Professional diploma800 h · Online · 8 modules

Professional Diploma in Underwater Archaeology

This professional diploma takes you into the world of submerged cultural heritage. You will learn the survey, excavation and conservation techniques used by underwater archaeologists, the international and national legal frameworks that protect these sites, and the photographic and planimetric documentation methods that turn a wreck or a sunken harbor into reliable scientific evidence, preparing you to take part in research and heritage management projects beneath the sea.

Duration800 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules8
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About the program

What is the Professional Diploma in Underwater Archaeology?

This professional diploma trains you to work on underwater archaeological sites from first search to public presentation. You will study what distinguishes underwater archaeology from terrestrial and maritime archaeology, the main types of site, from shipwrecks and historic harbors to anchorages and submerged landscapes, the legal protection of underwater cultural heritage including the 2001 UNESCO Convention, survey with sonar, magnetometers, marine drones and ROVs, underwater drawing, photography and photogrammetry, excavation with grids, hand tools and controlled suction, the conservation of waterlogged wood, metals, ceramics and organic materials, and the historical interpretation and museum display of what is recovered.

What sets this professional diploma apart: it is the in-depth, project-level program in the field, going well beyond an introductory heritage overview to cover the full workflow of an archaeological intervention; it gives equal weight to documentation, excavation and conservation, so that every find keeps its context; it treats in situ preservation as a real management option, not only recovery; it connects archaeology with law, governance and the fight against looting; and it ends with a final project in which you plan the survey, excavation, conservation and outreach strategy for a real type of submerged site.

Program typeProfessional diploma
ModeOnline
Duration800 hours
Modules8
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Foundations: underwater, maritime and submerged heritage, site types and the main threats to them.
  • Heritage law: the international framework, the 2001 UNESCO Convention, inventories and intervention permits.
  • Survey and site location: archival research, visual search, sonar, magnetometry, marine drones and ROVs.
  • Documentation: underwater drawing, scientific photography, photogrammetry, orthomosaics and GIS.
  • Excavation and conservation: grids, sediment removal, recovery of finds, desalination and stabilization.
  • Final project: a complete research and management plan for a wreck, historic harbor or submerged site.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Underwater Archaeology

8 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Foundations of underwater archaeology, submerged cultural heritage and maritime historical context

  • 1.1. The concept of underwater archaeology and the differences between terrestrial archaeology, maritime archaeology and submerged cultural heritage
  • 1.2. Historical development of underwater archaeology and the main international methodological schools
  • 1.3. Types of underwater site: shipwrecks, historic harbors, anchorages, coastal structures and submerged landscapes
  • 1.4. The relationship between navigation, trade, naval conflict and the formation of archaeological heritage under water
  • 1.5. The scientific, cultural, educational and heritage value of submerged archaeological remains
  • 1.6. The main threats to underwater heritage: looting, pollution, maritime works and environmental degradation
  • 1.7. An integrated approach to underwater archaeology as a scientific, historical and heritage discipline
  • 1.8. History of underwater archaeology
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Legislation, legal protection and management of underwater cultural heritage

  • 2.1. The international legal framework for the protection of underwater cultural heritage
  • 2.2. Fundamental conservation and protection principles set out by international bodies
  • 2.3. Institutional competences and responsibilities of heritage protection bodies
  • 2.4. Procedures for identifying, cataloguing and inventorying submerged cultural property
  • 2.5. Preventing looting, illicit trafficking and the unauthorised sale of archaeological material
  • 2.6. Administrative management of underwater archaeological projects and intervention permits
  • 2.7. Governance strategies and sustainable conservation of submerged archaeological heritage
  • 2.8. The 2001 UNESCO Convention
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Underwater survey, site location and reconnaissance techniques

  • 3.1. Archaeological survey methodologies for marine, coastal and river environments
  • 3.2. Preliminary desk research using historical archives, charts and maritime records
  • 3.3. Visual search techniques, systematic swims and the layout of inspection transects
  • 3.4. Using sonar, magnetometers and geophysical systems to locate archaeological anomalies
  • 3.5. Marine drones, ROVs and remote technologies in underwater reconnaissance
  • 3.6. Georeferencing finds and producing preliminary site maps
  • 3.7. Initial assessment of the scientific potential and state of preservation of located sites
  • 3.8. Sonar and magnetometry
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Archaeological documentation, underwater photography and digital photogrammetry

  • 4.1. Principles of archaeological documentation in underwater contexts
  • 4.2. Archaeological drawing, sketches, surveys and field records under water
  • 4.3. Underwater photography for scientific documentation and heritage conservation
  • 4.4. Fundamentals of underwater photogrammetry and the creation of three-dimensional models
  • 4.5. Producing orthomosaics, site plans and digital reconstructions of the site
  • 4.6. Managing databases, find records and geographic information systems
  • 4.7. Quality control of documentation and traceability of scientific information
  • 4.8. Archaeological drawing under water
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Underwater excavation, recovery of material and operational safety

  • 5.1. Methodological principles of archaeological excavation in submerged environments
  • 5.2. Designing grids and reference systems and organizing intervention areas
  • 5.3. Sediment removal with hand tools and controlled suction systems
  • 5.4. Recovery, labeling and first-aid preservation of excavated archaeological material
  • 5.5. Managing samples and stratigraphy and preserving the archaeological context
  • 5.6. Safety in underwater archaeological operations and coordination of work teams
  • 5.7. Site closure, protection and post-excavation documentation procedures
  • 5.8. Excavation techniques with airlifts and water dredges
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 6

