Master's in Psychology for Long-Haul Crews

This master's programme gives you the essential tools to understand and manage the challenges crews face on long voyages. It covers isolation, sleep and shift work, team dynamics and conflict on board, along with prevention, conversation skills and support resources.

100% online1,500 hours11 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

This master's programme gives you the tools to understand and manage the challenges faced by professionals who work in isolated, highly demanding environments. It aims to improve the mental and emotional well-being of crews, communication and teamwork, and the management of stress and fatigue.

The programme also prepares you to intervene in crisis situations, build resilience and create a positive working climate on board.

Programme highlights

Mental well-being at sea: strategies against isolation, fatigue and stress.
Effective communication: interpersonal and group techniques for cohesion and performance.
Crisis management and resilience: tools for deciding under pressure and developing individual and collective resilience.
Psychological intervention on board: protocols for psychological emergencies and emotional first aid.
Positive leadership: leadership centred on the well-being and motivation of the crew.
Preparation to promote the mental health and optimal performance of crews.

Study plan

01Integrated Stress Management and Psychological Resilience in Long-Duration Maritime Operations136 h

Neuropsychological bases of stress: physiological response, the HPA axis, neurotransmitters and endocrine regulation. Multifactorial assessment of stress: psychometrics, biomarkers and self-reports for isolated environments. Adaptive resilience models with a biopsychosocial approach applied to life at sea. Advanced intervention: mindfulness, adapted CBT and proactive coping to prevent professional burnout. Group dynamics: social support, communication and conflict management in multicultural, multilingual crews. The impact of isolation and family separation, with psychoeducational programmes. Motivation and commitment in prolonged operations: professional self-esteem and emotional exhaustion. Prevention and management of post-traumatic stress and adjustment disorders after critical incidents. Personal resources: sleep, nutrition, exercise and relaxation techniques. Psychosocial emergency protocols: immediate response, follow-up and reintegration.

02Group Dynamics and Emotional Leadership in High-Pressure Maritime Teams136 h

Fundamentals of group dynamics (interpersonal and systemic models) in maritime contexts. Emotional leadership: affective regulation, emotional intelligence and decisions under pressure. Leadership styles at sea: comparison and adaptation to multidisciplinary crews. Effective communication and assertive feedback for managing conflict and building cohesion. Multicultural teams: the effect of diversity on performance and resilience. Stress and burnout prevention: strategies and early intervention. Psychosocial support programmes and emotional coaching for collective well-being. Tools for assessing the working climate and relationships on board. Motivation and situational leadership in critical scenarios. Practical cases and simulations of crisis resolution and collaborative decision-making.

03Advanced Strategies for Stress Management and Resilience in Long-Stay Crews136 h

Neurobiological bases: brain mechanisms, the HPA axis and chronic stress. Psychometric assessment of stress with tools validated for the marine environment. Advanced resilience models: protective factors and effective coping. Psychophysiological disorders: anxiety, insomnia, chronic fatigue and burnout. Evidence-based interventions: mindfulness, CBT and biofeedback. Resilience training programmes: workshops and crisis simulations. Group dynamics and cohesion in confined spaces. Emotional leadership and management of the psychosocial climate. Protocols for preventing post-traumatic stress in maritime emergencies. Continuous monitoring and telepsychology adapted to prolonged voyages.

04Advanced Protocols for Mental Health Assessment, Intervention and Prevention (Operational Telepsychology, Fatigue and Sleep, Addictions, Crisis and Return to Duty)136 h

Theoretical and regulatory bases: international protocols and maritime standards. Advanced assessment: early detection with psychometric tools and structured interviews. Operational telepsychology: remote care, secure communications, confidentiality and ethical limits. Common conditions: differential diagnosis of chronic fatigue, sleep and circadian disorders, adjustment disorders and post-traumatic stress. Specialised psychotherapy (cognitive-behavioural and coping-based) for fatigue, insomnia and emotional disturbances. Addictions: protocols, brief intervention and referral to specialised services. Care in critical crises: immediate support, stabilisation and reduction of post-traumatic impact. Return-to-duty plans: multidisciplinary assessment and follow-up after severe stress or psychological disability. Coordination with medical teams, safety officers and the vessel's command. Continuous monitoring and evaluation: longitudinal indicators and regulatory compliance.

05Applied Neuropsychology and Emotional Regulation for Performance Optimisation136 h

Fundamentals of applied neuropsychology: brain function under prolonged stress. Neurobiological mechanisms of chronic stress and their effect on decision-making and attention. Advanced neuropsychological assessment to detect cognitive and emotional impairment. Emotional regulation through neurofeedback, mindfulness and biofeedback. Neural models for managing mental fatigue in isolated environments. Cognitive optimisation: working memory, sustained concentration and adaptation to the unexpected. Integrated interventions in team dynamics: anxiety, irritability and conflict. Protocols for continuous monitoring of emotional and cognitive well-being on board. Emerging technologies: virtual and augmented reality for emotional training. Neuropsychological prevention and recovery programmes after the voyage.

