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 Maritime Strategy and Geopolitics
This program provides you with a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in the maritime sphere. It delves into the strategic analysis of maritime spaces, the geopolitical dynamics that shape them, and the…
Duration1600 h
FormatOnline
Starts14 December
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Maritime Strategy and Geopolitics?
The Master's in Maritime Strategy and Geopolitics
This program provides you with a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in the maritime sphere. It delves into the strategic analysis of maritime spaces, the geopolitical dynamics that shape them, and the implications for security, trade, and sustainability. This program will equip you to understand the complex interactions between state and non-state actors, the impact of new technologies, and the importance of international law of the sea.
It provides you with a global and comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in the maritime sphere.
Differential Advantages
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Integrates perspectives from political science, economics, law, and security.
- Real-World Case Studies: Examines maritime conflicts, strategic routes, and the impact of climate change.
- Skills Development: Enhance your analytical, negotiation, and decision-making abilities in a complex environment.
- Networking: Connect with maritime industry experts, government officials, and other professionals.
- Practical Application: Develop strategies and policies to address current maritime geopolitical challenges.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,600 hours
Modules
11
Start date
05-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Geopolitical Analysis: Master the power dynamics in the oceans and their impact on the global economy.
- Maritime Strategy: Develop skills for planning and managing resources in complex maritime environments.
- Security and Defense: Delve into the challenges and solutions for protecting maritime interests.
- Maritime Law: Understand the international legal framework that regulates maritime spaces and activities.
- Leadership: Enhance your ability to lead and make strategic decisions in the maritime sector.
- Boost your career with a comprehensive understanding of geopolitics and strategy in the maritime sphere.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Management of maritime risks and safety in navigation: international regulations and emergency procedures.
- International legal framework in maritime risk management: in-depth analysis of SOLAS, MARPOL, ISPs, and the influence of IMO on the standardisation of regulations.
- Advanced evaluation of maritime threats: identification and classification of natural, technological, human and geopolitical risks in critical maritime environments.
- Technical Risk Analysis Procedures: Application of Hazid, HAZOP and FMEA methodologies adapted to safety in navigation and port operations.
- Design and implementation of comprehensive risk management plans: structuring, roles, responsibilities and operational deployment in different maritime scenarios.
- Navigation Security Systems and Protocols: Practical application of ISM standards and preparation for coast guard inspections and Port State Control.
- Crisis management and response to maritime emergencies: inter-institutional coordination, drills, and search and rescue protocols (SAR) focused on the maritime environment.
- Real-time early warning and monitoring systems: integration of AIS technologies, differential GPS and Doppler radars for risk detection and mitigation.
- Cyber security in the maritime field: digital threats, protection of electronic navigation systems and protocols for the prevention of attacks on ships and platforms.
- Contingency procedures for contamination and spill events: MARPOL regulations, containment and recovery techniques, in addition to coordination with environmental authorities.
- Training and leadership in risk management: development of professional skills, safety culture, advanced drills and the practical application of CRM (Crew Resource Management) principles in multidisciplinary teams.
