Short course300 h · Online · 5 modules

Underwater Archaeological Heritage Course

This course introduces you to the study and protection of underwater archaeological heritage: wrecks, harbors and submerged settlements that preserve centuries of history. You will cover non-invasive survey and recording, the conservation of waterlogged materials, the 2001 UNESCO Convention and strategies for site management, museum display and public outreach.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules5
Program diagnosis

Prior knowledge check

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

About the program

What is the Underwater Archaeological Heritage Course?

This short course introduces you to the study and protection of underwater archaeological heritage: wrecks, harbors and submerged settlements that preserve centuries of history. You will learn non-invasive methods of survey and recording, the principles of conserving materials recovered from water, the framework of the 2001 UNESCO Convention, which gives priority to in situ preservation and rules out commercial exploitation, and the management, museum and outreach strategies that bring this heritage closer to society.

What sets this course apart: a heritage approach, to preserve and understand, never to exploit commercially; current techniques such as photogrammetry, 3D models and geophysical survey; a clear legal framework built on the 2001 UNESCO Convention and cooperation between States; concise, applicable content; and a practical case in which you draft a management plan for an underwater site.

Program typeShort course
ModeOnline
Duration300 hours
Modules5
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Heritage approach: preserve and understand, never exploit commercially.
  • Current techniques: photogrammetry, 3D models and geophysical survey.
  • Clear legal framework: the 2001 UNESCO Convention and cooperation between States.
  • Conservation: deterioration and treatment of wood, metal and ceramics.
  • Public access: underwater trails, museums and virtual reality.
  • Practical case: a management plan for an underwater site.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Underwater Archaeological Heritage Course

5 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Underwater archaeology

  • 1.1. History of the discipline
  • 1.2. Types of submerged sites
  • 1.3. Wrecks as time capsules
  • 1.4. Submerged landscapes and settlements
  • 1.5. Ethics of underwater archaeology
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Survey and recording

  • 2.1. Documentary research
  • 2.2. Geophysical survey
  • 2.3. Archaeological recording underwater
  • 2.4. Photogrammetry and 3D models
  • 2.5. Databases and archaeological inventories
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Conservation of materials

  • 3.1. Deterioration processes in water
  • 3.2. In situ preservation
  • 3.3. Wood, metal and ceramics
  • 3.4. Treatment after recovery
  • 3.5. Storage and archiving
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Legal framework and protection

  • 4.1. The 2001 UNESCO Convention
  • 4.2. In situ preservation and the ban on commercial exploitation
  • 4.3. Heritage and salvage law
  • 4.4. Chance finds during works and dredging
  • 4.5. Combating looting
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Management, museum display and outreach

  • 5.1. Site management plans
  • 5.2. Underwater parks and trails
  • 5.3. Museums and virtual reality
  • 5.4. Community involvement
  • 5.5. Practical case: management plan for an underwater site
At this stage
60 hestimated workload
5 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Underwater Archaeological Heritage Course

It is 300 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
6
months to finish
25 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 Underwater Archaeological Heritage Course

01Recognize submerged heritage.
02Apply survey methods.
03Record archaeological sites.
04Understand materials conservation.
05Apply the legal framework.
06Manage and communicate heritage.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Underwater Archaeological Heritage Course

01Underwater heritage techniciansupport for site management and protection.
023D documentation specialistphotogrammetry and digital models of wrecks.
03Cultural heritage officerheritage management in public bodies and museums.
04Cultural tourism managertrails and outreach on submerged heritage.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Underwater Archaeological Heritage Course

No. Any intervention requires permission from the competent authorities and the qualifications they demand; the course does not replace official training in archaeology or professional diving.

No. The course is taught online, combining theory and practical exercises, and does not include dives.

That in situ preservation should be the first option and that underwater cultural heritage must not be commercially exploited.

The course explains the procedures for reporting chance finds to the authorities.

You draw up a management and outreach plan for an underwater archaeological site.

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

The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each and ends with an applied practical case. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.

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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 students and graduates in archaeology, history, fine arts, marine sciences or related fields, scientific and technical divers, heritage officers in public bodies and museums, maritime professionals who encounter remains during works or dredging, and tourism managers and communicators.
  • 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
    Enrollment
    Choose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Start my applicationFrom $180 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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Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.

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