Master’s degree1,500 h · Online · 11 modules

Master's in Maritime Cultures of the World

This master's takes you on a cross-cultural journey across the oceans to explore the diversity of human societies shaped by the sea. You will study the traditions, art, literature, music and food of coastal communities around the planet, with an interdisciplinary approach that brings together anthropology, history, archaeology, cultural studies and marine ecology to understand the deep bond between people and the ocean.

Duration1,500 h

ModeOnline

Start1 December

Modules11

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About the program

What is the Master's in Maritime Cultures of the World?

This master's studies seafaring societies and the environment they depend on. You will work on tangible and intangible maritime heritage, ethnohistory and marine archaeology, traditional fishing and navigation, beliefs, myths and rituals of the sea and the transmission of knowledge through oral tradition; the comparative ethnography of maritime peoples from the Mediterranean, the Pacific, the North Atlantic, Asia, Africa and the Americas; historical and present-day trade routes and the cultural exchanges they created; marine ecosystems, the blue economy, coastal resilience and climate adaptation; and the policies, governance models and digital tools, from GIS to remote sensing, used to protect coastal communities and their heritage.

What sets this master's apart: it compares maritime cultures across continents instead of focusing on a single region; it treats culture and ecosystem as one system, so the survival of a fishing tradition is studied together with the health of the sea that sustains it; it combines ethnographic methods with modern tools for mapping and monitoring heritage; and it closes with a comparative ethnographic project and a Final Project that integrates technology and sustainable policy to preserve the cultural and ecological heritage of the sea.

Program typeMaster’s degree

ModeOnline

Duration1,500 hours

Modules11

Start1 December

Program highlights

Comparative ethnography: maritime peoples of the Mediterranean, Pacific, North Atlantic, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
Intangible heritage: oral tradition, beliefs and rituals, music, traditional boats and fishing knowledge.
Trade routes and globalization: historical and present-day sea routes and their cultural exchanges.
Ecosystems and culture: marine ecosystems, cultural seascapes and integrated heritage management.
Blue economy and resilience: coastal policy, UNCLOS, climate adaptation and community co-management.
Digital tools: GIS, cultural mapping, remote sensing, photogrammetry and AR/VR for heritage communication.

Syllabus

Syllabus of the Master's in Maritime Cultures of the World

11 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Innovation and sustainability in the integrated management of global marine ecosystems

1.1. Foundations of technological innovation in marine ecosystems: advances and disruptive applications in marine biotechnology and smart oceanography
1.2. Advanced principles of sustainability: assessment of environmental and socioeconomic impacts in the integrated management of marine resources
1.3. Integrated management models for global marine ecosystems: ecosystem approach, multilevel governance and international coordination
1.4. Real-time monitoring systems: IoT sensors, oceanographic data networks and big data platforms for marine conservation
1.5. Artificial intelligence and machine learning tools for predicting changes in biodiversity and ocean dynamics
1.6. International policies and regulatory frameworks: detailed analysis of agreements such as UNCLOS, the CBD and global marine biodiversity strategies
1.7. Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies: blue carbon management and restoration of critical marine habitats
1.8. Circular economy and eco-efficiency innovation in fishing and aquaculture: clean technologies and sustainable business models
1.9. Community participation and local capacity building: participatory methods for collaborative management and conservation
1.10. Case studies and critical analysis of successful international projects: challenges, solutions and lessons for sustainable innovation in marine environments

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 2

Heritage, traditions and technology in ancestral and contemporary seafaring communities

2.1. Foundations of maritime heritage: definition, classification and cultural dimension of seafaring communities
2.2. Ethnohistory and marine archaeology: methods and techniques for studying material remains in aquatic and coastal contexts
2.3. Traditional fishing and navigation practices: nets, gear, boats and sustainable ancestral methods
2.4. Worldviews and rituals linked to the sea: anthropological analysis of beliefs, myths and ceremonies in coastal societies
2.5. Impact of globalization on contemporary maritime cultures: challenges and technological adaptations
2.6. Technological innovation in boatbuilding and design: combining modern materials with the preservation of ancestral techniques
2.7. Transfer of traditional knowledge through oral tradition and informal education in maritime communities
2.8. Management and conservation of intangible heritage: policies, international rules and success stories in seafaring communities
2.9. Digital technologies and GIS for mapping and protecting maritime and fishing cultural spaces
2.10. Global case studies: comparative analysis of practices and technologies in ancestral and present-day communities from the Pacific to the Atlantic

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 3

Global marine ecosystems: innovation, sustainability and integrated management of maritime cultural heritage

