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

Master's in the History of Navigation and Expeditions

This master's takes you on a journey through the centuries, exploring the sea routes that connected civilizations, the technological advances that drove exploration and the key figures who shaped the world. You will study the evolution of cartography and navigation techniques and the cultural and economic impact of the great expeditions, gaining a deep understanding of maritime history and its relevance today.

Duration1,500 h

ModeOnline

Start1 December

Modules11

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About the program

What is the Master's in the History of Navigation and Expeditions?

This master's studies how people learned to cross the oceans and what those voyages changed. You will work on the origins of navigation and traditional instruments, from the astrolabe, quadrant and cross-staff to the compass, the marine chronometer and the sextant; portolan charts, nautical atlases and map projections; latitude and longitude, dead reckoning and celestial navigation; the design of caravels, naos and galleons; expedition planning, provisioning, command and risk management; the routes of Vasco da Gama, Magellan-Elcano and Cook; life on board, medicine and scurvy, scientific and polar expeditions; and the geopolitical, economic, demographic and cultural consequences of the great voyages, including colonization and the slave trade.

What sets this master's apart: it reads the history of exploration through the technical problems that navigators actually had to solve, so instruments, charts, ships and logistics are studied as the tools that made each voyage possible; it works directly with logbooks, historical charts and other primary sources; it weighs the scientific achievements of the expeditions against their human and political consequences; and it closes with a Final Project in which you reconstruct the planning and execution of a historical expedition using period navigation and cartographic methods.

Program typeMaster’s degree

ModeOnline

Duration1,500 hours

Modules11

Start1 December

Program highlights

Instruments and techniques: astrolabe, quadrant, compass, marine chronometer, sextant and dead reckoning.
Historical cartography: portolan charts, nautical atlases, projections and the mapping of unknown coasts.
Expedition logistics: route planning, provisioning, command of fleets and risk management.
Great voyages: Vasco da Gama, Magellan-Elcano, Cook and the scientific and polar expeditions.
Global impact: trade routes, empires, borders, colonization, forced migration and historical memory.
Primary sources: logbooks, historical charts and documents analyzed with critical methods.

Syllabus

Syllabus of the Master's in the History of Navigation and Expeditions

11 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Maritime exploration and advanced navigation techniques in the great historical expeditions

1.1. Origins and evolution of maritime navigation: from the first voyages to the Renaissance
1.2. Traditional nautical instruments: astrolabe, sextant, quadrant and magnetic compass, their physical principles and practical use
1.3. Historical cartography: development of portolan charts, portolans and nautical atlases, with their symbols, scale, projections and accuracy
1.4. Dead reckoning and celestial navigation: fixing position with the sextant, observation of celestial bodies and use of nautical tables
1.5. Planning methods for great expeditions: choice of routes, provisions, crew and risk management
1.6. Navigation on the high seas and in unknown oceans: strategies for extreme weather, unseen currents and storms
1.7. In-depth study of ocean currents and tides and their impact on routes and voyage times in historical expeditions
1.8. Technical innovations of the Age of Discovery: hull and rudder improvements, more maneuverable sails and the strategic use of the compass
1.9. Analysis of key historical routes: Vasco da Gama, Magellan-Elcano and Cook, with their logistics, obstacles and achievements
1.10. Documentation and logbooks: recording, interpretation and historical value of ships' journals and route maps

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 2

Historical cartography and celestial navigation systems on transoceanic sea routes

2.1. Foundations of historical cartography: evolution of mapping techniques and representations from antiquity to the 18th century
2.2. Classic instruments of celestial navigation: sextant, astrolabe, quadrant and octant, and the physical and mathematical principles behind them
2.3. Coordinate systems and traditional map projections: Mercator, Peters and other projections compared with those used in old nautical charts
2.4. Finding latitude: astronomical methods to measure the altitude of the sun and the main stars at different latitudes
2.5. Finding longitude: development of the marine chronometer, the lunar distance method and their impact on the accuracy of transoceanic routes
2.6. Links between astronomical observations and nautical records: logbooks, charts and historical tide tables
2.7. Impact of cartography and celestial navigation on European expansion: analysis of the main expeditions and transoceanic routes from the 15th to the 18th century
2.8. Notable case studies: the maps of Juan de la Cosa and Jodocus Hondius and historical nautical atlases
2.9. Pre-electronic technological advances and their influence on the safety and efficiency of ocean navigation
2.10. Critical comparison of old and modern navigation systems: historical lessons for present-day navigation

