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

Master's in Blue Economy and Coastal Development

This master's prepares you to lead the sustainable transformation of coastal regions. You will learn to manage marine and coastal resources responsibly while creating economic growth and jobs: integrated coastal zone management and maritime spatial planning, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, coastal and maritime tourism, marine renewables and blue biotechnology, ports and short sea shipping, climate resilience and blue carbon, marine conservation and natural capital, project funding and evaluation, and blue entrepreneurship and community-led local development.

Duration1,500 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules11
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About the program

What is the Master's in Blue Economy and Coastal Development?

This master's looks at the blue economy from the perspective of the coastal territory and the people who live there. You will start with the concept, sectors, indicators and international and European strategies of the blue economy; move on to integrated coastal zone management, maritime spatial planning, coastal legislation and governance; study sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, small-scale fishing communities, coastal and nautical tourism, marine renewables, green hydrogen, blue biotechnology, desalination, ports, short sea shipping and island connectivity; then work on climate change, nature-based solutions and blue carbon, marine protected areas and natural capital, public and private funding, cost-benefit analysis and impact indicators, and finish with blue innovation ecosystems, cooperatives, women in the blue economy and participatory local development.

What sets this master's apart: rather than concentrating on financial instruments, it treats the blue economy as a tool for territorial development, connecting each maritime sector with spatial planning, conservation, climate adaptation and the livelihoods of coastal communities; and in the Final Project you prepare a blue development plan for a real coastal area, with its diagnosis, regulatory framework, methodology, feasibility analysis and lines of action.

Program typeMaster’s degree
ModeOnline
Duration1,500 hours
Modules11
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Foundations of the blue economy: sectors, contribution to GDP and jobs, the 2030 Agenda, European blue growth strategies and ocean accounting.
  • Integrated coastal zone management and maritime spatial planning, land-use conflicts, coastal legislation and multilevel governance.
  • Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, small-scale fishing communities, seafood value chains and diversification of fishing activity.
  • Coastal and maritime tourism, marine renewables, green hydrogen, blue biotechnology, ports, short sea shipping and island connectivity.
  • Climate resilience, nature-based solutions, blue carbon, marine protected areas and the valuation of coastal natural capital.
  • Project funding and evaluation, blue bonds, public-private partnerships, blue entrepreneurship and community-led local development.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Master's in Blue Economy and Coastal Development

11 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Foundations of the blue economy

  • 1.1. Concept and sectors of the blue economy
  • 1.2. Contribution to GDP and employment
  • 1.3. International framework and the 2030 Agenda
  • 1.4. European blue growth strategies
  • 1.5. Blue economy indicators
  • 1.6. The blue economy in developing countries
  • 1.7. Blue jobs and human capital
  • 1.8. Ocean accounting
  • 1.9. Maritime clusters
  • 1.10. Challenges facing the blue economy
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Integrated coastal zone management

  • 2.1. Principles of integrated management
  • 2.2. Maritime spatial planning
  • 2.3. Conflicting uses of the coastline
  • 2.4. Multilevel governance
  • 2.5. Coastal planning case studies
  • 2.6. Coastal erosion and shoreline management
  • 2.7. Coastal legislation
  • 2.8. Public participation
  • 2.9. Coastal geographic information systems
  • 2.10. Evaluation of coastal plans
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture

  • 3.1. State of fishery resources
  • 3.2. Fisheries management and the Common Fisheries Policy
  • 3.3. Sustainable aquaculture and certification schemes
  • 3.4. The seafood value chain
  • 3.5. Innovation in the fishing sector
  • 3.6. Small-scale fishing and coastal communities
  • 3.7. Marketing of fishery products
  • 3.8. Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture
  • 3.9. Fisheries local action groups
  • 3.10. Diversification of fishing activity
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Coastal and maritime tourism

