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Masters · 1600 h · 11 modules
Master's in Coastal and Beach Dynamics
Provides comprehensive training in the management and conservation of these valuable ecosystems. You will learn to understand the natural processes that shape coastlines, from hydrodynamics and sediment transport to the effects…
Duration1600 h
FormatOnline
Starts21 December
Places20 / 20
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Programme overview
What is the Master’s in Coastal and Beach Dynamics?
The Master's in Coastal and Beach Dynamics
Provides comprehensive training in the management and conservation of these valuable ecosystems. You will learn to understand the natural processes that shape coastlines, from hydrodynamics and sediment transport to the effects of climate change and human activities. The program combines a solid theoretical foundation with modeling and simulation tools, data analysis, and real-world case studies, preparing you to address the challenges of sustainable coastal management.
Differential Advantages
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Integrates knowledge of engineering, oceanography, geology, and marine biology.
- Advanced Tools: Proficiency in hydrodynamic and sedimentary modeling software.
- Practical Experience: Participation in research and consulting projects.
- Climate Change Adaptation: Mitigation and adaptation strategies for sea level rise and extreme events.
- Professional Networking: Contact with experts from the public and private sectors.
Programme type
Master's Degree
Study mode
Online
Duration
1,600 hours
Modules
11
Start date
05-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Comprehensive Analysis: Master the tools for studying coastal erosion, sediment transport, and beach evolution.
- Advanced Modeling: Learn to use cutting-edge simulation software to predict coastal behavior under different scenarios.
- Sustainable Management: Acquire the skills to implement coastal protection and climate change adaptation strategies, minimizing environmental impact.
- Real-World Project: Apply your knowledge in a practical consulting or research project, working with real data and current challenges.
- Expert Networking: Connect with leading professionals in the sector, expanding your network of contacts and job opportunities.
- Prepare for a future in the smart and resilient management of our coasts.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 11 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of coastal oceanography, coastal hydrodynamics and physical processes that control the dynamics of coasts and beaches
- Principles of physical oceanography applied to the coast: coastal circulation, pressure gradients, density and atmospheric forcing
- Interaction between waves, tides and currents in the coastal zone: processes of transformation, dissipation and transfer of energy
- Fundamental hydrodynamic parametres: wave height, period, energy, drift currents and associated transport
- Morphodynamic structure of beaches and coastal systems: Rompiente, Barra, Berma, Swash and Backshore
- Classification of coasts and beaches according to morphology and energy regime: rocky, sandy, deltaic and mixed coasts
- Spatial and temporal scales in coastal dynamics: daily, seasonal, inter-annual variability and extreme events
- Influence of the wind and the maritime climate in the evolution of the coast: generation of waves, storm events and morphological changes
- Ocean–coast–atmosphere interaction processes and their role in the stability of littoral systems
- Concepts of dynamic balance and coastal resilience in natural systems
- Introduction to coastal sedimentary systems and their role in the evolution of beaches
02
Sedimentary transport processes, morphodynamics of beaches and geomorphological evolution of coastal systems
- Physical properties of coastal sediments: granulometry, density, cohesion and hydrodynamic behaviour
- Sedimentary transport mechanisms: Suspension, bottom drag, jumping and combined transport
- Longitudinal transport induced by oblique waves and drift currents
- Transversal and dynamic beach profile transport: erosion, accretion and migration of underwater bars
- Conceptual models of morphodynamic evolution of beaches under different energy regimes
- Formation and evolution of coastal dunes, sand bars, spits and barrier systems
- Influence of storms, swells and extreme events in coastal morphology
- Interaction between natural processes and river sedimentary inputs
- Coastal sedimentary balance and analysis of deficits or sediment surpluses
- Sedimentary transport assessment methods in complex coastal systems
03
Instrumentation, observation and monitoring techniques for the study of the dynamics of coasts and beaches
- Oceanographic instrumentation for measurement of waves, currents and water levels in coastal zones
- Buoys, pressure sensors, ADCP and coastal stations for hydrodynamic monitoring
- Topographic and bathymetric techniques for surveying beach and seafloor profiles
- Use of drones, LiDAR and photogrammetry in monitoring of morphological changes of the coast
- Satellite monitoring and remote sensing applied to the evolution of coasts
- Design of field campaigns for coastal studies: planning, instrumentation and quality control of the data
- Processing and validation of hydrodynamic and geomorphological data
- Temporary analysis of coastal data series and morphodynamic trend detection
- Field data integration with numerical models and GIS systems
- Preparation of technical reports and databases for coastal management
04
Numerical modelling of coastal processes and simulation of beach evolution under different environmental scenarios
- Fundamentals of hydrodynamic modelling applied to coasts and beaches
- Wave propagation and transformation models in coastal zones
- Sedimentary transport models and morphological evolution of the coast
- Coastal erosion simulation under storm scenarios and extreme events
- Integration of hydrodynamic and morphodynamic models in coastal engineering studies
- Configuration of numerical models for analysis of beach changes in the short and long term
- Calibration and validation of models using field data
- Sensitivity analysis and uncertainty assessment in coastal simulations
- Use of models for planning and decision making in coastal management
- Simulation applications in coastal environmental impact studies
05
Coastal engineering, coastal protection and sustainable management of beaches against erosion and climate change
- Coastal engineering principles applied to coastal protection and stabilisation
- Coastal defence works: breakwaters, dikes, breakwaters, artificial reefs and submerged structures
- Artificial feeding of beaches and sedimentary restoration techniques
- Nature-based solutions for coastal protection: dunes, marshes, coastal vegetation and natural reefs
- Impact of coastal infrastructure on sedimentary dynamics and coastal evolution
- Integrated coastal zone management and territorial coastal planning
- Evaluation of the impact of climate change and the rise of sea level on beaches and coasts
- Coastal adaptation strategies against erosion, flooding and extreme events
- Environmental Assessment of Coastal Engineering Projects
- Sustainable coastal planning with a coastal resilience approach
