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

Master's in Numerical Ocean Modelling

This master's prepares you to build, run and evaluate numerical ocean models, from the global scale down to ports and estuaries. You will study geophysical fluid dynamics, discretisation methods, parameterisations of turbulent processes, and circulation, wave, tide and sediment models, and you will learn to set up experiments on high-performance computing systems, validate results against observations and communicate their uncertainty to scientific and technical users.

Duration1,500 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules11
Programme diagnosis

Prior knowledge check

These are the skills this programme gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.

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You are starting from scratch in this subject. The programme is designed precisely for that.

About the programme

What is the Master's in Numerical Ocean Modelling?

This master's prepares you to build, run and evaluate numerical ocean models, from the global scale down to ports and estuaries. You will master geophysical fluid dynamics, apply suitable numerical methods and grids, set up regional and coastal experiments and rigorously compare models with observations, opening the door to ocean services, consultancies and research institutes.

What sets this master's apart: a solid physical foundation, with geophysical fluid dynamics and numerical methods explained from first principles; professionally used models, with hands-on practice on widely used open-source ocean codes; a scope that runs from global to coastal, covering circulation, waves, tides, sediments and water quality; real computing, running simulations in high-performance environments; and a Final Project in which you set up and validate a model for a real area.

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

Programme highlights

  • Solid physical foundation: geophysical fluid dynamics and numerical methods from first principles.
  • Professionally used models: hands-on practice with widely used open-source ocean codes.
  • From global to coastal: circulation, waves, tides, sediments and water quality.
  • Real computing: running simulations in high-performance environments.
  • Operational forecasting: data assimilation, ensembles and marine services.
  • Final Project: setting up and validating a model for a real area.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Master's in Numerical Ocean Modelling

11 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Geophysical Fluid Dynamics

  • 1.1. Conservation equations
  • 1.2. Effect of the Earth's rotation
  • 1.3. The Boussinesq approximation
  • 1.4. The hydrostatic approximation
  • 1.5. Geostrophic balance
  • 1.6. Potential vorticity
  • 1.7. Gravity and Rossby waves
  • 1.8. The Ekman layer
  • 1.9. Stratification and deformation radius
  • 1.10. Instabilities and geophysical turbulence
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Numerical Methods for the Ocean

  • 2.1. Finite differences
  • 2.2. Finite volumes
  • 2.3. Finite elements
  • 2.4. Structured and unstructured grids
  • 2.5. Vertical coordinates
  • 2.6. Advection schemes
  • 2.7. Stability and the CFL condition
  • 2.8. Time integration schemes
  • 2.9. Conservation and numerical diffusion
  • 2.10. Code verification
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Parameterisations and Subgrid Processes

  • 3.1. The concept of a subgrid process
  • 3.2. Vertical mixing and turbulence closures
  • 3.3. Boundary layer schemes
  • 3.4. Lateral mixing and viscosity
  • 3.5. Eddy parameterisation
  • 3.6. Bottom friction
  • 3.7. Air-sea fluxes
  • 3.8. Convection and deep-water formation
  • 3.9. Internal tides and mixing
  • 3.10. Sensitivity to parameterisations
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Ocean Circulation Models

  • 4.1. Families of ocean models
  • 4.2. Z-coordinate models
  • 4.3. Sigma-coordinate models
  • 4.4. Hybrid and isopycnal models
  • 4.5. Global circulation models
  • 4.6. Regional models
  • 4.7. One-way and two-way nesting
  • 4.8. Initialisation and spin-up
  • 4.9. Atmospheric forcing
  • 4.10. Circulation diagnostics
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Coastal and Estuarine Modelling

  • 5.1. Coastal hydrodynamics
  • 5.2. Depth-averaged two-dimensional models
  • 5.3. Tidal propagation
  • 5.4. Storm surges
  • 5.5. Flooding with wetting and drying zones
  • 5.6. Estuarine circulation
  • 5.7. Saline intrusion
  • 5.8. River-sea interaction
  • 5.9. Port models
  • 5.10. Effluent dispersion
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 6

Wave Modelling

  • 6.1. Linear wave theory
  • 6.2. Wave spectra
  • 6.3. Third-generation spectral models
  • 6.4. Generation, dissipation and interactions
  • 6.5. Propagation in shallow water
  • 6.6. Refraction, diffraction and breaking
  • 6.7. Phase-resolving models
  • 6.8. Wave-current coupling
  • 6.9. Wave climate and extremes
  • 6.10. Validation with buoys and satellites
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 7

