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 Underwater Archaeology
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of submerged cultural heritage. Learn to investigate, document, and protect archaeological sites in aquatic environments, from historic shipwrecks to prehistoric settlements. This program…
Duration1600 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Underwater Archaeology?
The Master's in Underwater Archaeology
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of submerged cultural heritage. Learn to investigate, document, and protect archaeological sites in aquatic environments, from historic shipwrecks to prehistoric settlements. This program provides you with the technical and theoretical skills necessary to lead underwater heritage excavation, conservation, and management projects.
Differential Advantages
- Advanced Methodology: training in archaeological diving techniques, underwater photogrammetry, and remote sensing.
- In situ and Ex situ Conservation: a comprehensive approach to heritage preservation, from the site to the laboratory.
- Legal Framework and Management: in-depth knowledge of international legislation and underwater heritage protection strategies.
- International Collaborations: opportunities to participate in research projects with leading institutions worldwide.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: integration of knowledge from archaeology, history, oceanography, and conservation.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,600 hours
Modules
11
Start date
29-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Explore the Underwater World: Acquire advanced skills in the excavation, documentation, and analysis of underwater archaeological sites.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Master the use of sonar, ROVs, and other tools for prospecting and studying underwater heritage.
- Conservation and Management: Learn the most innovative techniques for the preservation and protection of submerged cultural heritage.
- Career Opportunities: Prepare to work in museums, research centers, archaeological companies, and government agencies.
- High-Level Research: Participate in international projects and contribute to the advancement of knowledge about maritime history.
- Become an expert in the management and protection of underwater archaeological heritage.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Foundations of Underwater Archeology, Submerged Cultural Heritage and Historical-Maritime Context
- Underwater archeology concept and differences between underwater archeology, submerged heritage, prospecting, excavation, documentation and conservation
- Typologies of underwater reservoirs: wrecks, old ports, Anchorages, coastal structures, flooded landscapes and navigation debris
- Relationship between navigation, trade, war, fishing, migration, naval technology and underwater archaeological record formation
- Features of the underwater environment: depth, pressure, visibility, sediments, currents, salinity, corrosion and access limitations
- Scientific, historical, social, educational and patrimonial value of submerged cultural goods
- Main risks: plundering, maritime works, trawling, unregulated tourism, erosion, pollution and loss of context
- Archaeological ethics, minimal intervention, rigorous documentation and respect for the integrity of the site
- Systemic approach to underwater archeology as integration of history, science, diving, technology, conservation and heritage management
- Actors involved: archaeologists, science divers, conservatives, authorities, museums, universities, coastal communities and maritime operators
- Construction of a comprehensive vision of underwater heritage as a non-renewable cultural resource
02
Legislation, patrimonial protection, institutional management and prevention of underwater plunder
- Legal framework of underwater cultural heritage and differences between ownership, protection, protection, research and authorized recovery
- International regulations, national legislation, intervention permits, scientific diving authorizations and administrative powers
- Principles of on-site conservation, non-marketing, international cooperation and protection from unauthorized extraction
- Procedures for declaring, registering, inventorying, signalling and protecting submerged archaeological sites
- Management of legal risks associated with fortuitous findings, private collections, recovered objects and recreational activities
- Prevention of plundering through surveillance, education, access control, collabouration with divers, fishermen and maritime authorities
- Relationship between archeology, museums, archives, local communities, cultural tourism and maritime memory
- Institutional Document Management: Records, Permits, Reports, Minutes, Photographs, Maps, Inventories and Chain of Custody
- Professional Ethics, Conflict of Interest, Scientific Transparency and Public Responsibility in Heritage Management
- Construction of governance models that ensure legal protection, responsible research and social appreciation
03
Methods of prospecting, localization, preliminary registration and diagnosis of underwater reservoirs
- Fundamentals of underwater prospecting and differences between visual recognition, systematic, geophysical and documentary prospecting
- Previous research in archives, historical cartography, shipwreck stories, port records, press and oral tradition
- Visual prospecting with divers through transects, routes, grids, signalling, buoyancy and recording of findings
- Using Side Sweep Sonar, Multi Beam Ecosounder, Magnetometer, Profilers, ROV, AUV and Surface Drones
- Georeferencing of findings using surface GPS, buoys, baselines, visual references and acoustic systems
- Preliminary identification of materials: ceramic, metal, wood, glass, stone, anchors, cannons, ballast and construction elements
- Evaluation of the reservoir state: dispersion, conservation, threat, accessibility, depth and scientific potential
- Control of bias, false signals, positioning errors, low visibility and technological limitations
- Preparation of prospecting sheets, sketches, initial photographs, distribution maps and intervention recommendations
