Intelligence and Security MA

This is for you if... you are interested in the study of intelligence and security and want to gain the knowledge and skills to further enhance your professional or academic prospects.

Course Modules

PL7540 – Intelligence: Key Concepts and Debates

Since the end of the Cold War and particularly after the 9/11 attacks intelligence has become increasingly important to governments and other entities trying to deal with a growing number of traditional and non-traditional threats: terrorism; international crime; pandemics; natural disasters; climate change; food security; and competition for natural resources. But intelligence can only assist if it is properly understood and used effectively. Thus, the study of intelligence has now become an important component in the fields of security policy, international relations and politics. This module addresses some of the central questions about intelligence. What is intelligence? How is it managed, controlled and held accountable? Is the Intelligence Cycle valid? How can intelligence be used to reduce risk and uncertainty? What are its limitations? As a case study this module will use the Edward Snowden leaks to examine what they revealed about the conduct of intelligence and how they, in turn, affected it.

PL7541 – Intelligence Techniques and Tradecraft

This module is divided into two sections. In the first section students will look at the main methods by which intelligence is collected – open sources, human sources, and signals intelligence – to understand the capabilities and limitations of each. This section introduces the concept of ‘big data’ and examines the challenges and opportunities for intelligence when agencies are presented with the vast amounts of information now available through the use of technology. In the second section students will study the various methodologies of intelligence analysis, including structured analytical techniques and hypothesis generation, to develop a critical understanding of their relative strengths and weaknesses. This section also covers predictive analysis and forecasting, both of which are key elements of intelligence products. Students will also examine the crucial relationship between analysts and decision makers, and consider the question of ‘politicisation’ of intelligence.

PL7542 – Intelligence Failure

It is often said that victory is the result of good planning while defeat is the result of poor intelligence. Given that intelligence failure can be catastrophic, the single most important question regarding intelligence is how to prevent failure from occurring. In this module students will examine the concept of intelligence failure in detail, first by analysing the theories that seek to explain failure and then by studying specific cases from national security and police intelligence to consider the utility of these different theoretical approaches. Finally, the module will examine the lessons learned from these cases to see how failure can either be avoided or its risk mitigated.

PL7543 – Intelligence Ethics

Intelligence, by necessity, operates under a veil of secrecy and often seems to be a moral and ethical grey area. This module will examine questions of ethics in intelligence, drawing on Just War Theory and other philosophical perspectives to facilitate discussion of this dimension of intelligence practice. It will draw on cases from national security and police intelligence such as interrogation, electronic surveillance, and undercover policing. This module will also study the effectiveness and limitations of oversight of intelligence and the extent to which intelligence agencies can, or should, be held accountable.

Teaching and assessment methods

You will take all four compulsory modules in sequence, followed by your dissertation. Between each module there will be a short break of 1-3 weeks; reassessments (if required) are undertaken after each module.

Either a first or a good second class honours degree from a British university or its equivalent, in Politics, History, International Relations or other related subjects. You will need to meet the University's English Language Requirements.