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Master’s degree · Safety and survival

Master's in Naval Intelligence and Counter-Piracy

This master's programme gives you advanced training in the strategies and tactics used to protect maritime interests. You will work on situational awareness, source analysis and risk assessment, with counter-piracy and its legal limits as a dedicated section.

100% online1,500 hours11 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

This master's degree is an advanced programme in the strategies and tactics used to protect maritime interests. It focuses on emerging threats, on the use of leading technologies to gather and process intelligence, and on effective counter-piracy operations. It develops competence in maritime cybersecurity, international law and crisis management in complex environments.

What sets the programme apart: strategic analysis, assessing the geopolitical and economic risks that affect maritime security; OSINT (open-source intelligence), with techniques for collecting and analysing publicly available information; and simulations and practical exercises, with realistic scenarios for decision-making in critical situations.

Programme highlights

  • Maritime strategic analysis: naval geopolitics and the emerging threats of the 21st century.
  • OSINT: collecting, analysing and using key information for decision-making.
  • International maritime law: the legal framework of maritime spaces and of the fight against piracy.
  • Crisis management and negotiation: resolving conflicts in complex maritime environments.
  • Surveillance and defence technologies: innovations in naval security and protection systems.
  • An integrated approach: preparing you to lead maritime security from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Study plan

01Advanced Maritime Reconnaissance Strategies and Analysis of Piracy Threats136 h
Electro-optical sensors, high-resolution radar and autonomous platforms. Threat identification through behaviour and patterns, supported by AI. Real-time data fusion, early warning and predictive modelling. Mapping of high-risk areas with GIS. SIGINT and ELINT. Patrolling and dynamic deployment of resources. Multinational operations and interoperability. Risk assessment and contingency plans. Simulation with augmented reality. Study of real cases.
02Integrated Electronic Surveillance and Cyber Warfare Tactics in Naval Operations136 h
Fundamentals of naval electronic surveillance. Sensors (multi-frequency radar, sonar, IR, EO). Signal processing in complex electromagnetic environments. Distributed surveillance networks with satellites, UAVs and mobile platforms. Introduction to naval cyber warfare and its attack vectors. Cyber intelligence. Countermeasures (firewalls, IDS/IPS, resilience). Coordination of electronic and cyber warfare. Simulation. Naval cybersecurity regulations and audits.
03Threat Detection and Analysis Technologies: Reconnaissance, Electronic Surveillance and Advanced Cybersecurity136 h
Detection systems (radar, sonar, LIDAR). Multi-source fusion of radar, AIS, satellite and drone data for a complete operational picture. ELINT and COMINT. Forensic signal analysis and detection of non-cooperative vessels and interference. Persistent surveillance with AUVs and UAVs. Cyber-secure architectures for naval infrastructure. Real-time cyber monitoring and defence. Cryptography for tactical and satellite communications. Regulatory frameworks and certifications. Real cases of piracy.
04Multi-Domain Intelligence Fusion and Maritime Interdiction Tactics with Autonomous Platforms136 h
Multi-domain intelligence (maritime, air, space, cyber and land). Architecture and sensors of AUVs and USVs. Multi-sensor fusion with machine learning. Interdiction combining real-time intelligence, conventional forces and uncrewed platforms. Multi-layer command and control (C2) chains. Evolving models of the piracy threat. Risk analysis on commercial routes. Mission automation with minimal human intervention. Integration of HUMINT. Multi-domain simulation.
05Coordinated Intervention and Neutralisation Operations in High-Threat Scenarios136 h
Comprehensive analysis of actors, tactics and critical areas. Joint inter-agency and multinational planning. Intelligence procedures (open sources, HUMINT, SIGINT, IMINT). Reconnaissance with air, maritime and satellite assets. Boarding and neutralisation protocols on the high seas. Countermeasures such as exclusion areas, naval blockade and special forces. Integration of C4ISR systems. Simulation. Coordination with air and land forces. Legal framework (sovereignty, human rights and maritime conventions).
06Integrated Reconnaissance and Threat Analysis Strategies with Autonomous Technologies and Multi-Domain Tactics136 h
Fundamentals of naval intelligence against piracy. Autonomous reconnaissance platforms and their sensors (LIDAR, SAR, EO/IR). Multi-sensor networks and real-time data fusion. Secure communications. AI-based predictive modelling of piracy patterns. Multi-domain strategies. Risk assessment in piracy areas. Tactical reconnaissance with UAVs, USVs and remote sensors. C2 for crewed and autonomous assets. Practical cases.
07Advanced Strategies and Technologies in the Detection, Intervention and Neutralisation of Piracy Threats136 h
Fundamentals of naval intelligence and emerging paradigms. Advanced detection through electronic surveillance (radar, sonar, AIS, SIGMA). Integration of satellite, drone and ISR data. Disruptive technologies (machine learning, predictive analytics, data mining). Adaptive intervention protocols with special forces, amphibious units and non-lethal means. Multinational operations and C2. Active and passive defence of civilian vessels. Tactical simulation. Legal framework for the use of force. Post-operation evaluation.
08Design and Management of Covert Intelligence Operations and Risk Analytics in Hostile Environments136 h
Fundamentals and sources of naval intelligence. Planning of covert operations (reconnaissance, infiltration, execution and exfiltration). Real-time collection tools. Counter-intelligence. Geospatial analysis with GIS, AIS and hydrographic data to detect anomalies. Quantitative management of operational risk. Collaborative multilateral intelligence networks. Reducing the operational footprint and camouflage. Encrypted communications. Mission briefing and debriefing.
09Autonomous Systems and Detection Technologies in Advanced Counter-Piracy Operations136 h
Fundamentals and classification of naval autonomous systems. AUV and USV architectures and their integration into fleets. Acoustic sensors, high-frequency radar, LIDAR and EO/IR cameras. Real-time multi-sensor processing and fusion. AI for predictive detection. Secure networks (satellite, RF and mesh). Cooperation between autonomous systems and crewed units. Long-duration persistent surveillance. Countermeasures (jamming, decoys, early warning). Legal and ethical aspects in international waters.
10Legal Framework for Counter-Piracy and Private Security on Board136 h
Legal definition of piracy under UNCLOS. Armed robbery at sea. Jurisdiction and prosecution. UN Security Council resolutions. Operation Atalanta and other international missions. BMP5 best management practices. Private armed security on board. The ISO 28007 standard. War risk and kidnap and ransom (K&R) insurance. Kidnap management and negotiation.
11Master's Final Project: Integrated Autonomous Surveillance and Tactical Response System against Piracy136 h
Threat diagnosis and geospatial risk assessment. Architecture design with radar, thermal cameras, AIS and satellites. AI algorithms for detection and prediction. Secure and redundant communications. Configuration of UUVs and UAVs. Modelling and simulation to reduce false positives. Integration with C2 and inter-agency coordination. Cybersecurity modules. Field exercises. Technical reports with recommendations.