- Construction of preliminary diagnoses that allow deciding protection, monitoring, excavation or conservation
04
Underwater archaeological documentation, photogrammetry, cartography and three-dimensional modelling
- Fundamentals of underwater documentation and relationship between visual recording, measurement, context, scale and scientific traceability
- Archaeological drawing underwater, sketch, tabs, scales, orientation, references, grids and context control
- Underwater archaeological photography: lighting, colour, scale, framing, sequence, visibility and sediment control
- Underwater photogrammetry: capture planning, overlaps, checkpoints, scales, calibration and image processing
- Generation of orthomosaics, 3D models, point clouds, planes, profiles and metric products of the reservoir
- Underwater mapping with GIS, bathymetry, sonar, digital background models and layers of heritage information
- Registration of objects, structures, scattered materials, concentrations, visible stratigraphy and spatial relationships
- Document quality control: precision, resolution, repeatability, metadata, errors, versions and backup of files
- Integration of visual, geographical, historical and technical documentation for archaeological interpretation
- Construction of robust graphic files that allow studying, conserving and communicating submerged heritage
05
Underwater excavation, stratigraphy, controlled recovery and underwater archaeological work
- Underwater excavation fundamentals and differences between spot intervention, probing, extensive digging and emergency recovery
- Criteria for Intervening: Threat, Research, Conservation, Accessibility, Permits, Resources and Post Treatment Capacity
- Organisation of the workspace using grids, baselines, references, bags, labels, tools and registration stations
- Sediment removal techniques, suction dredges, airlift, hand tools and control of archaeological layers
- Underwater stratigraphy, materials association, context, original position and prevention of information loss
- Recovery of objects with previous registration, labelling, wet packaging, chain of custody and safe transport
- Safety during excavation: reduced visibility, sediments, currents, depth, fatigue, tools and coordination of divers
- Management of organic samples, sediments, woods, metals, ceramics, biological remains and brittle materials
- Temporary or definitive closure of excavated areas, protection of the reservoir and post-intervention documentation
- Construction of excavation procedures that preserve context, scientific evidence and safety
06
Conservation of archaeological materials, stabilisation, labouratory and preventive preservation
- Underwater archaeological conservation foundations and differences between stabilisation, restoration, preservation and museographic exhibition
- Deterioration processes in wood, iron, copper, bronze, ceramics, glass, leather, bone, textiles and composite materials
- Initial conservation in the field: wet maintenance, packaging, labelling, temperature control, salinity and minimal handling
- Desalination, cleaning, consolidation, controlled drying, corrosion inhibition and specific treatments by material
- Conservation of flooded wood, naval structures, organic elements and large pieces
- Labouratory management: inventory, photo recording, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and stable storage
- Non-conserving extraction risks: Structural collapse, accelerated oxidation, salt crystallization and irreversible loss
- On-site conservation, protective coatings, environmental monitoring, controlled burial and physical protection of the reservoir
- Coordination between archaeologists, conservatives, chemists, museums, institutions and legal officers
- Construction of conservation strategies that ensure material preservation, scientific value and responsible public access
07
Historical naval architecture, wrecks, shipments and interpretive analysis of the underwater register
- Fundamentals of Historic Naval Architecture and Archaeological Reading of Hulls, Keels, Frames, Linings, Navals and Assemblies
- Evolution of construction techniques: Mediterranean tradition, Atlantic, wooden boats, metal, steam and technological transition
- Interpretation of wrecks by distribution of remains, structure of the hull, ballast, anchors, weapons, loading and everyday objects
- Maritime cargoes: ceramics, metals, amphorae, wood, food, colonial, industrial and military merchandise
- Analysis of routes, trade, chronology, origin, maritime networks, conflicts and shipwreck events
- Identification of post-depositional processes: dispersion, collapse, looting, sedimentation, corrosion, bioturbation and erosion
- Integration of archaeological data with historical sources, cartography, archives, material analysis and dating
- Social interpretation of heritage: life on board, crews, technology, maritime economy and cultural relations
- Preparation of interpretive hypotheses, limits of evidence, uncertainty and critical review of conclusions
- Construction of rigorous archaeological narratives connecting material evidence, maritime history and cultural heritage
08
Applied technology, underwater robotics, remote sensors and digital analysis of submerged heritage
- Use of ROV for inspection, documentation, mapping, photography, video and support for non-invasive archaeological interventions
- Use of AUV, USV, sonar, magnetometry, bathymetric lidar, remote cameras and oceanographic sensors in heritage prospecting
- Integration of geophysical, visual, historical and archaeological data into GIS platforms and collabourative digital environments
- Image processing, advanced photogrammetry, 3D reconstruction, virtual reality, augmented reality and digital museography
- Artificial Intelligence Applied to Anomaly Detection, Object Classification, Image Analysis and Inventory Support
- Remote monitoring of reservoirs using sensors, buoys, cameras, environmental stations and analysis of temporary changes
- Management of large volumes of data, nomenclature, metadata, interoperability, digital preservation and controlled access
- Technological limitations: cost, precision, training, maintenance, detection bias and dependence on environmental conditions
- Ethics of digitization, protection of sensitive locations and balance between public disclosure and property security
