Specialty Courses

QGIS in Maritime Archaeology 2026

Get to grips with QGIS and start mapping the past—no prior GIS experience required. Learn how to visualise, analyse, and share archaeological data.

This online introductory course is designed for those new to GIS, with a focus on using QGIS, a free, open-source software widely used in archaeology. Through seven short video tutorials (total 1.5 hours), hands-on exercises, and assignments, you'll gain practical skills in setting up projects, sourcing and creating data, using tools, and sharing results—particularly for maritime contexts. Modules are: Introduction to GIS, Setting up a Project, Data Sources, Creating Data, Modifying Data, Interrogating Data, Other Tools, and Displaying and Sharing Data.

The course is self-paced but includes a mandatory one-hour live Q&A session (multiple dates and times in March 2026) with an expert tutor to complete the course and earn

Self-paced with live online help sessions 22 March 11am GMT, 23 March 1pm GMT, 26 March 8pm GMT
£40 course fee | 5 NAS credits.

COURSE CONTENT

• Introduction to GIS
• Setting up a project
• Data sources
• Creating data
• Modifying data
• Interrogating data
• Other tools
• Displaying and sharing data

Ideal for people with no experience of GIS or QGIS including archaeologists, students, divers and heritage professionals.
Run with in partnership with MSDS Marine and MSDS Heritage

Potentially Polluting Wrecks 2026

Dive safer - Learn to identify explosive and environmental hazards on wrecks and support safe, informed diving on military sites. 

This online course is a prerequisite for NAS/MoD diving projects and will equip you to assess, record, and understand the risks posed by military wrecks. You’ll learn how to support the UK Ministry of Defence’s efforts to investigate and mitigate pollution from sunken warships both in UK waters and overseas.

The course includes 4 hours of pre-recorded videos (available ahead of time) and two live online session

24 and 26 November 2026 | 7–9pm GMT. 
£40 course fee | 5 NAS credits

COURSE CONTENT

• Introduction to the MoD Wrecks Management Programme

• Ammunition on Wrecks 

• Pollution on Wrecks

• Case Studies of real-world wreck investigations

• How to read ship plans and locate ammunition

• Underwater ordnance recognition

• Historic and environmental desk-based assessments

• Wreck integrity surveys and how to contribute

• Interactive ID quizzes and opportunities to get involved in upcoming projects

Perfect for divers, archaeologists, and anyone working with or researching military wrecks.

Run in partnership with SALMO, MoD.

Photography and Photogrammetry for Maritime Archaeology

Learn how to capture the past in 3D—create accurate digital models of artefacts, features, and sites using photogrammetry.

This beginner-friendly eLearning course introduces the theory and techniques behind photogrammetry, with a focus on maritime archaeology. Explore photography fundamentals, equipment setup, survey planning, data processing, and how to avoid common errors. You’ll gain the knowledge to generate high-quality 3D models for research, monitoring, and presentation.

Note: A reasonably modern computer with an AMD or Nvidia graphics card is required for 3D modelling. MAC users will be limited to one recommended software option.

Self-paced learning | about 4-6 hours total
£55 course cost | 5 NAS credits

COURSE CONTENT

• Photography and Photogrammetry for Maritime Archaeology,
• Development and Uses of Photography in Archaeology
• Introduction to Photogrammetry
• Equipment
• Photography Basics and Techniques
• Survey Planning for Photogrammetry
• Processing your Data
• Avoiding Errors
• Optimising Outputs and Publishing Results
• Monitoring Archaeological Sites

Ideal for archaeologists, students, divers and heritage enthusiasts. Course development has been supported by a grant from Historic England.

There is a follow-on, in-person practical course taught at Fort Cumberland, Portsmouth, UK. Check the NAS events site for upcoming dates.

Discover how science helps unlock the stories of the sea—learn the principles behind conserving and analysing marine archaeological finds.

This online course offers a theoretical introduction to archaeological science and conservation, focusing on artefacts and ecofacts recovered from wreck sites. It’s perfect for anyone interested in how scientific methods are used to preserve and interpret maritime heritage.

Through 3 hours of pre-recorded videos and a live online discussion panel (1–4pm BST, Wednesday 22 October 2025), you’ll explore key conservation techniques and materials science fundamentals, along with real case studies.

Pre-recorded modules are:

• First Aid for Maritime Finds,

• Sampling and Plant Remains from Wreck Sites,

• Zooarchaeology of Wreck Sites,

• Introduction to Materials Science in Heritage Studies,

• Introduction to Archaeological Conservation and Marine Materials,

• Case Studies,

• Live Online Discussion Panel with expert conservators.

This course also complements the practical in-person course on Archaeological Science and Conservation of Marine Finds held at Fort Cumberland, Portsmouth (7 November 2025).

Course fee: £40 | 5 NAS credits
Suitable for divers, archaeologists, students, and anyone curious about what happens after artefacts are recovered from the sea.