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

  • Anticipate and neutralise maritime threats.
  • Lead strategic naval operations.
  • Manage and optimise resources in complex naval scenarios.
  • Develop and implement counter-piracy strategies.
  • Analyse and mitigate maritime security risks.
  • Master intelligence analysis for decision-making in the naval domain.

Career outcomes

  • Naval intelligence analyst: collecting, analysing and disseminating information for strategic decisions.
  • Counter-piracy specialist: planning and executing prevention and response strategies.
  • Maritime security consultant: assessing risks, designing security plans and advising companies and institutions.
  • Liaison officer with security agencies: coordinating information exchange with armed forces and agencies.
  • Defence and security researcher: developing research projects in naval intelligence and maritime security.
  • Maritime risk manager: identifying threats, drawing up contingency plans and managing crises.
  • Maritime security policy adviser: writing reports and recommendations for public policy.
  • Naval intelligence and security trainer: designing and delivering courses in these subjects.

Entry requirements

  • Academic or professional profile: a degree in defence, security, international relations, political science, law, economics or similar, or accredited experience in the naval, intelligence or maritime security field.
  • Language: English at B2 level (CEFR) is recommended in order to work with international sources.
  • Documents: up-to-date CV, degree certificate (where applicable), identity document or passport and a motivation letter on your interest in naval intelligence and counter-piracy.
  • Technical requirements for online study: a computer with camera and microphone, a stable connection for video conferencing and access to the virtual campus.

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.

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