- Construction of technological ecosystems that expand research without substituting specialised archaeological criteria
09
Musealization, education, responsible tourism and public communication of the underwater heritage
- Fundamentals of dissemination of underwater heritage and differences between musealization, interpretation, education, tourism and scientific communication
- Design of exhibitions, interpretation centres, heritage routes, digital files, 3D models and audiovisual resources
- Responsible underwater tourism: controlled archaeological diving, underwater trails, virtual tours and codes of conduct
- Patrimonial education for coastal communities, schools, diving clubs, fishermen, tour operators and the general public
- Communication of findings, scientific uncertainty, conservation processes and social value of submerged heritage
- Prevention of plundering through awareness, community participation, citizen science and collabouration with users of the sea
- Cultural accessibility, inclusive narratives, maritime memory, local identity and participation of communities linked to heritage
- Reputation management, media, social networks, institutional communication and protection of sensitive information
- Social impact assessment: visitors, learning, participation, public perception, community support and sustainability of the project
- Construction of communication programmes that convert the underwater heritage into knowledge, identity and active protection
10
Underwater Archaeological Project: Planning, Management and Publication
- Design of a research project
- permits and authorizations
- budget and financing
- Logistics and campaign security
- Interdisciplinary teams
- Data and records management
- Campaign technical reports
- Scientific publication
- dissemination to society
- Final memory of a project
11
Master’s Final Project in Underwater Archaeology
- Definition of the case study: wreck, anchorage, old port, submerged structure, flooded landscape or threatened heritage area
- Historical, archaeological, environmental, legal, technical and social diagnosis of the selected research site or research zone
- Design of the prospecting plan with historical sources, visual methods, geophysics, ROV/AUV, cartography and preliminary registration
- Preparation of the documentation plan with photography, photogrammetry, archaeological drawing, GIS, files, scales and control of metadata
- Development of the protocol of intervention, excavation or in situ conservation according to scientific, legal and patrimonial criteria
- Materials conservation plan design, labouratory, chain of custody, storage, risks and subsequent treatment
- Operational safety integration, scientific diving, logistics, permits, roles, schedule, budget and contingency management
- Elabouration of the strategy of interpretation, musealization, public communication, education and protection against plunder
- Drafting of the comprehensive technical memory with methodology, evidence, cartography, analysis, limitations, ethics and recommendations
- Presentation and defence of the final project with scientific, patrimonial, legal, technological and social validation of the developed underwater archaeological proposal
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
Archaeologists and archaeology students who wish to specialize in the research and management of underwater cultural heritage.Professional and recreational divers interested in documenting and preserving underwater archaeological sites, learning excavation and recording techniques.Historians, anthropologists, and conservators seeking to expand their knowledge of maritime history and material c
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
- 01Manage and interpret underwater archaeological data
- 02Documenting and preserving underwater cultural heritage
- 03Leading underwater archaeological research projects
- 04Applying advanced technologies to underwater research
- 05Assessing the impact of climate change on submerged archaeological sites
- 06Develop methodologies for the legal protection of underwater heritage
Careers
Career Opportunities
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02Underwater Archaeologist: Participation in excavations, documentation, and analysis of submerged archaeological sites.
03Underwater Cultural Heritage Manager: Protection, conservation, and dissemination of underwater archaeological heritage in public or private institutions.
04Underwater Archaeology Consultant: Advising on marine infrastructure projects, environmental impact assessments, and heritage studies.
05Underwater Archaeology Researcher: Development of scientific research projects, publication of results, and participation in conferences.
06Underwater Archaeological Materials Conservator-Restorer: Treatment and conservation of artifacts recovered from underwater contexts.
07Marine Geophysical Survey Technician: Use of sonar equipment, magnetometry, and other methods for detection of submerged archaeological sites.
08Specialist in 3D documentation of underwater archaeological sites: Creation of high-precision three-dimensional models for study and dissemination.
09Educator and disseminator of underwater archaeological heritage: Design and development of educational programs, exhibitions, and outreach activities for diverse audiences.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Dive.
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.
Marine, riverine, lacustrine and coastal environments, including shipwrecks, ancient ports, submerged structures and flooded prehistoric sites.
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 Archaeology, History, Anthropology, or related disciplines; or demonstrable experience in terrestrial or underwater archaeology.Linguistic Competence:Proficiency in Spanish (oral and written). English (level B2 or higher) is recommended for reading specialized literature.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of university degree, academic transcript, letter of motivation explaining your interest in underwater archaeology, ID/Passport.Technical Requirements (for online, if applicable):Computer with a sta
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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