expedition operations and logistics: Strategic planning, provisioning, command and risk management in transoceanic crossings (integral management of historic fleets)
- Strategic Analysis of Expedition Objectives: Definition of Goals, Geopolitical and Scientific Assessment, and Selection of Optimised Routes
- Design of the operating plan: schedules, assignment of tasks, hierarchical leadership and organisational structure in historical contexts
- Supply Logistics: Detailed consumables calculation, efficient storage, food preservation and drinking water management on long journeys
- Command and control of historic fleets: communication protocols, naval discipline, visual and acoustic signals, and coordination of multiple units
- Risk identification and mitigation: Analysis of natural (climatic, bathymetric) and human (conflicts, piracy) threats, with contingency plans development
- Traditional navigation systems and their integration in logistics planning: use of astrolabes, sextants, nautical charts and estimation of positions
- Human resources assessment and management: crew selection, specialised training, on-board health and wellness management, and interpersonal conflict management
- Impact of technological innovations in the logistics of classical expeditions: sails, rudders, fishing gear and complementary provisioning
- Planning and execution of critical manoeuvres: anchoring, port entry and exit, and navigation in high-risk areas
- Analysis of successful and failed historical cases: lessons learned in comprehensive fleet management and adaptations to unforeseen conditions during the journey
05
Innovation and evolution of navigation and mapping techniques in the first oceanic explorations
- Origins and foundations of ancient navigation: primitive instruments and empirical methods
- Magnetic compass development: technical evolution, calibration and its impact on maritime navigation
- Positioning systems based on astronomical observation: use of astrolabe, sextant and maritime chronometer
- Early cartography: geographic representation techniques, projections and symbology in the first nautical charts
- Methodologies for the preparation and updating of navigation maps: Portulans, Portulan charts and road cards
- Innovations in the measurement of currents and tides: tidal tables and their interpretation for ocean route planning
- Instrumentation and techniques for depth measurement: from manual probes to rudimentary echo sounders
- Evolution of exploration routes: analysis of defeats, landmarks and coastal navigation versus open ocean navigation
- Adaptation and improvement in piloting methods: enfilations, delays and handling in restricted waters
- Impact of cartographic innovations and navigation techniques on major expeditions: advance of geographic knowledge and global maritime expansion
06
Advanced techniques of exploration, astronomical mapping and logistics in great historical expeditions
- Fundamentals and Historical Evolution of Exploration Techniques: From Classical Antiquity to the Modern Era of Maritime Explorations
- Advanced Instrumentation in Navigation: Sextant, Astrolabe, Marine Stopwatch and its impact on astronomical precision during expeditions
- Astronomical calculation for navigation: methods for determining latitude, longitude and solar time using celestial bodies
- Applied Historical Cartography: Analysing Maps and Nautical Charts, Surveying Techniques and Representation of Unknown Territories
- Triangulation techniques and maritime survey: methods for mapping coasts and submarine reliefs in pioneer expeditions
- Logistics in large expeditions: Resource planning, provisioning, and long-term crew management
- Organisation and management of space on board: efficient storage of food, water, spare parts and scientific equipment
- Handling and repair of navigation instruments: Preventive and corrective maintenance during extended trips
- Communication systems and signals in pre-technological times: codes, flags and messages for coordination between boats
- Strategies to face meteorological and geographic contingencies: adaptation of exploration techniques according to environment and climate
07
Technologies, strategies and logistics in large maritime explorations: evolution, cartography and astronomical navigation
- Technical and scientific background: The qualitative leap in naval technology of the 15th and 16th centuries, including the development of caravels, galleons and naos, and its impact on transoceanic exploration capacity.
- Evolution of astronomical navigation techniques: from the use of astrolabe and quadrant to the invention of the marine sextant and chronometer, and its crucial role in the precise determination of latitude and longitude at sea.
- Historical cartography and its transformation: detailed analysis of portulan maps, the influence of Islamic and European nautical charts, and the cartographic revolution promoted by the Sagres School and the Seville Contracting House.
- Cartographic tools and methods: interpretation of nautical symbology, used cartographic projections, triangulation and survey techniques, and the incorporation of topographic and oceanographic information in the maps of the time.
- Logistic strategies for large shipments: Advanced route planning, provisioning of food, weapons management and endowment, and logistics to face climatic contingencies and diseases on board.
- The strategic role of knowledge of seas and currents: study of ocean circulation, trade winds and monsoons, and its determining influence in the choice of routes and temporary windows for transatlantic and trans-pacific trips.
- Navigation systems in restricted and coastal waters: piloting methods, use of line-ups, delays and probing to ensure safety in poorly mapped or dangerous ports, and the training of expert pilots in each exploration region.
- Innovations in measurement and registration devices: from the log and stopwatch to the first communication and signalling systems between ships of the same fleet during crossings.
- Impact of new technologies on the expansion of geographic knowledge: how innovations in navigation and cartography facilitated expeditions of conquest, colonization and trade, redefining the world political and economic map.
- Analysis of emblematic cases: logistics and technology applied in expeditions such as Magellan-Elcano, Vasco da Gama, and James Cook, highlighting the technical challenges overcome and significant advances in scientific navigation.
08
Geopolitical and economic impact of large maritime expeditions: historical analysis and global consequences
- Historical contextualization: Detailed analysis of the time frame and geographical of the great maritime expeditions from the end of the 15th century to the eighteenth century.
- Pre-expedition geopolitical dynamics: evaluation of rivalries, alliances and tensions between emerging and consolidated powers that promoted exploration trips.