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 3

Strategies and technologies of maritime exploration in the great historical expeditions

3.1. Historical context of the great maritime expeditions: political, economic and scientific objectives
3.2. Ship design and construction in the Age of Discovery: innovation in caravels, galleons and naos
3.3. Cartography and celestial navigation: sextant, astrolabe, quadrant and positioning techniques
3.4. Navigation instruments and technologies: the magnetic compass, marine chronometers and the timeline of their evolution
3.5. Exploration strategies and sea routes: analysis of currents, trade winds and unknown oceans
3.6. Coastal and open-ocean pilotage: transits, leeway, course estimation and error correction
3.7. Resource management and logistics on long expeditions: supplies, maintenance and care of the crew
3.8. Impact of navigation on world geopolitics: the establishment of trade routes and colonization
3.9. Key technological innovations and their influence on maritime expansion: from cartography to propulsion
3.10. Critical analysis of historical sources: logbooks, old maps and technical documents

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 4

Expedition operations and logistics: strategic planning, provisioning, command and risk management on transoceanic voyages

4.1. Strategic analysis of expedition objectives: setting goals, geopolitical and scientific assessment and selection of optimal routes
4.2. Designing the operational plan: schedules, task allocation, chain of command and organizational structure in historical contexts
4.3. Provisioning logistics: detailed calculation of consumables, efficient storage, food preservation and drinking water management on long voyages
4.4. Command and control of historical fleets: communication protocols, naval discipline, visual and sound signals and coordination of several ships
4.5. Identifying and mitigating risks: natural threats (weather, depth) and human threats (conflict, piracy), with contingency plans
4.6. Traditional navigation systems and their place in logistics planning: astrolabes, sextants, nautical charts and position estimates
4.7. Assessment and management of human resources: crew selection, specialized training, health and welfare on board and handling of interpersonal conflict
4.8. Impact of technological innovations on the logistics of classic expeditions: sails, rudders, fishing gear and supplementary provisioning
4.9. Planning and execution of critical maneuvers: anchoring, entering and leaving port and navigation in high-risk areas
4.10. Analysis of successful and failed historical cases: lessons in fleet management and adaptation to unforeseen conditions during the voyage

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 5

Innovation and evolution of navigation and cartography techniques in the first ocean explorations

5.1. Origins and foundations of ancient navigation: early instruments and empirical methods
5.2. Development of the magnetic compass: technical evolution, calibration and impact on maritime navigation
5.3. Positioning systems based on astronomical observation: the astrolabe, sextant and marine chronometer
5.4. Early cartography: techniques of geographic representation, projections and symbols in the first nautical charts
5.5. Methods for drawing up and updating navigation maps: portolans, portolan charts and sailing directions
5.6. Innovations in measuring currents and tides: tide tables and their interpretation for planning ocean routes
5.7. Instruments and techniques for measuring depth: from the hand lead line to early echo sounders
5.8. Evolution of exploration routes: analysis of tracks, landmarks and coastal navigation compared with open-ocean navigation
5.9. Adaptation and improvement of pilotage methods: transits, bearings and handling in restricted waters
5.10. Impact of cartographic and navigation innovations on the great expeditions: growth of geographic knowledge and global maritime expansion

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 6

Advanced exploration techniques, astronomical cartography and logistics in great historical expeditions

6.1. Foundations and historical evolution of exploration techniques: from classical antiquity to the modern era of maritime exploration
6.2. Advanced navigation instruments: sextant, astrolabe and marine chronometer and their impact on astronomical accuracy during expeditions
6.3. Astronomical calculation for navigation: methods to determine latitude, longitude and solar time using celestial bodies
6.4. Applied historical cartography: analysis of notable maps and nautical charts and of the techniques used to survey and depict unknown lands
6.5. Triangulation and marine survey techniques: methods to chart coasts and seabed relief on pioneering expeditions
6.6. Logistics on great expeditions: resource planning, provisioning and long-term crew management
6.7. Organizing space on board: efficient storage of food, water, spare parts and scientific equipment
6.8. Handling and repairing navigation instruments: preventive and corrective maintenance on long voyages
6.9. Communication and signaling before modern technology: codes, flags and messages to coordinate ships
6.10. Strategies for weather and geographic contingencies: adapting exploration techniques to the environment and climate