02
Strategic analysis of sea routes and geopolitical control in international high-voltage areas
- Fundamentals of maritime strategic analysis: geopolitical, economic and military variables
- Identification and classification of critical sea routes in international high-voltage zones
- Port geopolitics: strategic influence of key ports and logistics nodes in route control
- Dynamics of regional and global power: state and non-state actors in the maritime domain
- Geopolitical risk assessment: asymmetric threats, piracy, blockades and naval conflicts
- Advanced Maritime Intelligence Techniques: SIGINT, IMINT and HUMINT applied to route monitoring
- Simulation models and predictive analysis to anticipate changes in the control of maritime corridors
- Application of maritime international law: UNCLOS, maritime zones and sovereignty in disputed areas
- Critical infrastructure and emerging technologies in the strategic control of sea routes
- Formulation of mitigation and response strategies in maritime geopolitical crisis scenarios
03
Risk analysis, international regulations and safety procedures in strategic maritime operations
- Advanced methodologies for risk analysis in strategic maritime operations: identification, evaluation and mitigation of threats in dynamic environments
- Applicable international legal framework: detailed study of MARPOL, SOLAS, UNCLOS and the IPS code with a focus on safety and maritime protection
- Regional and bilateral regulations: agreements and treaties that regulate transit, exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and areas of shared jurisdiction
- Operational safety procedures in the maritime logistics chain: from boarding to delivery, with emphasis on the prevention of illicit acts and sabotage
- Implementation of the Security Management System (SGS): planning, execution, control and continuous improvement in accordance with international standards
- Strategic Maritime Incident Real Case Analysis: Lessons Learned, Geopolitical Impact and Multilateral Coordinated Responses
- Technological tools for risk management: satellite surveillance, applied artificial intelligence and automated early warning systems
- Training and training in security and emergency protocols: drills, crisis management and organisational response evaluation
- Role and responsibilities of key stakeholders: operators, maritime authorities, naval forces and international organisations in risk prevention and control
- Integration of environmental and socioeconomic criteria in strategic maritime operations planning to minimise impacts and promote sustainability
04
Maritime Intelligence, ISR Surveillance and Cyber Defence: Strength Projection, Hybrid Warfare and Naval Diplomacy for the Protection of Strategic Commercial Corridors
- Maritime Intelligence Fundamentals: Concepts, Information Sources, and Typologies for the Maritime Domain
- ISR Surveillance Technologies (Intelligence, Surveillance and Recognition): Satellites, UAVs, acoustic sensors and electromagnetic signals in maritime environments
- Network architectures and systems for maritime cyber defence: critical maritime platforms and SCADA systems
- Hybrid Threat Analysis: State and Non-State Actor, Asymmetric Warfare, and Disinformation Techniques in the Maritime Environment
- Naval Strength Projection Models: Capacities, Limitations and Strategies for Maritime Control and Deterrence in Strategic Areas
- Hybrid war operations at sea: combined electronic warfare tactics, cyber operations and maritime special forces deployment
- Naval diplomacy and international cooperation: legal instruments, multilateral protocols and strategic alliances for the protection of maritime corridors
- Protection of strategic business brokers: geopolitical analysis, risk assessment and preventive measures on global critical paths
- Integration of ISR intelligence and cyber defence: simulation, predictive analysis and decision-making in real time for the safe management of maritime spaces
- Case studies: Real incidents of cyberattacks, hybrid confrontations and intelligence operations in strategic maritime areas
05
Advanced technologies in maritime detection and monitoring for strategic management and international security
- Advanced Sensor Fundamentals for Maritime Detection: Multispectral Radar, LiDAR and Hyperspectral Systems
- Satellite technology integration in ocean monitoring: SAR, optical and GNSS Reflectometry
- Autonomous sensor networks: intelligent buoys, unmanned submarine vehicles (UUV) and marine drone
- Processing and analysis of big data in maritime surveillance: artificial intelligence and machine learning applied to threat detection
- Geoinformatics and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for the strategic management of the maritime space
- Capacities and limitations of advanced AIS systems and their application in the protection of exclusive economic spaces (ZEE)
- Command and Control Platforms for Joint Operations: Interoperability and International Standards
- Cryptography and cybersecurity in maritime monitoring systems: protection against interference and cyber attacks
- International regulations and multilateral agreements associated with maritime surveillance and maritime security