Conservation, restoration and management of recovered archaeological material

  • 6.1. Physical, chemical and biological deterioration of submerged archaeological material
  • 6.2. First-aid conservation of recovered wood, metals, ceramics, glass and organic materials
  • 6.3. Desalination, stabilization and treatment of archaeological objects
  • 6.4. Running conservation laboratories and monitoring specialized treatments
  • 6.5. In situ preservation as a sustainable heritage protection strategy
  • 6.6. Coordination between archaeologists, conservators, museums and heritage bodies
  • 6.7. Designing long-term preservation programs for underwater archaeological collections
  • 6.8. Desalination of materials
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 7

Historical interpretation, museum display and public outreach of underwater heritage

  • 7.1. Historical analysis and interpretation of wrecks, cargoes and submerged structures
  • 7.2. Reconstructing historical contexts linked to navigation, trade and maritime activity
  • 7.3. Building scientific narratives based on underwater archaeological evidence
  • 7.4. Designing exhibitions, interpretation centers and specialized museum programs
  • 7.5. Underwater archaeological tourism, heritage trails and sustainable management models
  • 7.6. Education, public communication and awareness strategies for submerged cultural heritage
  • 7.7. Assessing the social, cultural and educational impact of underwater archaeological projects
  • 7.8. Underwater archaeological parks
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Module 8

Final Project

  • 8.1. Defining a case study: a wreck, historic harbor, anchorage or submerged site
  • 8.2. Historical, archaeological, environmental and legal assessment of the selected site
  • 8.3. Designing the survey, documentation and initial assessment plan for the site
  • 8.4. Developing the excavation, conservation and heritage management strategy
  • 8.5. Preparing the historical interpretation, museum display and public outreach program
  • 8.6. Writing the full technical report with methodology, results and management recommendations
  • 8.7. Presentation of the final project
  • 8.8. Presentation and defense of the final project, with scientific, heritage and operational review of the proposal
At this stage
100 hestimated workload
8 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Underwater Archaeology

It is 800 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
15
months to finish
67 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.

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 Professional Diploma in Underwater Archaeology

01Document and interpret submerged cultural heritage, using accurate recording methods such as photogrammetry, sonar and ROV imagery and analyzing the data to reconstruct the history and significance of each site.
02Apply archaeological research methods in underwater contexts, recording finds in situ with photogrammetry and 3D modeling to produce precise and detailed records.
03Manage underwater archaeology projects in line with regulations and ethical standards, with risk plans covering diving safety, site preservation and the handling of finds, and documentation of every phase.
04Use advanced technologies to survey and record submerged sites, interpreting side-scan sonar and ROV data to detect, map and model archaeological remains in three dimensions.
05Assess the condition of underwater archaeological materials, combining in situ recording with laboratory analysis to identify physical, chemical and biological alteration while keeping handling to a minimum.
06Conserve and communicate underwater archaeological heritage, designing educational programs, exhibitions and outreach strategies that build public appreciation and protection of submerged sites.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Underwater Archaeology

01Underwater archaeology techniciansurvey, documentation and analysis of submerged archaeological sites within research teams.
02Underwater heritage consultantheritage impact assessment for coastal and maritime works and advice on the management of wrecks and sites.
03Underwater archaeology project coordinatorplanning, coordination and supervision of research and conservation projects.
04Conservation assistant for waterlogged materialssupport for the treatment and preservation of finds recovered from water.
05Museum and interpretation center techniciandesign and installation of exhibitions on underwater archaeology and heritage outreach.
06Science educator and communicatorworkshops, talks and educational programs on underwater archaeology for different audiences.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Professional Diploma in Underwater Archaeology

Submerged or flooded sites such as shipwrecks, historic harbors, anchorages, coastal structures, sunken settlements and submerged prehistoric landscapes, all of which are covered in the program.

It covers the complete workflow of an archaeological intervention in depth, from desk research and geophysical survey to excavation, conservation, museum display and a full management plan, across eight modules and 800 hours.

No. The program is taught online and focuses on methods, technology, law and conservation. Diving experience helps you relate the content to fieldwork, but it is not an entry requirement.

Yes. A full module deals with the international legal framework, the 2001 UNESCO Convention, inventories, intervention permits, the prevention of looting and illicit trafficking, and heritage governance.

Side-scan sonar, magnetometers and other geophysical systems, marine drones and ROVs, underwater photography, photogrammetry, orthomosaics, 3D models, databases and GIS.

Yes. You study how wood, metals, ceramics, glass and organic materials deteriorate, how they are desalinated and stabilized, how conservation laboratories work and when in situ preservation is the better option.

You choose a wreck, historic harbor, anchorage or submerged site and prepare its historical, legal and environmental assessment, survey and excavation plan, conservation strategy and outreach program, then present and defend it.

Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with downloadable resources, forums, live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.

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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: aimed at archaeologists and archaeology students, professional and recreational divers interested in heritage documentation, historians and anthropologists, heritage and museum professionals, and staff of public bodies and NGOs that protect maritime heritage; a degree in archaeology, history, anthropology or a related field, or proven experience in terrestrial archaeology or diving, is recommended, and basic diving knowledge is useful but not essential for the online program.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer with a camera and microphone and a stable internet connection; photogrammetry and GIS exercises are done with software indicated during the program.
  • 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
    Enrollment
    Choose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Start my applicationFrom $488 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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