Home/Programmes/Master’s degrees/Master's in Machine Learning for Maritime Security

Master’s degree · Innovation and startups

Master's in Machine Learning for Maritime Security

This master's programme equips you to detect anomalous patterns and protect the maritime sector from current threats. You will work with AIS, radar and operational data and anomaly detection methods, including model evaluation and the cost of false alarms.

100% online1,500 hours11 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

This online master's degree of 1,500 hours prepares you to protect the maritime sector from current threats. You will learn to detect anomalous patterns in navigation data, anticipate cybersecurity risks on ships and in ports, and optimise emergency response. It combines machine learning theory with practical cases.

What makes it different: a focus on maritime applications, access to anonymised datasets, and work with tools such as Python and TensorFlow.

Programme highlights

  • Advanced predictive analytics for the early detection of threats.
  • Comprehensive maritime security: protection of ships, ports and routes.
  • Visualisation of geospatial data on interactive maps.
  • Practical cases and simulations of real situations in the sector.
  • A career boost in maritime security.

Study plan

01Fundamentals of Machine Learning and Data Science for the Maritime Domain136 h
ML foundations, processing of marine sensor data, supervised and unsupervised algorithms, deep learning, model evaluation, Python tools, real-time data, MLOps, and ethics and explainability.
02Anomaly Detection and Identification of Irregular Maritime Traffic (AIS/Radar)136 h
AIS and VMS data, trajectory reconstruction, dark vessels, illegal fishing, GPS/AIS spoofing and early warnings of drug trafficking or piracy.
03Computer Vision and Automatic Target Recognition at Sea136 h
Detection of marine objects with computer vision, EO/IR and satellite (SAR) imagery, multi-object tracking, spill detection and deployment on edge devices.
04Collision Avoidance and Zero-Risk Autonomous Navigation (COLREGs)136 h
COLREG rules, collision risk, reinforcement learning for manoeuvres, route planning, decision support systems and certification of autonomous navigation.
05Weather Forecasting, Sea State Modelling and Safe Routing136 h
Prediction of extreme events, oceanographic data, object drift, weather routing, sea ice and extreme waves.
06Predictive Maintenance, Ship Health and Operational Safety136 h
Structural monitoring, propulsion maintenance, remaining useful life of components, safety systems, batteries and digital twins.
07Maritime Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection136 h
Cyber threats on ships and in ports, OT/IT networks, GNSS protection, Zero Trust, ransomware in SCADA systems and applicable regulation.
08Search and Rescue (SAR) and Intelligent Emergency Management136 h
Search optimisation, coordination of drones and surface vehicles, man-overboard detection, evacuations, fires on board and accident analysis.
09Port Security, Maritime Border Control and Global Maritime Governance136 h
Access control, container inspection, stowaways, ship risk before port entry, congestion, environmental security, the ISPS Code, geopolitical risks and AI governance.
10Ethics, Explainability and Operational Deployment of Machine Learning Models136 h
Data quality, bias, validation, MLOps, on-board computing, model drift, regulation and human oversight.
11Final Master's Project: Intelligent Maritime Security System136 h
Development of a complete system on a real case, from data and models to dashboard, validation, written report and oral defence.

Duration and format

1,500hours in total
11modules of 136 hours
100%online, at your own pace
Openenrolment all year round

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

What you will learn

  • Detect and predict suspicious activity in real time.
  • Optimise risk management in maritime operations.
  • Automate the identification of anomalies in maritime traffic.
  • Develop predictive models to prevent maritime incidents.
  • Improve the efficiency of maritime emergency response.
  • Strengthen the cybersecurity of critical maritime infrastructure.

Career outcomes

  • Data analyst in maritime security.
  • Developer of machine learning models for maritime security.
  • Maritime security consultant specialising in ML.
  • Researcher in maritime security and machine learning.
  • Maritime cybersecurity specialist.
  • Project manager for ML-based maritime security.
  • Maritime intelligence officer.
  • Expert in the detection of spills and marine pollution.

Entry requirements

  • Profile: a degree in mathematics, statistics, computer engineering, physics or a related field, or accredited professional experience in data science, software development or maritime security analysis.
  • Language: advanced technical English recommended.
  • Technical knowledge: basic programming (preferably Python), statistics and linear algebra.
  • Documentation: CV, copy of your qualification, academic transcript where applicable, identity document or passport, and a motivation letter.
  • Technical requirements for online study: a computer with camera and microphone, a stable connection and access to data analysis and machine learning software (free or open-source alternatives are available).

How to enrol

Enrol online

Complete your enrolment on this page, or apply through admissions if you prefer to talk to us first.

Receive your access

We send you the details to enter the virtual campus and start the programme.

Study at your pace

Work through the modules when it suits you and complete the programme from anywhere in the world.

More programmes in Innovation and startups

See the whole area →

Professional diplomaInnovation and startups

Professional Diploma in Data Science for Ports and Shipping Companies

This professional diploma prepares you to apply data science to the challenges of maritime transport and port operations. You will work with AIS and operational data, …

100% online800 hours8 modules
$940View programme →
Master’s degreeHull and naval architecture

Master's in 3D Modelling and Virtual Reality for Naval Engineering

In this master's programme you will learn to create precise 3D models and virtual reality environments for the naval sector. You will work with CAD data, materials, li…

100% online1,500 hours11 modules
$1,685View programme →
Master’s degreeBridge and navigation

Master's in Remote Operation of Autonomous Ships and the MASS Code

This master's programme prepares you to work in the new generation of autonomous and remotely operated ships. You will work on shore control centres, sensor fusion, co…

100% online1,500 hours11 modules
$2,950View programme →
Scroll to Top