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

Master's in Ocean Diplomacy and Naval Geopolitical History

This master's gives you a deep understanding of where naval power, diplomacy and global history meet. You will learn to analyze maritime geopolitical dynamics, the evolution of sea power and the doctrines behind it, the international treaties and institutions that govern the oceans and the diplomatic strategies that shape relations between nations at sea, while building your ability to negotiate, manage maritime crises and advise on naval and ocean policy in international organizations, government, the maritime industry and research.

Duration1,500 h

ModeOnline

Start1 December

Modules11

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About the program

What is the Master's in Ocean Diplomacy and Naval Geopolitical History?

This master's combines naval history, the law of the sea, international relations and geopolitics. You will study the classical and contemporary theories of sea power; strategic sea lanes, chokepoints such as Malacca, Hormuz and Gibraltar, exclusive economic zones and continental shelves; naval rivalry in the Indo-Pacific, the Arctic and the Atlantic; alliances such as NATO, the Quad and ASEAN; UNCLOS, innocent passage and maritime boundary delimitation; the IMO, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, the International Seabed Authority and the BBNJ Agreement; maritime command and control, naval intelligence and ISR; satellite surveillance, AIS and VTS; maritime cybersecurity and hybrid warfare; preventive diplomacy, crisis management and multilateral negotiation techniques.

What sets this master's apart: it reads today's ocean diplomacy through the lens of naval history, using historical and contemporary cases to explain how sea power, legal precedent and technology have shaped maritime disputes and agreements; unlike programs centered on ocean policy or climate, it gives real weight to the naval instrument of diplomacy, from command and control and naval intelligence to satellite surveillance, cyber defense and naval visits; it trains negotiation through simulations of maritime diplomatic talks; and it closes with a Final Project that combines technological innovation, ocean diplomacy and sustainable naval security strategy based on real cases and strategic foresight.

Program typeMaster’s degree

ModeOnline

Duration1,500 hours

Modules11

Start1 December

Program highlights

Theories and history of sea power, naval doctrines and the evolution of maritime strategy.
Strategic sea lanes, chokepoints and naval rivalry in the Indo-Pacific, the Arctic and the Atlantic.
UNCLOS, maritime boundaries, the IMO, ITLOS, the International Seabed Authority and the BBNJ Agreement.
Maritime command and control, naval intelligence, satellite surveillance, AIS and maritime cybersecurity.
Preventive diplomacy, maritime crisis management and simulations of multilateral negotiation.
Final Project: an integrated proposal on technology, ocean diplomacy and sustainable naval security.

Syllabus

Syllabus of the Master's in Ocean Diplomacy and Naval Geopolitical History

11 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Advanced strategies in maritime geopolitics and international negotiation for modern ocean diplomacy

1.1. Foundations and contemporary theories of maritime geopolitics: the Anglo-Saxon school, maritime realism, theories of maritime space and the maritime pivot
1.2. Advanced analysis of strategic sea corridors: chokepoints, international straits and their implications for global security
1.3. National and multilateral strategies for the control and sustainable use of exclusive economic zones (EEZ) and continental shelves
1.4. International negotiation in ocean diplomacy: coercive diplomacy, integrative negotiation and resolution of maritime conflicts
1.5. The role of the international law of the sea (UNCLOS, Montego Bay Convention) in shaping maritime strategies and naval doctrines
1.6. Interaction between state and non-state actors in ocean space: strategic alliances, transnational cooperation and asymmetric threats
1.7. Strategic intelligence and risk analysis in dynamic maritime environments: GIS, big data and open sources for diplomatic decision-making
1.8. Preventive diplomacy and confidence building in the naval sphere: crisis management and transparency and communication mechanisms
1.9. The impact of climate change and new technologies on maritime geopolitics: governance of Arctic routes, resource exploitation and ocean geoengineering
1.10. Practical cases of international maritime negotiations: analysis of treaties and bilateral and multilateral agreements from the perspective of modern ocean diplomacy

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 2

Contemporary naval geopolitics: analysis of maritime powers and comprehensive strategic diplomacy

2.1. Theoretical foundations of naval geopolitics: historical evolution, schools of thought and contemporary paradigms
2.2. Main actors in maritime geopolitics: coastal states, emerging naval powers and international organizations
2.3. Strategic analysis of critical sea routes: straits, canals, trade corridors and exclusive economic zones (EEZ)
2.4. Instruments of sea power: naval projection, surface fleets, submarines and expeditionary capabilities
2.5. The role of naval diplomacy in resolving conflicts and consolidating multilateral alliances
2.6. Competition and cooperation in ocean spaces: the Arctic, the Indo-Pacific, the South Atlantic and other strategic regions
2.7. The impact of advanced naval technology on geopolitics: cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, surveillance systems and maritime drones
2.8. Applicable international legal framework: the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), bilateral treaties and customary rules
2.9. Comprehensive maritime security strategies: countering piracy, terrorism and drug trafficking at sea
2.10. Landmark case studies: current naval conflicts, strategic maneuvers and preventive diplomacy in ocean scenarios worldwide