  • 4.1. Sun and beach tourism models
  • 4.2. Nautical and cruise tourism
  • 4.3. Carrying capacity and visitor flow management
  • 4.4. Sustainable tourism and ecotourism
  • 4.5. Reducing seasonality
  • 4.6. Cruise tourism and port cities
  • 4.7. Underwater and diving tourism
  • 4.8. Coastal cultural heritage
  • 4.9. Tourism sustainability indicators
  • 4.10. Tourism planning for coastal destinations
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Marine renewable energy and blue biotechnology

  • 5.1. Offshore wind, wave and tidal energy
  • 5.2. Green hydrogen and energy ports
  • 5.3. Marine biotechnology
  • 5.4. Mineral resources and the debate on deep-sea mining
  • 5.5. Blue innovation and startups
  • 5.6. Marine genetic resources
  • 5.7. Algae and bioproducts
  • 5.8. Desalination and water management
  • 5.9. Oceanographic research
  • 5.10. Knowledge transfer
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 6

Ports, transport and logistics

  • 6.1. The role of ports in regional development
  • 6.2. Short sea shipping
  • 6.3. Green ports and electrification
  • 6.4. Maritime and port clusters
  • 6.5. Logistics and intermodality
  • 6.6. Fishing ports and marinas
  • 6.7. Motorways of the sea
  • 6.8. Shipbuilding and ancillary industries
  • 6.9. Port digitalization
  • 6.10. Connectivity of islands and coastal regions
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 7

Climate change and coastal resilience

  • 7.1. Sea level rise and erosion
  • 7.2. Nature-based solutions
  • 7.3. Adapting infrastructure
  • 7.4. Flood risk management
  • 7.5. Blue carbon
  • 7.6. Protective coastal ecosystems
  • 7.7. Restoration of salt marshes and dunes
  • 7.8. Local adaptation plans
  • 7.9. Insurance and climate risk
  • 7.10. Communicating coastal risk
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 8

Project funding and evaluation

  • 8.1. European funds and public funding
  • 8.2. Private investment and blue bonds
  • 8.3. Economic and social evaluation
  • 8.4. Impact indicators
  • 8.5. Managing coastal development projects
  • 8.6. Cost-benefit analysis
  • 8.7. Public-private partnerships
  • 8.8. The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund
  • 8.9. Project monitoring and evaluation
  • 8.10. Writing funding proposals
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 9

Marine conservation and coastal natural capital

  • 9.1. Marine biodiversity and ecosystem services
  • 9.2. Marine protected areas
  • 9.3. The marine Natura 2000 network
  • 9.4. Valuing natural capital
  • 9.5. Marine pollution and plastics
  • 9.6. Invasive species
  • 9.7. Restoration of marine ecosystems
  • 9.8. Citizen science
  • 9.9. Fisheries management and conservation
  • 9.10. Coastal conservation plan
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 10

Innovation, entrepreneurship and local development in the blue economy

  • 10.1. Blue innovation ecosystems
  • 10.2. Entrepreneurship in coastal communities
  • 10.3. Blue incubators and accelerators
  • 10.4. Technology transfer
  • 10.5. Digitalization of maritime sectors
  • 10.6. Blue skills and employment
  • 10.7. Social economy and cooperatives
  • 10.8. Community-led local development
  • 10.9. Women in the blue economy
  • 10.10. Coastal local development project
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 11

Final Project

  • 11.1. Defining the problem, objectives and scope of the blue development plan for a coastal area
  • 11.2. Review of the state of the art and the applicable regulatory framework
  • 11.3. Methodology, resources and work planning
  • 11.4. Technical development and analysis of results
  • 11.5. Conclusions, feasibility and future lines of work
  • 11.6. Writing the report and defending it before a panel
  • 11.7. Choosing the topic and defining the research problem
  • 11.8. Formulating objectives, hypotheses and the scope of the work
  • 11.9. Analysis of the applicable regulatory and technical framework
  • 11.10. Designing the methodology and the work plan
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Master's in Blue Economy and Coastal Development

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

4 h30 h
With 12 h per week
29
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.

