Program Overview

University Extension Course in Journalism Specialized in Security and Defense

The University Extension Course in Journalism Specialized in Security and Defense is designed to provide students with an adequate level of knowledge to specialize in the area of Defense communication. The course aims to address the need for trained communicators and journalists in the area of Security, Defense, and Intelligence.

Objectives

The fundamental objective of the course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the informative reality of the area of Security, Defense, and Intelligence. The course also seeks to:

• Generate capacity for analysis and assessment of reliable and truthful information
• Train students to develop informative products in accordance with the degree of journalistic specialization
• Stimulate debate on the informative reality in matters of Security, Defense, and Intelligence

Competences

The course aims to equip 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
• The 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
• Informative, interpretive, and opinion genres
• Journalistic genres in radio and television
• Drafting
• 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 for admission.

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%)

Academic Management and Faculty

The academic direction of the course is led by Mｪ. Victoria Campos Zabala, with a faculty comprising experts from various institutions, including the University of Madrid and the National Security Department.

Duration and Development

The course is offered in-person, with a duration of 105 hours, starting on April 10th, 2026, and completing on June 26th, 2026. The course is worth 11 credits.

Reservation of Place and Enrollment

The pre-registration period is from December 16, 2025, to April 08, 2026, with an enrollment deadline of April 08, 2026. The title price is 600, with no possibility of scholarship.

Documentation to Attach, Forms, and Place of Delivery

Applicants must submit scanned documentation, including:

• 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