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 3

Geopolitical strategies and maritime negotiation techniques in contemporary ocean diplomacy

3.1. Foundations of ocean geopolitics: strategic dynamics in international maritime spaces and their impact on global politics
3.2. Contemporary theories of ocean diplomacy: from maritime realism to functional liberalism applied to the sea
3.3. Naval strategic intelligence tools: collection, analysis and use of information in diplomatic decision-making
3.4. Advanced maritime negotiation techniques: influence models, persuasion tactics and conflict management in multilateral settings
3.5. Crisis management in disputed maritime areas: practical cases and peaceful resolution protocols
3.6. Study of international treaties: UNCLOS and bilateral and multilateral ocean agreements and their legal interpretation
3.7. Roles and competences of key actors in ocean diplomacy: coastal states, regional and international organizations and non-state actors
3.8. Preventive diplomacy and its application in high-tension naval and maritime scenarios
3.9. Building and maintaining strategic maritime alliances: networking, cooperation and management of divergent interests
3.10. Advanced simulations of maritime diplomatic negotiation: practical skills developed through simulated settings and role-play

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 4

Maritime command and control: operational planning, naval intelligence, cybersecurity and crisis management in ocean diplomacy

4.1. Foundations and stages of maritime command and control: from strategic concept to tactical execution, including appraisal, planning, execution and monitoring in complex scenarios
4.2. Advanced naval intelligence: collection, processing and analysis of maritime data; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and information fusion to support operational decisions
4.3. Operational planning tools and systems: C4ISR integration, command and control systems and simulation platforms for real-time modeling of naval operations
4.4. Cybersecurity in naval environments: specific threats to critical maritime infrastructure, protection of SCADA systems, defense against cyberattacks and digital resilience protocols
4.5. Crisis management and decision-making under pressure: risk assessment methods, mitigation protocols, interagency communication and multinational coordination in maritime conflicts and emergencies
4.6. Theory and practice of ocean diplomacy applied to command: the interplay between naval operations, international policy, maritime law and strategic negotiation in areas of high geopolitical tension
4.7. Leadership models in the maritime environment: command of naval units and rapid reaction forces, personnel management in complex missions and maintaining morale and cohesion
4.8. Simulation and analysis of modern naval warfare scenarios: multi-domain operations, electronic warfare, drones and anti-ship missiles, and strategies for sea control in the 21st century
4.9. Interoperability and standardization protocols in international coalitions: technological interoperability, secure communication and operational coordination among allied navies
4.10. Relevant historical cases in ocean diplomacy and naval command and control: strategic and tactical lessons for contemporary geopolitics and global maritime crisis management

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 5

Advanced technologies for ocean monitoring, satellite surveillance and comprehensive maritime security in naval diplomacy

5.1. Foundations of satellite technology for ocean monitoring: remote sensors, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and subsea fiber optics
5.2. Integration of ISR systems for advanced maritime surveillance: aerial platforms, maritime drones and smart buoys
5.3. Global positioning and advanced navigation systems: GNSS, DGPS and differential techniques at sea
5.4. Processing and analysis of ocean big data: machine learning, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics for naval security and diplomacy
5.5. Secure maritime communication networks: geostationary satellites, low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations and cryptographic protocols for sensitive data
5.6. Use of AIS (Automatic Identification System) and VTS (Vessel Traffic Services) in comprehensive traffic management and risk reduction
5.7. Capabilities and limitations of subsea acoustic and magnetometric sensors for real-time detection of unconventional threats
5.8. Integration of naval command and control (C2) with surveillance platforms for multinational operations and diplomatic coordination
5.9. Critical aspects of maritime cybersecurity: threats, vulnerabilities and defense protocols for strategic ocean infrastructure
5.10. International rules and technology standards in maritime surveillance: SOLAS, UNCLOS and NATO and IMO guidelines applied to security technologies

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 6

Integrated strategies of naval power, cybersecurity and satellite monitoring for cutting-edge ocean diplomacy