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 7

Technologies, strategies and logistics in the great maritime explorations: evolution, cartography and celestial navigation

7.1. Technical and scientific background: the leap in naval technology in the 15th and 16th centuries, including caravels, galleons and naos, and its impact on transoceanic exploration
7.2. Evolution of celestial navigation: from the astrolabe and quadrant to the sextant and marine chronometer and their crucial role in fixing latitude and longitude at sea
7.3. Historical cartography and its transformation: portolan charts, the influence of Islamic and European nautical charts and the cartographic revolution linked to the Portuguese school and the Casa de Contratación in Seville
7.4. Cartographic tools and methods: nautical symbols, projections, triangulation and survey techniques and the inclusion of topographic and oceanographic information in period maps
7.5. Logistics strategies for great expeditions: advanced route planning, provisioning, management of armament and crew and logistics for weather contingencies and disease on board
7.6. The strategic role of knowledge of seas and currents: ocean circulation, trade winds and monsoons and their decisive influence on route choice and sailing seasons for Atlantic and Pacific crossings
7.7. Navigation in restricted and coastal waters: pilotage, transits, bearings and soundings for safety in poorly charted or dangerous harbors, and the training of expert regional pilots
7.8. Innovations in measuring and recording devices: from the logbook and chronometer to the first systems of communication and signaling between ships of the same fleet
7.9. Impact of new technologies on geographic knowledge: how innovations in navigation and cartography enabled expeditions of conquest, colonization and trade and redrew the political and economic map of the world
7.10. Analysis of notable cases: logistics and technology in the expeditions of Magellan-Elcano, Vasco da Gama and James Cook, highlighting the technical challenges overcome and the advances in scientific navigation

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 8

Geopolitical and economic impact of the great maritime expeditions: historical analysis and global consequences

8.1. Historical context: detailed analysis of the time frame and geography of the great maritime expeditions from the late 15th to the 18th century
8.2. Geopolitical dynamics before the expeditions: rivalries, alliances and tensions among emerging and established powers that drove the voyages of exploration
8.3. Impact on the shaping of territorial borders: detailed study of the maritime and land boundaries that resulted from treaties and agreements after the expeditions
8.4. Global economic transformations: the influence of sea routes on transoceanic trade circuits, new products and raw materials and the rise of mercantile capitalism
8.5. The strategic role of sea routes in the expansion of empires: how control of sea lanes and ports changed the global balance of power
8.6. Sociopolitical consequences in explored territories: colonization, administration and indigenous resistance after contact with European powers
8.7. Navigation as a tool of diplomacy and war: naval military expeditions and their effects on treaties and the international order
8.8. Technological and scientific innovation driven by the expeditions: advances in cartography, nautical astronomy, shipbuilding and celestial navigation
8.9. Demographic effects: forced migration, slavery and the uprooting of peoples resulting from the maritime expeditions and their impact on present-day populations
8.10. Contemporary legacy and reinterpretations: critical analysis of historical memory and present-day narratives about the expeditions and their global impact

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 9

Technological innovation, astronomical cartography and logistics strategies in the great historical maritime expeditions

9.1. Historical context of technological innovation in navigation: from medieval nautical instruments to the Age of Discovery
9.2. Astronomical instruments: development and use of the astrolabe, quadrant, sextant and octant to determine latitude and longitude at sea
9.3. Historical nautical cartography: analysis of portolans, the Piri Reis maps and the charts of Iberian explorers, with emphasis on their accuracy and symbols
9.4. Progress in timekeeping: the invention of the marine chronometer and its decisive impact on finding longitude during 18th-century expeditions
9.5. Development of astronomical cartography techniques: observation and calculation methods for geospatial representation under ocean uncertainty
9.6. Logistics principles and practice on great expeditions: provisioning, crew organization and resource management on long voyages
9.7. Planning and risk management strategies in maritime expeditions: weather contingencies, geographic obstacles and social conflict
9.8. Shipbuilding innovations that made logistics sustainable: from caravels and galleons to steamships, focused on cargo capacity and endurance
9.9. Combining astronomical and technological cartography to optimize sea routes: case studies such as the expeditions of Magellan and Cook
9.10. Scientific and technological legacy: the influence of the expeditions on the modern evolution of navigation and geospatial cartography