- Strategic Maritime Detection Case Studies: Operational Analysis in Conflict Scenarios and Multinational Cooperation
06
Analysis of strategic routes, control of the maritime space and international regulations for global security and defence
- Identification and analysis of strategic sea routes: geoeconomic, geopolitical and military evaluation of global navigation corridors
- Dynamics of the control of the maritime space: sovereignty, jurisdiction and exclusive economic zones (EEZ) under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
- Capacities and strategies for monitoring and control: deployment of ISR systems (intelligence, surveillance and recognition) and coastal surveillance capabilities
- International regulations for maritime safety: detailed analysis of SOLAS, MARPOL, ISPs, and its impact on naval operations and defence
- Advanced study of treaties and multilateral agreements linked to the control and peaceful use of international waters
- Naval Warfare Techniques and Technology: Fleet Interoperability, Maritime Cyberwarfare and Defence Against Asymmetric Threats on Key Sea Routes
- Strategic dimensions of control of chokepoints and maritime straits: Malacca, Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, Suez and the Panama Canal
- Risk management and response protocols to maritime incidents and unconventional threats: piracy, terrorism and illicit traffic
- Advanced simulation tools for the planning and execution of strategic maritime operations
- Analysis of contemporary cases of conflicts and maritime diplomacy: implications for global security and defence in the current context
07
Planning and coordination of naval operations in the international geopolitical environment
- Strategic framework of naval operations: analysis of national interests and projection of power at sea
- International geopolitical evaluation: identification of actors, alliances, conflict and cooperation in maritime spaces
- Operational planning methodologies: Appraisal phases, design, execution, coordination and control in dynamic scenarios
- Integration of multidisciplinary resources: coordination between naval, air and land forces for optimal operating synergies
- Management of the maritime space: EEZ, territorial waters, innocent passage and areas of strategic interest
- Technological tools for coordination: C4ISR systems, satellite communication and command centre automation
- Logistics and support in naval operations: Supply, maintenance and management of contingency on the high seas
- Simulation and modelling of operational scenarios: predictive analysis of risks and tactical adaptation in real time
- International interoperability: regulations, bilateral and multilateral agreements for joint operations
- Post-Operational Assessment: Data Collection, Geospatial Intelligence Reports, and Lessons Learned to Optimise Future Campaigns
08
Global maritime geopolitical dynamics and influence strategies on the security of commercial corridors and strategic sea zones
- Fundamentals of Maritime Geopolitics: Classical and Contemporary Theories Applied to Ocean Domain
- Strategic dynamics in global sea routes: geographic, political and economic analysis
- Influence of naval powers in the configuration of commercial corridors: control, deterrence and power projection
- Comprehensive maritime security: traditional and asymmetric threats in strategic areas and their mitigation through multilateral strategies
- International Legal Regimes of the Sea: UNCLOS, exclusive economic zones and their impact on geopolitical competition
- Detailed study of critical sea zones: narrow, canal passage, continental platforms and choke points
- Naval capabilities and strategies for the protection of maritime communication lines (SLOCs) and their vulnerability to different state and non-state actors
- Geospatial intelligence and cybersecurity tools applied to the surveillance and control of strategic sea routes
- Evaluation of maritime alliances and coalitions: NATO, Quad, ASEAN and its implications for global maritime security
- Geopolitical Contingency and Response Plans: Scenario Simulations and Strategic Decision Making in Real Time
09
Technological and regulatory analysis in the detection and monitoring of strategic maritime threats
- Fundamentals of maritime electronic detection: physical and technological principles in radar, sonar and satellite communications systems
- Maritime sensor networks: design, deployment and optimisation for real-time surveillance in strategic areas
- International and regional regulations applicable to maritime monitoring: SOLAS, UNCLOS, IMO and bilateral surveillance agreements
- Automated threat classification and recognition systems: artificial intelligence algorithms, machine learning and signal processing
- Multisensory data integration: Fusion of radar information, AIS, satellites and electronic surveillance for monitoring of suspect targets
- Protocols and operating procedures for activation and response to threat detection in strategic maritime spaces
- Technological Risk Assessment and Management: Systems Vulnerabilities, Cyber Attacks and Mitigation in Monitoring Platforms