6.1. Foundations of ocean diplomacy: naval power as a strategic tool of international projection
6.2. Theory and practice of integrated sea control strategies: synergies between naval forces, intelligence and diplomacy
6.3. Advanced cybersecurity in maritime environments: protection of critical infrastructure, navigation systems and military communications
6.4. Naval cyber defense architecture and protocols: international rules, advanced persistent threats (APT) and tactical responses
6.5. Satellite and geospatial monitoring for maritime surveillance and security: remote sensing and analysis of geopolitical data
6.6. Integration of observation satellites, maritime drones and sensor networks for real-time naval intelligence operations
6.7. Hybrid warfare models at sea: combined use of cyberattacks, propaganda and strategic blockades
6.8. Strategic planning of naval deployments supported by cyber intelligence and georeferenced satellite data
6.9. Risk management and operational resilience against technological threats and cyberattacks in maritime areas of influence
6.10. Practical cases and simulations of diplomatic and military crises with naval and cyber components: analysis, decision-making and lessons learned

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 7

Naval power, cybersecurity and satellite technology strategies for high-impact ocean diplomacy

7.1. Strategic foundations of naval power: history, doctrine and contemporary evolution in the geo-ocean context
7.2. Doctrines of maritime deterrence and power projection: blue-water navies, littoral combat and sea control operations
7.3. Advanced technology integration on naval platforms: weapon systems, multifunction radars and electro-optical sensors
7.4. Cybersecurity architecture and protocols in naval networks: defense in depth, intrusion detection and response to cyberattacks
7.5. Electronic countermeasures and resilience in naval warfare: jamming, electronic warfare and protection of critical assets
7.6. Satellite technology for maritime surveillance and strategic communications: SAR satellites, enhanced GNSS and real-time data links
7.7. Geospatial intelligence and satellite data analysis for decision-making in ocean diplomacy and security
7.8. Multinational interoperability and technology diplomacy: naval alliances, common standards and technology transfer
7.9. International legal framework and rules for the use of maritime and outer space: UNCLOS, satellite treaties and technology control regimes
7.10. Case studies of combined naval operations with cyber defense and satellite surveillance for crisis management and high-impact diplomatic projection

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 8

Global dynamics of naval power: strategic alliances, force projection and governance of international maritime spaces

8.1. Theory of naval power: conceptual foundations and historical evolution in global strategic projection
8.2. Critical analysis of international maritime alliances: NATO, the Quad, ASEAN and emerging coalitions
8.3. Contemporary naval rivalry: case studies of China, the United States, India and Russia in the Indo-Pacific and the Atlantic
8.4. Advanced naval force projection: technological capabilities, aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines and hypersonic weapons
8.5. Governance of international maritime spaces: legal framework, UNCLOS and territorial disputes in EEZs and international waters
8.6. Integration of strategic resources: ports, dual-use infrastructure and logistics networks supporting a sustained naval presence
8.7. Geopolitical implications of controlling critical sea routes: the Strait of Malacca, the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Gibraltar
8.8. Joint and multinational operations: coordination, interoperability and doctrine in naval crises and conflicts
8.9. Assessment of maritime surveillance and situational awareness systems: ISR, satellites, drones and electronic warfare
8.10. The future of ocean diplomacy: collaborative governance, sustainability and maritime security in a multipolar world

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 9

Advanced strategies in maritime geopolitics, strategic negotiation and innovative technologies for high-level ocean diplomacy

9.1. Advanced maritime geopolitical analysis: identification and assessment of strategic areas, vital trade routes and areas of global naval interest in the contemporary international order
9.2. Models of naval power and ocean diplomacy: classical and contemporary theories of maritime force projection and their impact on global and regional stability
9.3. Strategic negotiation at sea: tactics and techniques for resolving conflicts, international treaties and bilateral and multilateral agreements on ocean resources and maritime sovereignty
9.4. International legal framework of naval diplomacy: in-depth study of UNCLOS, rules of maritime transit, the right of innocent passage and maritime jurisdiction
9.5. Complex naval deployment and logistics: strategic fleet planning, resource management in crises and route optimization for power projection and humanitarian assistance
9.6. Technological innovations in ocean diplomacy: artificial intelligence, unmanned systems (underwater and aerial drones) and maritime surveillance technologies to monitor strategic areas
9.7. Cybersecurity and naval warfare in the 21st century: digital threats to naval defense systems, protection of critical infrastructure and cyber defense strategies at sea
9.8. Advanced crisis management and decision-making in ocean settings: simulation of conflict scenarios, risk assessment and management of integrated diplomatic and military crises
9.9. Strategic communication and public relations in naval diplomacy: narrative building, media management and international alliances to strengthen diplomatic presence and legitimacy at sea
9.10. Landmark cases and comparative studies: detailed analysis of historical and contemporary incidents in which maritime geopolitics and naval diplomacy determined the course of international relations

