Intelligence and Security Studies (Distance Learning) MA Distance learning

The MA consists of both compulsory and optional modules, a typical selection can be found below. Modules can vary from year to year, but these offer a good idea of what we teach.

Year 1

Compulsory

Intelligence Concepts: Issues and Institutions

This module covers the core theoretical concepts in intelligence and principal intelligence production methods and processes in the first term. In the second term it examines how those processes are put into practice through the organisational structure of national intelligence agencies and communities.

Intelligence History: Failure and Success

This module takes students through the history of the practice of intelligence from “Plato to NATO”, or ancient times to the modern days, linking political, social and technological factors into a greater understanding of the profession. The second term is largely student-led, individual students presenting case studies, improving their own historical understanding while developing their skills at formal presentations in front of critical audiences.

Intelligence and Security Studies Project

Year 2

Compulsory

Contemporary Threats and Analytical Methodology

Students will survey the contemporary threats faced by the UK and other states. With the socio-political changes of “Globalisation” as a point of departure, it seeks to analyse modern organised crime, drug trafficking, terrorism, and insurgency as complex and integrated threats to our security. In the second term of this course students undertake the Brunel Analytical Simulation Exercise (BASE), the jewel in the MA ISS crown. It provides students with an opportunity to undertake a simulated intelligence analysis on a real-world subject. BASE is designed to emulate the interdepartmental assessment methods of the British Joint Intelligence Committee, and gives students a chance to apply hands-on analytical principles and methods they have learned abstractly in the other MA ISS taught courses.

Intelligence and Security Studies Project

Optional

Intelligence Analysis Foundations, Methods and Applications

This module examines the core concepts of the cognitive process involved in intelligence analysis and associated cognitive errors and biases, and promotes critical understanding to the effectiveness of different methods of intelligence analysis to domains and applications of intelligence. In the second term it draws lessons from other disciplines and examines the analytical implications of organisational aspects in intelligence. Throughout the module, students engage in case studies and use of open source intelligence OSINT and intelligence analysis techniques.

Counterintelligence and Security

The module aims at introducing counterintelligence as a process and a product and its relationship to national security decision-making while exposing students to the relevant scholarship on the subject. The module is a blend of academic scholarship and professional practice, examining both lessons learned and best practices. This is complemented by classroom discussions on a series of questions related to counterintelligence and cyber security and their use (or non-use) by national security decision-makers."

Read more about the structure of postgraduate degrees at Brunel and what you will learn on the course.

Dissertation (60 credits)
All students produce a supervised research dissertation/project of 15,000 - 20,000 words. Students may pick their own topics subject to approval. Students generally undertake topics which might assist them in their intended field of employment, or as suggested by their home agencies or governments.