Professional Diploma in Glaciers, Sea Ice and the Polar Ocean
This professional diploma prepares you to understand how the polar regions work and their role in the global climate. You will work with glacier and sea ice dynamics, observation methods and models, along with the consequences for sea level and shipping routes.
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.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The programme is designed precisely for that.
What is the Professional Diploma in Glaciers, Sea Ice and the Polar Ocean?
This professional diploma prepares you to understand how the polar regions work and the role they play in the global climate. The programme covers the dynamics of glaciers and ice sheets, the formation and retreat of sea ice, the oceanography of the Arctic and the Southern Ocean, polar ecosystems, satellite observation of the cryosphere, navigation in polar waters and the governance frameworks that regulate these areas.
What sets this diploma apart: a bipolar view, studying both the Arctic and Antarctica and the differences between them; up-to-date science, with content based on the IPCC assessments of the ocean and cryosphere; satellite data, working with open sea ice and glacier products; a human dimension, covering navigation, Arctic peoples and international governance; and a practical case analysing the observed changes in a specific polar region.
Programme highlights
- Understand the cryosphere: the dynamics of land ice and sea ice.
- Analyse the polar ocean: the oceanography of the Arctic and the Southern Ocean.
- Observe from space: work with satellite data of the cryosphere.
- Know the ecosystems: analyse ice-associated life and its vulnerability.
- Advance your career: towards research, consultancy, science communication and polar tourism.
- Train where climate change is advancing fastest: the programme focuses on the polar regions, where warming is most rapid.
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Glaciers, Sea Ice and the Polar Ocean
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
The Cryosphere and the Climate System
- 1.1. Components of the cryosphere
- 1.2. Albedo and ice feedback
- 1.3. Ice mass balance
- 1.4. The polar regions in the global climate
- 1.5. Arctic amplification
- 1.6. Climate records in ice cores
- 1.7. Terrestrial and subsea permafrost
- 1.8. IPCC assessments of the cryosphere
Glaciers and Ice Sheets
- 2.1. Glacier formation and flow
- 2.2. Tidewater glaciers and iceberg calving
- 2.3. Greenland Ice Sheet
- 2.4. Antarctic Ice Sheet
- 2.5. Floating ice shelves
- 2.6. Ice-ocean interaction
- 2.7. Contribution to sea level rise
- 2.8. Instabilities and thresholds
Sea Ice
- 3.1. Sea ice formation and growth
- 3.2. First-year and multi-year ice
- 3.3. Ice dynamics and drift
- 3.4. Polynyas and leads
- 3.5. Extent and thickness
- 3.6. Trends in the Arctic
- 3.7. Variability in the Antarctic
- 3.8. Sea ice projections
Polar Oceanography
- 4.1. Polar water masses
- 4.2. Deep water formation
- 4.3. Antarctic Circumpolar Current
- 4.4. Arctic Ocean circulation
- 4.5. Exchanges with the Atlantic and the Pacific
- 4.6. Freshwater and stratification
- 4.7. Polar ocean warming
- 4.8. Role in global circulation
Observing the Cryosphere
- 5.1. Passive microwave satellites
- 5.2. Radar and laser altimetry
- 5.3. Synthetic aperture radar
- 5.4. Gravimetry measurements
- 5.5. Stations and field campaigns
- 5.6. Ice buoys and floats
- 5.7. Open data products
- 5.8. Basic analysis of ice time series
Polar Ecosystems
- 6.1. Sea ice-associated life
- 6.2. Krill and Antarctic food webs
- 6.3. Arctic ecosystems
- 6.4. Polar marine mammals and seabirds
- 6.5. Phytoplankton blooms
- 6.6. Species vulnerable to ice melt
- 6.7. Species shifting towards the poles
- 6.8. Conservation of the polar regions
Human Activity and Governance
- 7.1. Navigation in polar waters
- 7.2. IMO Polar Code
- 7.3. New Arctic routes and their risks
- 7.4. Fishing in polar regions
- 7.5. Responsible polar tourism
- 7.6. Antarctic Treaty System
- 7.7. Arctic Council and cooperation
- 7.8. Indigenous peoples of the Arctic
Case Study: Analysis of Changes in a Polar Region
- 8.1. Selection of the region
- 8.2. Literature review
- 8.3. Obtaining satellite data
- 8.4. Analysis of ice trends
- 8.5. Relationship with ocean variables
- 8.6. Ecological and human impacts
- 8.7. Conclusions and scenarios
- 8.8. Presentation of the analysis
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Glaciers, Sea Ice and the Polar Ocean
It is 800 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the instalment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programmes.
Dra. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. 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
Dra. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Professional Diploma in Glaciers, Sea Ice and the Polar Ocean
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Glaciers, Sea Ice and the Polar Ocean
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Glaciers, Sea Ice and the Polar Ocean
No. Polar Code training for officers is regulated official training; this programme does not replace it.
No. The programme is online and is based on satellite data and scientific publications.
Yes. Both regions are covered and their processes and changes are compared.
It is not essential; the analyses can be carried out with simple tools.
An analysis of the changes observed in the ice and ocean of a polar region.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme has a workload of 100 hours. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule we give you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, which appears on this page and is confirmed by the admissions team when you request information.
More programmes in Climate and oceanography
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
- Entry profile: a degree in Marine Sciences, Geology, Physics, Geography, Environmental Sciences, Nautical Studies or a related qualification; professional experience in navigation, research or polar tourism is also accepted.
- Language skills: sufficient command of the language of instruction to follow the classes and materials. Basic technical English is recommended, as much of the sector's regulations and documentation is in English.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project presentations.
- Admission process: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team. Admission is provisional until the committee validates your documentation; if the requirements are not met, the full amount is refunded.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrolmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enrol
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.