- Legislation on interception and legitimate action in the detection of illicit activities: illicit traffic, piracy and maritime terrorism
- Geospatial and GIS analysis tools applied to maritime intelligence and strategic movement prediction
- Strategies for international cooperation and agreements for the exchange of information, interoperability and deployment set of surveillance resources
10
Strategic Prospect and Maritime Geopolitical Scenarios
- Strategic Prospect Methodologies
- Global trends in the maritime domain
- Competition between great powers
- The Indo-Pacific as a strategic centre
- Arctic routes and new seaways
- Energy security and supply routes
- Submarine Cables and Hybrid Warfare
- Naval Conflict Scenarios
- Risk analysis for companies
- Strategic Prospective Report
11
Master’s Final Project in Maritime Strategy and Geopolitics
- Global geopolitical contextualization: analysis of state and non-state actors in critical maritime areas
- Multidimensional Threat Assessment: Piracy, Maritime Terrorism, Interstate Conflicts and Cyber Attacks on Naval Infrastructures
- Design and application of hybrid strategies for the protection of strategic sea routes in high voltage scenarios
- Advanced maritime intelligence methodologies: SIGINT, HUMINT, IMINT and its integration for strategic decision making
- Real-time maritime monitoring models: use of ISR platforms (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) and distributed command and control systems
- Implementation and optimisation of maritime sensor networks: AIS, radar, sonar, satellites and drones for continuous monitoring and early warning
- Analysis of strategic logistics and vulnerabilities in the provisioning of naval and merchant fleets in conflict zones
- International regulations and maritime law applied to security and sovereignty in disputed maritime spaces
- Inter-institutional coordination and multinational coalitions for maritime security operations and defence of critical corridors
- Development of the contingency plan for maritime incidents: rapid response protocols, crisis management and operational risk mitigation
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
Maritime and naval professionals interested in understanding the interconnection between strategy, geopolitics, and maritime economics.Security and defense analysts seeking to specialize in the challenges and opportunities of the global maritime environment.Diplomats and public officials wishing to acquire a comprehensive view of international maritime policies.Executives of shipping and por
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
- 01Analyze and anticipate maritime geostrategic risks
- 02Design and implement innovative maritime strategies
- 03Leading the management and defense of national maritime interests
- 04Mastering the art of negotiation in complex maritime scenarios
- 05Evaluate and optimize the impact of global maritime policies
- 06Understanding and projecting maritime power in the international context
Careers
Career Opportunities
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02Maritime Intelligence Analyst: Collection, analysis, and dissemination of geopolitical and strategic information in the maritime domain.
03Maritime Strategy Consultant: Advising companies and governments on the formulation of strategies for security, trade, and defense in the maritime environment.
04Maritime Security Officer: Design and implementation of policies and procedures for the protection of critical infrastructure and maritime assets.
05Maritime Geopolitical Risk Analyst: Assessment and management of risks associated with political instability and conflicts in strategic maritime areas.
06International Maritime Project Manager: Coordination and management of projects related to the exploration, exploitation, and conservation of marine resources.
07Diplomat/Negotiator in International Affairs Maritime: Representation and defense of national interests in international forums related to the law of the sea and maritime cooperation.
08Researcher in Maritime Geopolitics: Development of academic research on power dynamics and challenges in the global maritime environment.
09Journalist specializing in maritime affairs: News coverage and analysis of events and trends shaping the maritime geopolitical and strategic landscape.
Questions
Entry Requirements
The main focus is the study of strategy and geopolitics in the maritime sphere.
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.
Defense, security and maritime strategy sector.
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 Political Science, International Relations, Economics, History, Law, or related fields; or accredited professional experience in the maritime, defense, security, or geopolitical sectors.Language Proficiency:Proficiency in English (level B2 or higher) for following the bibliography and participating in discussions. Knowledge of other languages relevant to the geopolitical field will be valued.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree, academic transcript, ID/Passport, cover letter explaining interest in M
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