Program Overview

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University Extension Course in Journalism Specialized in Security and Defense

Presentation

The University Extension Course in Journalism Specialized in Security and Defense aims to train communicators and journalists in the area of Security, Defense, and Intelligence. The course addresses the need for specialized training in this field, providing students with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop informative products and communicate effectively in the area of Defense.

Objectives

The fundamental objective of the course is to provide students with an adequate level of knowledge to specialize in Defense communication. Specific objectives include:

• Seeking knowledge of the informative reality of the area of Security, Defense, and Intelligence
• Generating capacity for analysis and assessment of reliable and truthful information
• Training students to develop informative products in accordance with the degree of journalistic specialization
• Learning informative routines typical of the study area
• Stimulating debate on the informative reality in matters of Security, Defense, and Intelligence

Competences

The course aims to provide students with the following competences:

• Acquisition of knowledge and skills for understanding the communicative dynamics of the world of Security and Defense
• Acquisition of knowledge and skills for the optimal writing of specialized information products
• Analysis capacity
• Oral and written communication skills
• Ability to obtain reliable and truthful information

Programme

The course is divided into four modules:

Module I: Security, Defense, and Intelligence (30 hours)

• Evolution from Defense to National Security
• Keys to understanding current geopolitics
• Homeland Security
• Main threats
• Ongoing operations
• Evolution of conflict resolution strategy
• International geopolitical panorama
• Intelligence services

Module II: Communication in Intelligence, Security, and Defense (30 hours)

• Financial communication
• Crisis communication
• Report writing workshop
• Organized crime
• Spokesperson training
• Defense communication

Module III: Specialized Journalism (40 hours)

• Information sources
• Language
• Routines of specialized journalism in the area
• Writing techniques
• Title styles
• Informative, interpretive, and opinion genres
• Journalistic genres in radio and television
• Drafting genres
• Journalism and intelligence workshop

Module IV: New Technologies (20 hours)

• Social networks and online communication
• Fiction: cinema and series
• Recipients

Recipients

The course is aimed at professionals from the Armed Forces and State Security Corps sector, private security professionals, intelligence analysts, journalists, and students interested in acquiring skills and training in the specific area of communication in Defense, Security, and Intelligence. No degree is required.

Selection Criteria

In the event that the number of applications exceeds the number of places offered, a selection will be made based on the following criteria:

• Curriculum Vitae (40%)
• Belonging to State Security Corps and Forces (30%)
• Accredited experience in the area (30%)

Number of Places

The course has 30 places available, with a minimum of 10 students required.

Academic Management and Faculty

The academic direction of the course is led by Mｪ. Victoria Campos Zabala, with a faculty that includes experts from various fields, such as:

• Concepcion Anguita Olmedo (UCM)
• Victoria Campos Zabala (URJC)
• Jose Luis Rodriguez (URJC)
• Alfonso Cuadrado Alvarado (URJC)
• Jose Gabriel Fernandez (URJC)
• Ruben Arcos Martin (URJC)
• Jesus Diez Alcaide (National Security Department)
• Concepcion Anguita (UCM, IR teacher)
• Itziar Reinlein (Defense Ministry)
• Belen Cuesta (INDRA, Cybersecurity Dept.)
• Javier Bernabe Fraguas (UCM, IR Professor)
• JJ Vincent (REAL HOME)
• Cristina Arribas Mato

Duration and Development

The course will be held in-person, with a duration of 105 hours, from April 10th, 2026, to June 26th, 2026. The course has a total of 11 credits.

Reservation of Place and Enrollment

The pre-registration period is from December 16, 2025, to April 8, 2026. The enrollment deadline is also April 8, 2026. The title price is 600, and there is no possibility of a scholarship.

Documentation to Attach, Forms, and Place of Delivery

Applicants must submit the following documentation:

• National Identity Document or equivalent/Passport or Residence Card
• Curriculum Vitae
• Responsible declaration of veracity of the data provided in digital format
• Any other document required by the Academic Department of Continuing Education for acceptance

To access the University Extension Courses, no previous university degree is required.