- Impact on the configuration of territorial borders: a thorough study of the delimitation of maritime and land spaces derived from treaties and post-expedition agreements.
- Global economic transformations: Influence of maritime routes in the establishment of transoceanic commercial circuits, inclusion of products and raw materials and the emergence of mercantile capitalism.
- The strategic role of the sea routes in the expansion of empires: analysis of how the control of roads and ports had an impact on the balance of global power.
- Socio-political consequences in explored territories: processes of colonization, administration and indigenous resistance from contact with European powers.
- Navigation as a tool for diplomacy and war: study of naval military expeditions and their repercussions on treaties and international order.
- Technological and scientific innovations promoted by expeditions: advances in cartography, nautical astronomy, shipbuilding and astronomical navigation.
- Demographic effects: forced migration, slavery and displacements resulting from maritime expeditions and their impact on the formation of current populations.
- Contemporary legacy and reinterpretations: critical analysis of historical memory and current narratives about expeditions and their global impact.
09
Technological innovation, astronomical cartography and logistics strategies in the great historical maritime expeditions
- Historical contextualization of technological innovation in navigation: evolution from medieval nautical instruments to the age of great discoveries
- Astronomical instruments: development and application of astrolabe, quadrant, sextant and octant in determining latitude and longitude at sea
- Historical nautical cartography: analysis of the Portulans, Piri Reis maps and letters from Iberian Explorers, with emphasis on their precision and interpretive symbology
- Progress in the measurement of time: the invention of the marine chronometer and its decisive impact on longitudinal navigation during the expeditions of the 18th century
- Development of astronomical mapping techniques: methods of observation and calculation for geospatial representation in ocean uncertainty environments
- Logistics principles and practices in large shipments: provisioning, crew organisation and resource management on long-term crossings
- Risk planning and management strategies applied in maritime expeditions: analysis of climate contingencies, geographic obstacles and social conflicts
- Innovations in shipbuilding that enabled logistics sustainability: from caravels and galleons to steamships, focused on cargo capacity and autonomy
- Integration of cartography”, astronomical and technological for the optimisation of maritime routes: study of emblematic cases such as the expeditions of Magellan and Cook
- Scientific and Technological Legacy: Influence of Expeditions on Modern Evolution of Navigation and Geospatial Mapping
10
Nautical instruments, science and life on board in the age of expeditions
- Astrolabe, quadrant and crossbow
- Compass and seaside needle
- the marine stopwatch and the length
- the sextant
- Medicine and scurvy on board
- Long crossing feeding
- daily life of crews
- Scientific Expeditions of the 18th Century
- Polar scan
- Documentary sources and on-board newspapers
11
Master’s Final Project in the History of Navigation and Expeditions
- Basics of astronomical navigation: history, principles and classic tools
- Precision instruments in historical navigation: sextant, astrolabe, octant and marine stopwatches
- Celestial Position Calculation: Observation Methods, Error Correction, and Atmospheric Adjustments
- Integration of astronomical navigation in cartography: evolution of maps, projections and geographic precision
- Analysis of the great expeditions: Technical contributions in navigation and cartography of Explorers such as Magallanes, Cook and Vasco da Gama
- Advanced techniques for deciphering and using historical nautical charts: symbology, scales and cartographic resources
- Impact of the scientific revolution on navigation: transition from the empirical method to the use of scientific instruments
- Practical application: elabouration of navigational routes based on astronomical observations and old cartographic data
- Detailed study of the integration between astronomical instruments and cartographic tools in the planning of transoceanic expeditions
- Final work: Development of a Capstone Project that simulates the planning and execution of a historic expedition applying advanced techniques of astronomical navigation and accurate cartographic representation
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
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Who it is for
Historians and archaeologists seeking to specialize in maritime history, exploring navigation techniques and the impact of expeditions on society.History and social science teachers interested in enriching their classes with a global perspective on the evolution of navigation and the discovery of new routes.Archivists and librarians wishing to deepen their knowledge of cataloging and preservin
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
- 01Critically analyze primary and secondary sources
- 02Interpreting the global impact of maritime travel
- 03Leading research projects on maritime history
- 04Designing outreach strategies for maritime heritage
- 05Advising on the conservation and management of historic naval sites
- 06Evaluate the influence of naval technology on geopolitics
Careers
Career Opportunities
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02Archivist/Documentarian: Management and preservation of historical archives related to navigation and expeditions.
03Researcher/Historian: Development of research projects in universities, research centers, or cultural institutions.
04Lecturer/Professor: Teaching at university or vocational training levels on maritime history and exploration.
05Maritime Heritage Manager: Conservation and promotion of cultural heritage related to navigation in museums, historical sites, or public entities.
06Historical Consultant/Advisor: Participation in outreach projects, audiovisual production, or tourism development related to the history of navigation.
07Cultural Manager: Design and organization of exhibitions, events, and cultural activities on maritime and historical themes.
08Editor/Communicator Scientist: Writing and editing books, articles, and digital content on the history of navigation and expeditions.
09Museum/Interpretation Center Technician: Designing museum displays, managing collections, and providing visitor services in spaces dedicated to maritime history.
Questions
Entry Requirements
The history of navigation and expeditions.
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 covers both aspects, naval technology and exploration voyages, as they are interdependent.
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 History, Humanities, Archaeology, Geography, or related disciplines; or demonstrable experience in historical research, archives, or museums related to navigation.Language Proficiency:Proficiency in Spanish (native or equivalent). A good level of English and/or knowledge of other languages relevant to the history of navigation (French, Portuguese, Italian) is recommended.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of university degree, academic transcript, ID/Passport, letter of motivation explaining your interest i
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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