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 10

Nautical instruments, science and life on board in the age of expeditions

10.1. The astrolabe, quadrant and cross-staff
10.2. The compass and the mariner's needle
10.3. The marine chronometer and longitude
10.4. The sextant
10.5. Medicine and scurvy on board
10.6. Food on long voyages
10.7. Daily life of crews
10.8. Scientific expeditions of the 18th century
10.9. Polar exploration
10.10. Documentary sources and ships' logbooks

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 11

Final Project

11.1. Foundations of celestial navigation: history, principles and classic tools
11.2. Precision instruments in historical navigation: sextant, astrolabe, octant and marine chronometers
11.3. Calculating a celestial position: observation methods, error correction and atmospheric adjustments
11.4. Integrating celestial navigation into cartography: evolution of maps, projections and geographic accuracy
11.5. Analysis of the great expeditions: technical contributions to navigation and cartography by explorers such as Magellan, Cook and Vasco da Gama
11.6. Advanced techniques to read and use historical nautical charts: symbols, scales and cartographic resources
11.7. Impact of the scientific revolution on navigation: the shift from empirical methods to scientific instruments
11.8. Practical application: plotting navigation routes based on astronomical observations and historical cartographic data
11.9. Detailed study of how astronomical instruments and cartographic tools were combined in planning transoceanic expeditions
11.10. Final work: an integrating project that simulates the planning and execution of a historical expedition using period celestial navigation and accurate cartographic representation

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Master's in the History of Navigation and Expeditions

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 the History of Navigation and Expeditions

01Critically analyze primary and secondary sources, assessing their credibility, bias and historical and social context to build informed, well-grounded interpretations.

02Interpret the global impact of sea voyages, identifying how maritime transport has shaped international trade, geopolitics and development, up to today's international agreements and IMO rules.

03Lead research projects on maritime history, defining rigorous methods, securing resources and managing multidisciplinary teams to deliver relevant results with academic impact.

04Design outreach strategies for maritime heritage, identifying key audiences such as local residents, tourists and scholars and adapting messages and channels to maximize impact and participation.

05Advise on the conservation and management of historic naval sites, applying preventive conservation strategies based on the analysis of each site's specific risks and vulnerabilities.

06Assess the influence of naval technology on geopolitics, analyzing how naval power driven by technological innovation has redefined alliances, trade routes and control of strategic resources.

Careers

Career opportunities after the Master's in the History of Navigation and Expeditions

01Archivist and documentation specialistmanagement and conservation of historical archives related to navigation and expeditions.

02Researcher and historianresearch projects in academic centers, study centers and cultural institutions.

03Lecturer in maritime historyteaching maritime history and exploration in higher and vocational education.

04Maritime heritage managerconservation and promotion of navigation-related heritage in museums, historic sites and public bodies.

05Historical consultantoutreach projects, audiovisual productions and tourism developments on the history of navigation.

06Editor and science communicatorbooks, articles and digital content on the history of navigation and expeditions.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Master's in the History of Navigation and Expeditions

The history of navigation and maritime expeditions: the instruments, charts, ships and logistics that made ocean voyages possible and the consequences those voyages had for the world.

On both, because they depend on each other. Each technical advance is studied through the expeditions it made possible, and each expedition through the technical problems it had to solve.

Yes. You study dead reckoning, latitude by the sun and stars, the lunar distance method and the marine chronometer, using the astrolabe, quadrant, octant and sextant, and you apply them in the Final Project.

Yes. One module analyzes empires, borders, trade, colonization, indigenous resistance, slavery and forced migration, as well as how the expeditions are remembered and reinterpreted today.

Yes. A degree in a related field or demonstrable experience in research, archives, museums, teaching or writing on maritime topics is enough; the admission interview confirms that the program suits your profile.

Through practical cases and source analysis in each module and a Final Project in which you reconstruct the planning and execution of a historical expedition.

A master's issued by Navalis Institute, together with the source analyses, route reconstructions and research work 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 historians and archaeologists specializing in maritime history, history and social science teachers, archivists and librarians, writers and journalists who need historical rigor on exploration, and enthusiasts of history and navigation. A degree in history, the humanities, archaeology, geography or a related field, or demonstrable experience in historical research, archives or museums related to navigation, 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 videoconferencing software such as Zoom or Teams.
Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.

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