3.1. Characterization and classification of global marine ecosystems: coastal, pelagic, benthic and abyssal ecosystems and their key physical, chemical and biological parameters
3.2. Ecological dynamics and processes: marine primary productivity, biogeochemical cycles, resilience and biological adaptations to extreme environments
3.3. Technological innovation for exploring and monitoring marine ecosystems: advanced remote sensing, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and bioacoustic techniques
3.4. Marine sustainability: assessment of human impacts, environmental indicators for adaptive management and mitigation strategies in protected areas
3.5. Integrated environmental management models: adaptive management, marine spatial planning and ecological risk assessment under global climate change
3.6. Maritime cultural heritage: identification, valuation and protection of submerged cultural resources, archaeological sites, community traditions and cultural seascapes
3.7. International rules and public policies for the conservation of marine heritage: UNESCO, the Ramsar Convention, the World Heritage Convention and marine protected area legislation
3.8. Integrated management of marine ecosystems and cultural heritage: interdisciplinary methods, community participation, multilevel governance and sustainable use of marine resources
3.9. Global case studies: comparative analysis of successful conservation and restoration initiatives in coastal and marine areas and their transferability to other cultural and ecological contexts
3.10. Future perspectives: innovation in marine biotechnology, the blue economy, environmental education and the challenge of balancing ecological protection with socioeconomic development

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 4

Policy, blue economy and coastal resilience: strategic planning, surveillance technologies and development models for seafaring communities

4.1. Foundations of the blue economy: principles, scope and challenges in the conservation and sustainable management of marine resources
4.2. International and regional policies for ocean governance: UNCLOS, multilateral agreements and national coastal development strategies
4.3. Coastal resilience assessment models: theoretical frameworks and socioeconomic and environmental indicators
4.4. Integrated strategic planning for coastal communities: participatory methods, adaptive management and inclusive development
4.5. Advanced coastal surveillance technologies: satellite systems, coastal radar, UAV drones and remote sensors for real-time monitoring
4.6. Numerical modeling to forecast natural and human-made events: waves, erosion, pollutants and ecosystem responses
4.7. Funding instruments and the blue economy: ecosystem services markets, blue bonds and international climate funds
4.8. Development of resilient infrastructure: coastal design, habitat restoration and mechanisms to mitigate climate impacts
4.9. Risk management and climate adaptation in seafaring communities: scenarios, contingency planning and local governance
4.10. Applied case studies: comparative analysis of successful and failed coastal policies in different regions of the world

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 5

Advanced management of maritime trade routes and cultural dynamics in ocean globalization

5.1. Historical and contemporary dynamics of maritime trade routes: their evolution from antiquity to today's globalization and the impact of the world economy and nautical technologies
5.2. Advanced port logistics management models: integrated analysis of operations, supply chain optimization and intermodal coordination for efficient maritime nodes
5.3. Maritime geopolitics and diplomacy: the influence of coastal states, international treaties, exclusive economic zones and conflicts in strategic sea corridors
5.4. Ocean currents and meteorology applied to route planning: forecasting systems, adaptation to extreme weather and risk mitigation
5.5. Sociocultural impact on coastal communities and maritime actors: cultural exchange, syncretism and heritage preservation in global trade transit
5.6. Technology tools for navigation and fleet management: AIS, ECDIS, GNSS and big data for real-time monitoring, traceability and strategic decisions
5.7. Sustainable policies on trade routes: environmental assessment, emission reduction and blue economy strategies for responsible management
5.8. Risk assessment and operational safety methods: international protocols, crisis management, contingency plans and crew training
5.9. Economic and financial analysis of sea routes: operating costs, strategic investment, market trends and profitability of global commercial shipping
5.10. Case studies in cultural and economic dynamics: historical routes such as the Spice Route and the coal trade, contemporary corridors, their evolution and their place in globalization

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 6

Strategic management, innovation and sustainability in the ecosystems, heritage and policies of global coastal communities

6.1. Foundations of strategic management in coastal communities: multidisciplinary approaches to planning, situation analysis and decision-making in coastal and marine ecosystems
6.2. Technological innovation applied to marine conservation: remote monitoring, remote sensing and predictive modeling of aquatic populations and habitats
6.3. International and regional legal framework: conventions, treaties and public policies governing the protection, use and sustainable development of the world's marine heritage
6.4. Environmental sustainability: principles, indicators and methods to assess the ecological health and resilience of marine ecosystems facing human impacts and climate change
6.5. Collaborative governance models: involving local actors, governments, NGOs and indigenous communities in marine resource management and cultural preservation
6.6. Design and delivery of strategic projects to enhance maritime cultural heritage: museography, environmental education and sustainable tourism
6.7. Blue economy and sustainable development: value chains, international markets and strategies to maximize socioeconomic benefit without compromising marine biodiversity
6.8. Risk and environmental impact assessment in fishing, aquaculture and industrial activities: methods and technologies to minimize the ecological footprint
6.9. Advanced digital tools for managing geospatial and biodiversity information and tracking public policy in marine ecosystems
6.10. International case studies of innovation in marine management: comparative study of successful experiences in conservation, ecological restoration and sustainable community development