06Innovation in Psychological Intervention, Resilience and Well-Being in Long-Duration Teams136 h

Fundamentals of intervention in maritime contexts and their psychological features. Advanced assessment to detect emotional disorders and chronic stress. Contemporary resilience models: theory, variables and protective factors. Well-being programmes integrating CBT, mindfulness and biofeedback. Positive psychology and emotional competencies in isolated environments. Stress and burnout in prolonged operations: protocols and empirical evidence. Assertive communication and conflict resolution in multidisciplinary, multicultural teams. Group interventions, socio-emotional support and leadership in isolated crews. Technological innovation: digital platforms, virtual reality and telepsychology. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of mental health and emerging protocols.

07Advanced Strategies for Assessment, Intervention and Prevention in Integrated Mental Health136 h

Neuropsychological bases of chronic stress: neuroendocrine and neuroimmunological mechanisms. Psychometric assessment adapted to isolated environments: validity and reliability. Multidimensional protocols for the early detection of affective and anxiety disorders. Contextualised CBT for operational fatigue and burnout. Insomnia and circadian disruption: chronotherapy and melatonin under constant artificial light. Group resilience: social skills and communication for cohesion and conflict prevention. Digital technologies and telepsychology for continuous support. Psychoeducation for self-care and emotional regulation. Secondary prevention: emotional crises, psychological first aid and referral. The impact of environmental and operational factors: isolation, monotony and extreme climate.

08Psychology of Operational Behaviour and Advanced Management of Emotional Crises136 h

Neuropsychological bases of operational behaviour: executive function, sustained attention and emotional regulation. Models of chronic stress: physiology, adaptation mechanisms and occupational exhaustion. Crew-specific assessment: quantitative and qualitative tools and resilience scales. Real-time intervention: early detection, de-escalation and assertive communication. Group dynamics and emotional leadership: psychosocial factors and advanced mediation. Programmes for preventing mental disorders and psychophysiological fatigue. Crisis management: operating manuals, drills and multidisciplinary coordination. Psychocultural and temporal factors: cultural adaptation, circadian rhythms and social isolation. Monitoring technologies: apps, biofeedback and telepsychology. Analysis of clinical cases and lessons learned.

09Advanced Strategies in Psychological Intervention, Resilience and Mental Health in Long-Duration Crews136 h

Neuropsychological bases of chronic stress: neuroendocrine and cognitive mechanisms. Advanced psychometric assessment of burnout, anxiety, depression and mental fatigue. Design of cognitive-behavioural protocols adapted to the crew. Resilience: theoretical models and practical application. Positive psychology and mindfulness for well-being over prolonged periods. Group and individual interventions: cohesion, communication and conflict in confined spaces. Crisis management and psychological first aid at sea. Follow-up and evaluation of mental health after the voyage, with adjustment of strategies. Cultural and socio-psychological influences in multinational crews. Remote monitoring: telepsychology and digital resources as complementary support.

10Psychological Selection, Living Together on Board and the Return Ashore136 h

Psychological profiles for prolonged embarkations. Selection tests and fitness assessment. Adaptation to confinement and isolation. Multicultural coexistence on board. Prevention of harassment and violence. Communication with family and connectivity. Managing grief and bad news at sea. Alcohol and other substance use. Family and work reintegration after disembarkation. Peer support programmes.

11Final Master's Project: An Integrated Model of Psychological Intervention for Long-Duration Crews136 h

Conceptual framework and theoretical foundations of psychological intervention in maritime environments. Psychophysiological and psychosocial diagnosis: stress, anxiety, isolation and group dynamics. Design of the integrated model: psychological, social and operational components. Multidimensional assessment, continuous monitoring and longitudinal analysis. Psychoeducational interventions for resilience, emotional regulation and chronic stress. Implementation methodologies: standardised and adaptive protocols. Crisis management and psychological support in emergencies at sea. Interdisciplinary integration: psychologists, health officers and command. Technology and telepsychology for remote follow-up. Evaluation of the impact and effectiveness of the model.

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

Optimise the psychological well-being of crews.
Develop resilience to operational stress.
Implement adaptive coping strategies during the voyage.
Foster effective communication and group cohesion on board.
Facilitate emotional management and assertive decision-making in critical situations.
Detect and mitigate the psychosocial risks specific to the on-board environment.

Career outcomes

Crew support psychologist: psychological assessment, crisis intervention and improvement of mental well-being.
Stress and fatigue management consultant: programmes to mitigate their impact on long-haul voyages.
Communication and teamwork trainer: training in communication, conflict resolution and leadership.
Human factors researcher: analysis of incidents and accidents and strategies to improve safety and performance.
Personnel selection adviser: design of tests and interviews to identify suitable candidates.
Developer of burnout prevention programmes: strategies to prevent professional exhaustion.
Cultural adaptation specialist: facilitating communication and adaptation between crews from different cultures.
Healthy workplace consultant: design of working and rest spaces that support physical and mental well-being.

Entry requirements

Academic or professional profile: a degree in Psychology, Medicine (psychiatry speciality) or a related mental health qualification; or accredited professional experience as crew in long-duration operations, with complementary training in psychology.
Language skills: English at B2 level or above is recommended for technical documentation and international interaction.
Documentation: an up-to-date CV, a copy of your degree, academic transcript (if applicable), ID card or passport, and a motivation letter on your interest in crew psychology and adaptation to long-haul operations.
Other requirements: a demonstrated interest in the field and in stress management in highly demanding environments.
Skills: communication, empathy and the ability to work in a team.

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.