Dra. Marina AlcoverDr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesEng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)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 FerrerDr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatDr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsEng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaEng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraEng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator
Objectives

Objectives of the Master's in Blue Economy and Coastal Development

01Lead marine sustainability projects, implementing emission reduction and waste management strategies in maritime activities, complying with environmental regulations and optimizing the use of marine resources.
02Manage coastal resources effectively, planning and carrying out activities with regard to the environmental vulnerability of the coastal zone and marine protection regulations.
03Drive innovation in the blue economy by promoting public-private collaboration in R&D projects, facilitating access to funding and creating a favorable ecosystem for new marine technologies and the sustainable use of ocean resources.
04Develop coastal resilience strategies by assessing current and future coastal vulnerability and implementing nature-based solutions and gray infrastructure with the active participation of local communities and a long-term adaptive approach.
05Assess and mitigate marine environmental risks, including response plans for oil and other hazardous substance spills coordinated with the authorities and supported by specialized equipment.
06Foster public-private collaboration in the maritime sector by setting up regular dialogue forums and pilot projects that bring together authorities, companies and research centers to identify synergies and improve resource management.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Master's in Blue Economy and Coastal Development

01Blue economy project managerdesign, implementation and evaluation of sustainable marine and coastal projects.
02Sustainable coastal development consultantadvice to companies, public administrations and NGOs on environmentally sound development strategies.
03Coastal planning specialistpreparation of integrated coastal zone management plans, environmental impact assessment and risk analysis.
04Marine and coastal policy analystdesign and evaluation of public policies for the sustainable management of marine resources and coastal protection.
05Sustainability manager in maritime companiessustainable practices in fisheries, aquaculture, shipping and tourism businesses.
06Blue economy researcher, environmental educator or entrepreneurresearch into emerging sectors, awareness programs and creation of innovative businesses in sustainable aquaculture, nature tourism or marine renewables.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Master's in Blue Economy and Coastal Development

The blue economy as a driver of sustainable coastal development: how maritime sectors, spatial planning, conservation and climate adaptation can generate prosperity and jobs in coastal areas without degrading their ecosystems.

Finance is one module here. Most of the program deals with the territory: coastal zone management, maritime spatial planning, fisheries, tourism, ports, renewables, conservation, resilience and local development with coastal communities.

Professionals with a background in environmental sciences, economics, engineering, natural resource management, tourism, environmental law or public policy who want to specialize in the sustainable development of coastal areas and the blue economy.

Fisheries and aquaculture, coastal and nautical tourism, cruises, marine renewables and green hydrogen, blue biotechnology and algae, desalination, ports, short sea shipping, shipbuilding and the emerging debate on deep-sea mining.

Yes. You study European and public funding, private investment and blue bonds, public-private partnerships, cost-benefit analysis, impact indicators and how to write funding proposals and monitor projects.

Yes. Modules cover marine protected areas, Natura 2000, natural capital valuation, pollution and plastics, invasive species, ecosystem restoration, sea level rise, nature-based solutions and blue carbon.

Through case studies and practical exercises in each module and a Final Project in which you prepare and defend a blue development plan for a coastal area.

A master's degree issued by Navalis Institute as its own qualification, together with the plans, analyses and project proposals you produce during the program, which you can use as a professional portfolio.

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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 maritime, fishing and port professionals, public administration and local coastal authority staff, entrepreneurs and consultants, researchers and technicians, and graduates who want to specialize in the blue economy and coastal development; a degree in economics, environmental sciences, marine biology, civil engineering, law or a related field, or demonstrable professional experience in blue economy sectors such as aquaculture, sustainable fishing, coastal tourism or marine energy, is recommended, and basic knowledge of economics, marine ecology, project management and environmental law is helpful.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date web browser, office software and a PDF viewer; GIS software is useful for the coastal planning exercises.
  • Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
  1. 01
    Application
    Your details, background and documents.
  2. 02
    Instant review
    We check that everything is complete and in order.
  3. 03
    Enrollment
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Start my applicationFrom $1,592 deposit

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