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 7

Navigation, heritage and innovative technologies for sustainable management in seafaring communities worldwide

7.1. Advanced foundations of marine navigation: global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), dead reckoning, inertial navigation principles and nautical astronomy applied to cultural management
7.2. Intangible maritime heritage: identification, documentation and preservation of ancestral knowledge, oral traditions and cultural practices in coastal communities
7.3. Technological innovation for sustainable marine management: remote sensors, maritime IoT and digital platforms for environmental and social monitoring
7.4. Cultural and geospatial mapping: combining geographic information systems (GIS) with ethnographic data for heritage management and territorial planning
7.5. Integrated management models: participatory approaches, adaptive management and multilevel governance in seafaring communities
7.6. Augmented and virtual reality to communicate and teach maritime heritage in academic and community settings
7.7. International rules and protocols for the conservation of maritime heritage: UNESCO, IMO conventions and sustainable management strategies
7.8. Environmental and social impact assessment of maritime projects: quantitative and qualitative techniques and digital tools for diagnosis and mitigation
7.9. Development of sustainable technology projects: design, implementation and evaluation of prototypes to protect marine ecosystems and cultures
7.10. Global case studies: comparative analysis of best practice in traditional navigation, heritage preservation and the use of technology with a direct impact on seafaring communities

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 8

Emerging technologies and integrated management of cultural and ecological heritage in global marine ecosystems

8.1. Foundations of emerging technologies for managing marine ecosystems: remote sensors, artificial intelligence and geospatial databases
8.2. Environmental monitoring systems: design, deployment and optimization of sensor networks for the continuous assessment of oceanographic and biological parameters
8.3. Predictive modeling of marine ecosystems: advanced algorithms to anticipate ecological change and human-made risks
8.4. Integrated management of marine cultural heritage: technical criteria for identifying, recording and conserving underwater archaeological sites and historical memory
8.5. Methods for the multidimensional assessment of ecological heritage: biological, chemical and physical indicators in historical marine contexts
8.6. International law and current rules for protecting cultural and ecological heritage in national waters and protected areas worldwide
8.7. Digital tools for mapping and documenting marine heritage: GIS, advanced photogrammetry and 3D modeling
8.8. Restoration and revaluation of marine habitats and cultural resources: innovative techniques and international success stories
8.9. Transdisciplinary integration of ecology, archaeology and the social sciences for the sustainable management of maritime cultures
8.10. Environmental and cultural education and awareness strategies for coastal communities, government institutions and private actors

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 9

Sustainable innovation and resilience strategies for marine ecosystems and traditional communities

9.1. Ecological foundations of sustainability in marine ecosystems: biodiversity, biogeochemical processes and ecosystem services
9.2. Socio-ecological resilience models applied to traditional coastal communities: indicators, vulnerability factors and adaptive capacity
9.3. Environmental and social impact assessment: quantitative and qualitative methods for sustainable management in marine regions
9.4. Technological innovation for marine conservation: offshore renewable energy, smart monitoring systems and marine biotechnology
9.5. Public policies and international and local regulatory frameworks for the integrated management of marine protected areas (MPAs)
9.6. Socioeconomic dynamics in maritime cultures: small-scale fishing, sustainable tourism and local trade
9.7. Participatory strategies and co-management in traditional communities: inclusive governance and institutional strengthening
9.8. Climate change adaptation in coastal areas: risk management, future scenarios and effective mitigation measures
9.9. Geospatial technologies and remote sensing for environmental monitoring and sustainable planning
9.10. Global case studies: successful innovations in marine sustainability and recovery of critical ecosystems

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 10

Peoples of the sea: comparative ethnography of maritime cultures

10.1. Maritime cultures of the Mediterranean
10.2. Seafaring peoples of the Pacific
10.3. Maritime traditions of the North Atlantic
10.4. Fishing communities of Asia
10.5. Coastal cultures of Africa
10.6. Indigenous peoples and the sea in the Americas
10.7. Traditional boats of the world
10.8. Seafaring beliefs and rites
10.9. Seafaring music and oral literature
10.10. Comparative ethnographic project

