Course in Coastal Dynamics and Coastal Protection
300 h online course in coastal dynamics and coastal protection. 6 modules covering Law 22/1988 on Coasts, Law 2/2013 on protection and sustainable use of the coastline, and SMC (Coastal Modelling System). Personal tutor assigned and enrolment open.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain wave, tide and sediment transport processes.
Characterise the maritime climate using measured data and reanalysis.
Apply numerical models to the morphological evolution of the coast.
Select rigid, soft or nature-based defence measures.
Integrate coastal legislation and climate change adaptation.
Assess coastal erosion and flood risks.
Propose a protection measure for a real stretch of coastline.
Who it's for
- Coastal engineer wishing to specialise in Coastal Dynamics and Coastal Protection.
- Coastal management technician wishing to specialise in Coastal Dynamics and Coastal Protection.
- Hydrodynamic modeller wishing to specialise in Coastal Dynamics and Coastal Protection.
- Climate change adaptation consultant wishing to specialise in Coastal Dynamics and Coastal Protection.
- Coastal administration technician wishing to specialise in Coastal Dynamics and Coastal Protection.
- Researcher in applied oceanography wishing to specialise in Coastal Dynamics and Coastal Protection.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter coastal administration.
What you'll work with
- Law 22/1988 of Coasts
- Law 2/2013 on the protection and sustainable use of the coast
- Royal Decree 876/2014 (General Coastal Regulation)
- Directive 2007/60/CE of floods
- Integrated coastal zone management protocol of the Barcelona Convention
- ROM 1.0-09
- Strategy for adaptation to climate change of the Spanish coast
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Wave generation and propagation1.2Tides and sea levels1.3Longshore and rip currents1.4Longitudinal and cross-shore sediment transport1.5Beach profile and equilibrium profile1.6Morphology of deltas, estuaries and spits1.7Sediment budget of a physiographic unit1.8Effects of climate change on the coast1.9Mean sea-level rise1.10Case study: sediment budget of a coastal stretch
2.1Wave databases and reanalysis2.2Buoys and measurement networks2.3Mean and extreme regimes2.4Wave propagation to the coast2.5Storm analysis2.6Run-up and storm surge2.7Altimetry and remote sensing2.8Beach videometry2.9Topo-bathymetry with airborne LiDAR2.10Practical: extreme wave regime using buoy data
3.1Spectral propagation models3.2Currents induced by breaking3.3Shoreline evolution models3.4Two-dimensional morphodynamic models3.5Calibration and validation3.6Uncertainty in predictions3.7Coastal Modelling System (SMC)3.8Coastal flood modelling3.9Climate change scenarios3.10Laboratory: beach evolution with a one-line model
4.1Soft versus rigid protection4.2Beach regeneration and nourishment4.3Groynes and detached breakwaters4.4Revetments and rock armour4.5Artificial reefs and submerged breakwaters4.6Restoration of dune systems4.7Nature-based solutions4.8Sediment bypassing in ports4.9Planned managed retreat of uses4.10Workshop: preliminary design of a beach regeneration
5.1Coasts Act and the maritime-terrestrial public domain5.2Climate change adaptation plans5.3Integrated coastal zone management5.4Environmental assessment of interventions5.5Monitoring and follow-up5.6Coastal flood risk5.7Public participation in coastal interventions5.8Funding and maintenance costs5.9International coastal management experiences5.10Case study: defence strategy for an urban frontage
6.1Characterisation of the coastal stretch6.2Analysis of the maritime climate6.3Diagnosis of erosion6.4Intervention alternatives6.5Modelling of the chosen solution6.6Environmental assessment of the alternative6.7Budget and monitoring plan6.8Long-term adaptation plan6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is SMC (Coastal Modelling System), Delft3D, XBeach, MIKE 21, SWAN, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for analysing beach evolution with numerical models, flood risk studies for urban frontages, and monitoring of regenerations using topo-bathymetry. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain wave, tide and sediment transport processes.
Characterise the maritime climate using measured data and reanalysis.
Apply numerical models to the morphological evolution of the coast.
Select rigid, soft or nature-based defence measures.
Integrate coastal legislation and climate change adaptation.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, which is compatible with a full-time job.
You work with SMC (Coastal Modelling System), Delft3D, XBeach, MIKE 21 and SWAN. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Please check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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