06
Analysis of climate change and its influence on the evolution of coastal systems and beaches at regional and global scale
- Global trends of sea level rise and its impact on coastal systems
- Changes in patterns of waves, storms and coastal circulation associated with climate change
- Vulnerability of sandy coasts, deltas and barrier systems against the rise of the sea level
- Interaction between coastal erosion, coastal urbanization and anthropogenic pressure
- Coastal flood risk assessment and beach retreat
- Coastal vulnerability analysis methods and risk maps
- Coastal scenarios under different climate projections
- Planning of adaptation and mitigation strategies in coastal zones
- Integration of climate policies in coastal management
- Comparative studies of coastal resilience in different regions of the world
07
Integrated coastal management, public policies and coastal zone governance
- Concepts of integrated coastal zone management and territorial planning of the coast
- Institutional and regulatory framework for the protection of coasts and beaches
- Participation of local communities and economic actors in coastal management
- Conflict management between environmental conservation, tourism and coastal development
- Strategic planning of coastal uses: tourism, fishing, conservation and maritime transport
- Economic evaluation of coastal ecosystem services
- Instruments for coastal planning and land use planning
- Coastal monitoring and management programmes
- Long-term coastal resilience governance strategies
- International cases of successful management of beaches and coastal systems
08
Emerging technologies, innovation and digital tools for the study and management of coasts and beaches
- Artificial intelligence applications and data analysis in coastal studies
- Advanced modelling of coastal dynamics through supercomputing and numerical simulation
- Use of autonomous sensors and continuous coastal monitoring platforms
- Integration of advanced GIS systems for coastal spatial analysis
- Remote monitoring by high-resolution satellites and airborne sensors
- Digital Twins applied to coastal systems for coastal evolution simulation
- Oceanographic and Coastal Data Management Platforms
- Technological innovation in coastal engineering and beach restoration
- Development of decision support tools for coastal management
- Future research perspectives on coast and beach dynamics
09
Technical and economic evaluation of beach management, restoration and protection projects
- Technical evaluation methodologies of coastal engineering projects
- Cost-benefit analysis in coastal protection projects
- Assessment of the socioeconomic impact of coastal erosion
- Funding models and management of beach restoration projects
- Assessment of sustainability and resilience in coastal interventions
- Risk management in coastal engineering projects
- Integration of environmental studies in coastal projects
- Post-implementation monitoring and evaluation of results
- Adaptive management based on scientific evidence
- Development of performance indicators for coastal projects
10
Advanced methods of research in coastal dynamics, multi-scale modelling and development of applied scientific projects
- Design of scientific research in coastal dynamics
- Quantitative methods for hydrodynamic and sedimentary analysis
- Integration of field data, labouratory and numeric modelling
- Advanced techniques of statistical and geospatial analysis in coastal studies
- Writing of scientific articles and technical publications in coastal oceanography
- Management of interdisciplinary research projects in coastal dynamics
- Development of scientific proposals and financing of coastal research
- Presentation of results in scientific congresses and specialised forums
- Critical evaluation of scientific litreature in coastal processes
- Preparation of research projects applied to beach management and protection
11
Master’s Final Project in Coastal and Beach Dynamics
- Choice of topic and definition of the research problem
- Formulation of objectives, hypotheses and scope of work
- Review of the state of the art and specialised bibliography
- Analysis of the applicable regulatory and technical framework
- Design of the methodology and the work plan
- Data collection, processing and validation
- Technical development and analysis of results
- Discussion, conclusions and future lines of work
- Drafting of the memory in accordance with academic standards
- Presentation and public defence before the Court
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
Civil and environmental engineers seeking to specialize in coastal management and protection in the face of climate change.Geologists and oceanographers interested in deepening their knowledge of sedimentary processes and coastal morphodynamics.Environmental consultants and public administration technicians who need tools for planning and sustainable development of coastal areas.Researchers
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 the coastline comprehensively
- 02Assess and mitigate coastal risks
- 03Designing strategies for adapting to coastal climate change
- 04Modeling and predicting the evolution of coastlines
- 05Develop innovative solutions for the sustainable management of beaches
- 06Leading research and development projects in coastal dynamics
Careers
Career Opportunities
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02Coastal Engineering Consultant: Design and management of coastal protection projects, beach regeneration, and maritime works.
03Scientific Researcher: Development of numerical models and data analysis for predicting coastal evolution and the impact of climate change.
04Coastal Resource Manager: Planning and management of coastal land use, environmental impact assessment, and management of protected natural areas.
05Public Administration Technician: Advising on coastal management policies, drafting technical reports, and participating in international cooperation projects.
06Marine Renewable Energy Specialist: Evaluation of sites for the installation of offshore wind farms and other energy infrastructure.
07Hydrodynamic and Sedimentary Modeling Expert: Simulation of processes Coastal areas for the optimization of maritime works and the management of natural hazards.
08R&D&I Project Manager: development of new technologies and methodologies for coastal monitoring and management.
09Lecturer/Trainer: knowledge transfer at universities and vocational training centers in the field of coastal dynamics and beaches.
Questions
Entry Requirements
Coastal dynamics and beaches.
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.
Both.
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 Profile:Degree in Marine Sciences, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field.Recommended Prior Knowledge:Basic knowledge of fluid mechanics, statistics, programming, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).Documentation:Updated CV, copy of university degree, academic transcript, cover letter, ID/Passport.Additional Skills Desirable:Experience in numerical modeling, data analysis, fieldwork in coastal areas, and software proficiency specific.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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