Master's in Digital Twin of the Ocean

What is this programme?

This master's degree trains you to design and operate digital twins of the ocean: virtual replicas that combine observations, numerical models and artificial intelligence to represent the state of the sea and explore future scenarios. You will learn to integrate near-real-time data, couple physical and biogeochemical models through data assimilation, build what-if scenarios and develop interfaces and visualisations for port, coastal, energy and conservation managers.

The programme stands out for its whole-system approach, bringing data, models, AI, visualisation and interoperability into one programme; for its study of reference initiatives, including the digital twins promoted under Copernicus, the EU and the UN Ocean Decade; for hands-on practice with open tools, such as freely available ocean models, data libraries and visualisation engines; for its decision-oriented focus, with scenarios applied to ports, coasts, energy and ecosystems; and for a project of your own, designing a digital twin of a marine area or infrastructure.

Programme highlights

• Integrate data: combine observations and models in near real time.
• Model the ocean: work with physical and biogeochemical models.
• Explore scenarios: design what-if simulations for management.
• Visualise in 3D: create interfaces and dashboards for users.
• Advance your career: access to research centres, technology companies and marine managers.
• Train to build the digital replica of the ocean that marine science and management need.

Study plan

Duration and format

At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 150 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 75.

What you will learn

• Understand the digital twin concept.
• Integrate observations.
• Couple models and data.
• Incorporate artificial intelligence.
• Design what-if scenarios.
• Develop user interfaces.

Career outcomes

• Digital twin specialist: design and operation of marine simulation platforms.
• Ocean modeller: development and validation of models in research centres and consultancies.
• Ocean data engineer: data architectures and interoperability.
• Decision support consultant: scenarios for ports, coasts and marine energy.
• Scientific visualisation developer: 3D interfaces and dashboards.
• Innovation project manager: ocean digitalisation projects.

Entry requirements

• Academic or professional profile: a degree in marine sciences, physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering or a related field, or accredited professional experience in modelling, data or the marine sector.
• Language: sufficient command of the language of instruction to follow the classes and materials. A working knowledge of technical English is recommended, since much of the sector's regulation and documentation is written in English.
• Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project defences.
• Admission process: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team. Enrolment is open all year round; admission is provisional until the committee validates your documentation.

How to enrol