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 10

International organizations, treaties and maritime diplomatic negotiation

10.1. The International Maritime Organization and how it works
10.2. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
10.3. The International Seabed Authority
10.4. The BBNJ Agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction
10.5. Delimitation of maritime boundaries
10.6. Disputes in the South China Sea
10.7. The Arctic and the Arctic Council
10.8. Naval diplomacy and ship visits
10.9. Multilateral negotiation techniques
10.10. Simulation of an international negotiation

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Module 11

Final Project

11.1. Innovations in maritime sensors: advanced remote and multispectral detection systems for real-time ocean monitoring
11.2. Technology diplomacy: integrating disruptive technologies into the international legal framework of exclusive economic zones (EEZ) and maritime governance
11.3. Unmanned and autonomous systems: design, navigation and deployment of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) and unmanned surface vehicles (USV) in naval and diplomatic surveillance
11.4. Artificial intelligence and big data: predictive analysis of naval and geostrategic risks and optimization of strategic sea routes
11.5. Cryptography and naval cybersecurity: emerging technologies to protect critical infrastructure and communications in hostile maritime environments
11.6. Renewable energy and sustainability: hybrid systems for the energy autonomy of fleets and naval bases in remote ocean settings
11.7. Advanced mathematical modeling and hydrodynamic simulation to optimize naval structures and reduce the environmental impact of maritime operations
11.8. International legal framework: treaties and conventions on the use of technology in conflict management and cooperation across the world's oceans
11.9. International cooperation policies: diplomatic strategies for the peaceful use of new ocean technologies for collective security and environmental protection
11.10. Applied final work: design of an integrating project that combines technological innovation, ocean diplomacy and sustainable naval security strategy based on real cases and strategic foresight

At this stage

136 hestimated workload

11 wkweeks at your pace

Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Master's in Ocean Diplomacy and Naval Geopolitical History

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 Ocean Diplomacy and Naval Geopolitical History

01Lead innovative maritime strategies that connect naval, economic and environmental objectives, from route and fuel optimization to long-term ocean policy.

02Manage international maritime conflicts by applying the law of the sea (UNCLOS) and bilateral agreements, defending national interests with diplomacy and firmness.

03Analyze and anticipate naval geopolitical trends, assessing the impact of new technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence and hypersonic weapons on naval strategy and maritime security.

04Negotiate bilateral and multilateral maritime agreements, analyzing relevant international treaties such as SOLAS, MARPOL and UNCLOS and adapting clauses to protect national interests.

05Design and implement sustainable ocean policies that promote the blue economy while protecting marine biodiversity and managing resources responsibly.

06Assess and mitigate risks to global maritime security, including cybersecurity measures for ships and port infrastructure in line with international regulations.

Careers

Career opportunities after the Master's in Ocean Diplomacy and Naval Geopolitical History

01Ocean policy analystresearch and advice on ocean diplomacy and naval geopolitics.

02Diplomatic and international relations staffrepresentation and negotiation in international and bilateral bodies dealing with the sea.

03Maritime strategy consultantanalysis of maritime risks and opportunities for companies and governments.

04Liaison officer in international organizationscoordination and representation of national interests in maritime forums.

05Maritime defense and security advisorthreat analysis and strategies to protect national maritime interests.

06Specialized maritime journalist or researcheranalysis of events, trends and history in the maritime and naval sphere.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Master's in Ocean Diplomacy and Naval Geopolitical History

The use of diplomatic tools to address challenges and opportunities related to the oceans, including management of marine resources, maritime security, protection of the marine environment and peaceful settlement of maritime disputes.

Because historical power dynamics, territorial disputes and legal precedents explain much of today's maritime negotiations. The program uses historical and contemporary cases to understand how sea power and diplomacy interact.

It gives greater weight to the naval instrument: sea power theory, naval doctrines, command and control, naval intelligence, satellite surveillance, cyber defense and naval diplomacy, alongside the law of the sea and ocean governance.

No. The program is open to graduates in history, political science, law or international relations and to professionals from the diplomatic, naval or maritime sectors. The admission interview confirms that your profile fits.

Yes. Several modules include negotiation techniques, role-play and simulated diplomatic negotiations, culminating in the simulation of an international maritime negotiation.

Online, with multimedia resources available at any time and personalized follow-up so you can combine it with your professional work.

Through case analyses, simulations and assignments in each module and a Final Project that combines technological innovation, ocean diplomacy and naval security strategy.

A Navalis Institute master's certificate and a Final Project based on real cases and strategic foresight that you can use as a professional portfolio.

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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: a degree in history, political science, law, international relations or a related field, or professional experience in the diplomatic, naval or maritime sphere.
Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
Technical resources: a computer with camera and microphone, a stable internet connection and basic computer skills.
Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.

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