Sediments, Morphodynamics and Water Quality

  • 7.1. Non-cohesive sediment transport
  • 7.2. Cohesive sediments
  • 7.3. Longshore and cross-shore transport
  • 7.4. Morphological evolution of beaches
  • 7.5. Morphodynamic models
  • 7.6. Water quality models
  • 7.7. Tracers and residence time
  • 7.8. Lagrangian particle models
  • 7.9. Oil spill models
  • 7.10. Coupled biogeochemical models
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 8

High-Performance Computing

  • 8.1. Supercomputing architectures
  • 8.2. Linux and computing environments
  • 8.3. Compiling scientific codes
  • 8.4. Parallelisation with MPI and OpenMP
  • 8.5. Domain decomposition
  • 8.6. Job schedulers
  • 8.7. Scalability and performance
  • 8.8. GPU computing
  • 8.9. Cloud computing
  • 8.10. Managing large model outputs
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 9

Assimilation, Forecasting and Ensembles

  • 9.1. From model to operational forecast
  • 9.2. Data assimilation in ocean models
  • 9.3. Ensemble forecasting
  • 9.4. Perturbing initial conditions
  • 9.5. Seasonal and decadal prediction
  • 9.6. Ocean reanalyses
  • 9.7. Machine learning emulators
  • 9.8. Statistical correction of outputs
  • 9.9. Operational forecasting systems
  • 9.10. Copernicus marine services
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 10

Validation, Uncertainty and Communication of Results

  • 10.1. Data sources for validation
  • 10.2. Error and skill metrics
  • 10.3. Taylor diagrams
  • 10.4. Validating extremes
  • 10.5. Sensitivity analysis
  • 10.6. Structural and parametric uncertainty
  • 10.7. Reproducibility of experiments
  • 10.8. Documenting configurations
  • 10.9. Technical reports for clients
  • 10.10. Communicating uncertainty
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 11

Final Project

  • 11.1. Defining the problem and the area
  • 11.2. Selecting the model
  • 11.3. Preparing the bathymetry and grid
  • 11.4. Forcing and boundary conditions
  • 11.5. Sensitivity experiments
  • 11.6. Running the simulations
  • 11.7. Validation against observations
  • 11.8. Analysis of results
  • 11.9. Writing the project report
  • 11.10. Presentation to an assessment panel
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Master's in Numerical Ocean Modelling

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 instalment plan.

Faculty

Academic leadership and faculty

The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programmes.

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 Numerical Ocean Modelling

01Understand ocean dynamics.
02Master numerical methods.
03Set up ocean models.
04Model coastal processes.
05Use high-performance computing.
06Validate and communicate results.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Master's in Numerical Ocean Modelling

01Ocean modellerdeveloping and applying models in research centres.
02Coastal and port engineerhydrodynamic and wave studies for projects.
03Ocean forecasting technicianoperational systems in marine services.
04Marine dynamics consultantdispersion, sediment and water quality studies.
05Scientific computing specialistoptimising codes and HPC simulations.
06Marine science researcherprojects on ocean processes and climate.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Master's in Numerical Ocean Modelling

A grounding in differential calculus, differential equations and linear algebra at the level of a science or engineering degree is recommended.

Open-source ocean, wave and coastal codes that are widely used in research and consultancy.

No. Practical work is carried out in remote environments prepared for the programme.

Yes. It includes applied coastal modelling, waves, sediments and port studies.

You set up, run and validate a numerical model for a real marine or coastal area.

The master's is taught entirely online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, recorded live sessions and tutorials. It comprises 1500 hours of study across 11 modules of about 136 hours each, and you progress at your own pace within the schedule you are given on enrolment.

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Online admission

Admission process

No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.

Entry requirements
  • Profile: aimed at graduates in physics, mathematics, marine sciences or engineering who want to specialise in ocean modelling, civil, naval and coastal engineers who need to simulate hydrodynamic processes, oceanographers and researchers who want to master the models they use, environmental and port consultancy staff who carry out marine dynamics studies, and scientific computing professionals who want to apply their skills to the ocean. A degree in physics, mathematics, marine sciences, civil, naval or industrial engineering or a related field, or proven professional experience in modelling or hydrodynamics, is recommended.
  • 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 browser and a camera for live sessions and project presentations.
  • 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
    Enrolment
    Choose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Start my applicationFrom $1,336 deposit

Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.

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