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 11

Final Project

11.1. Conceptual framework of the Final Project: objectives, hypotheses and scope for integrating innovative technologies and sustainable policies in marine ecosystems
11.2. Thorough analysis of emerging technologies applied to marine preservation: remote sensors, real-time environmental monitoring, artificial intelligence and predictive modeling
11.3. Detailed study of international and local policies for the conservation of maritime cultural and ecological heritage: conventions, protocols and multiscale governance strategies
11.4. Advanced methods for assessing environmental and cultural impact in marine protected areas and zones of high historical value
11.5. Design and implementation of integrating projects: aligning technologies and policies for the sustainable, resilient management of coastal communities and traditional maritime activities
11.6. Geospatial tools and geographic information systems (GIS) for participatory mapping and monitoring of marine heritage
11.7. Critical analysis of international case studies on cultural and ecological preservation in marine ecosystems, focused on good practice and lessons learned
11.8. Developing an interdisciplinary protocol for collaboration among scientists, environmental managers, local authorities and seafaring communities
11.9. Risk management and climate change adaptation in marine heritage conservation: innovative and technological strategies for mitigation and resilience
11.10. Scientific writing and professional presentation of the Final Project: structure, technical argument, use of primary and secondary sources and oral defense before a multidisciplinary panel

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Master's in Maritime Cultures of the World

It is 1,500 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

Hours per week

4 h30 h

With 12 h per week

months to finish

125 weeks

weeks in total

This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.

Faculty

Academic leadership and faculty

The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.

Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance

Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints

Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator

Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory

Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator

Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator

Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line

Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator

Objectives

Objectives of the Master's in Maritime Cultures of the World

01Analyze and understand the diversity of maritime cultural expressions, identifying and valuing tangible and intangible maritime heritage and its role in the identity and development of coastal communities.

02Document and preserve the intangible heritage of coastal communities through participatory inventories, recordings of oral narratives and the intergenerational transmission of traditional knowledge and practices.

03Design and implement sustainable management strategies for coastal tourism, with ecological footprint monitoring and impact mitigation plans that involve local communities and stakeholders.

04Assess and mitigate the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems and their associated cultures through adaptive coastal management based on scientific evidence and local traditional knowledge.

05Promote intercultural dialogue and cooperation among maritime communities worldwide through international collaboration networks that share best practice and lessons learned.

06Research and communicate knowledge about human-sea interactions throughout history, analyzing archaeological, historical and ethnographic data on fishing, navigation and maritime trade and sharing the findings with academic and general audiences.

Careers

Career opportunities after the Master's in Maritime Cultures of the World

01Cultural manager in maritime museumsexhibition design, heritage conservation and cultural outreach.

02Researcher in maritime studiesmaritime history, the anthropology of seafaring cultures and the social impact of fishing.

03Cultural tourism consultantdevelopment of tourist routes, heritage interpretation and promotion of sustainable tourism.

04Public administration specialistmaritime heritage management, cultural policy planning and international cooperation on marine issues.

05Archivist and documentation specialistcataloging and digitization of sea-related collections and dissemination of knowledge.

06Advisor to non-governmental organizationsdefense of maritime heritage, sustainability of coastal communities and awareness of marine issues.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Master's in Maritime Cultures of the World

The maritime cultures of the world: their history, traditions, beliefs and ways of life, together with the marine ecosystems and economies they depend on.

No. It covers material culture such as boats and fishing gear as well as the social, economic and religious life of seafaring societies, including oral tradition, music, rituals and beliefs.

It compares maritime peoples of the Mediterranean, the Pacific, the North Atlantic, Asia, Africa and the Americas, as well as historical and present-day sea trade routes.

Because many maritime traditions depend on the health of the sea. The program studies ecosystems, climate adaptation, coastal policy and co-management so you can design heritage projects that are also socially and environmentally sustainable.

Yes. A degree in the humanities or social sciences, or experience in cultural or heritage work, is enough; the admission interview confirms that the program suits your profile.

Through practical cases and exercises in each module, a comparative ethnographic project and a Final Project presented before a panel.

A master's issued by Navalis Institute, together with the ethnographic studies, heritage analyses and project proposals you develop during the program.

Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7 with live sessions that are recorded, forums and tutorials. It comprises 1500 hours of study across 11 modules of about 136 hours each.

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Online admission

Admission process

No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.

Entry requirements

Profile: aimed at anthropologists, historians and sociologists interested in coastal societies, cultural tourism and heritage professionals, educators and science communicators, officials responsible for cultural policy and local development, and graduates in the humanities and social sciences. A degree in history, anthropology, archaeology, geography, the social sciences or the humanities, or demonstrable professional experience in maritime and cultural heritage, is recommended.
Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
Technical resources: a computer with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection and software to view documents and presentations.
Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.

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