Postgraduate Certificate in Covert Action, HUMINT and the Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation

Program Overview

Postgraduate Certificate in Covert Action, HUMINT and the Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation

Course Overview

This postgraduate course explores the state's use of covert action and human intelligence (HUMINT) in limiting or avoiding war, stifling hostile intentions, and progressing foreign policy aims. It critically analyzes the types of covert action deployed by states, from propaganda to political violence to paramilitary action, and offers a framework for evaluating the success or otherwise of covert action in an ethical context.

Entry Requirements

• A first or second-class honors degree from a recognized university
• A recognized professional qualification and/or relevant work experience
• Mature students are welcome to apply
• International students are welcome to apply, with English language requirements applying

Teaching & Assessment

The program comprises three modules of ten weeks each, covering Covert Action, Human Intelligence (HUMINT), and the psychology of intelligence elicitation. Assessment is constituted by written assignments, including essays on big-picture issues and short policy-paper exercises submitted online. Tutor support is provided throughout, and there are opportunities to attend workshops and symposia in person at the university.

Module 1: Covert Action

• Understanding and defining covert action
• Disinformation, propaganda, and fake news
• Political Action – regime change and election interference
• Covert paramilitary action
• Assassinations and targeted killings
• Covert Action case studies – UK, USA, and Russia, China
• Covert cyber activity

Module 2: Human Intelligence (HUMINT)

• HUMINT and the law
• Informants – identification, recruitment, and deployment
• Undercover policing
• Online HUMINT
• Cooperating or assisting offenders
• Community intelligence
• Operational ethics and HUMINT use

Module 3: The Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation

• Detecting lies and deceit
• Interview models
• Characteristics of good intelligence
• Ethics of interrogation
• Use of non-coercive elicitation techniques
• Motivations for source cooperation

Course Fees

• UK fees: £3,163
• International fees: £3,163
• The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI)

Research Areas

• Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS)
• Buckingham Centre for Astrobiology (BCAB)
• Institute for Biomedical and Biosciences Research
• Dyslexia Hub
• The Centre of Heterodox Social Science

About the University

• The University of Buckingham is a UKVI Student Sponsor
• The University is an approved learning provider for the MOD
• The program is an approved course – (ELCAS Provider I.D. 1460)

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Postgraduate Certificate in Covert Action, HUMINT and the Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation is a program designed to enhance career opportunities in the intelligence and security sectors. It is offered in both full-time (26 weeks) and part-time (9 months) formats, with online learning options available. The program welcomes both holders of first degrees and those with relevant professional experience.

Objectives:

• To critically analyze covert action and its associated practices.
• To examine the application of human intelligence (HUMINT) in national security and serious crime operating environments.
• To investigate the tradecraft associated with the elicitation of intelligence.
• To understand how and why people cooperate with the state in providing human intelligence.
• To maximize the volume and quality of intelligence, interviewee recall and accuracy.
• To avoid deception and deceit.

Program Description:

This program leverages the expertise of the Buckingham Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS), a world leader in educational provision in this subject area. It offers a diverse environment with students from over 80 countries, fostering discussions on international concerns from different cultural perspectives. It explores its relationship with national security, civil liberties, and international power relations.

• Human Intelligence (HUMINT): This module examines the application of HUMINT in national security and serious crime contexts.
It covers informant identification, recruitment, deployment, and ethical considerations.
• Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation: This module explores the science behind eliciting intelligence.
It investigates why people cooperate with the state, how to maximize the volume and quality of intelligence, and how to avoid deception.

Structure:

The program comprises three modules delivered over 10 weeks each. Students access multimedia resources through an online Virtual Learning Environment. Assessment includes written assignments, essays, and short policy-paper exercises submitted online.

Course Schedule:

• Full-time: January to September (January entry) or September to June (September entry)
• Human Intelligence (HUMINT): This module covers HUMINT and the law, informants, undercover policing, online HUMINT, cooperating or assisting offenders, community intelligence, and operational ethics.
• Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation: This module explores detecting lies and deceit, interview models, characteristics of good intelligence, ethics of interrogation, non-coercive elicitation techniques, and motivations for source cooperation.

Assessment:

Assessment methods include:

• Written assignments: These involve essays on broad themes and short policy-paper exercises demonstrating analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Online submissions: All assignments are submitted electronically through the online learning platform.
Assessment criteria focus on:
• Clarity and coherence of arguments: Assessments are evaluated based on the logical flow of ideas and the effective presentation of arguments.
• Depth of analysis: Critical and in-depth analysis of relevant issues is expected.
• Use of evidence: Students are required to support their arguments with relevant and credible sources.
• Academic writing skills: Assessments are evaluated based on the quality of writing, including grammar, structure, and referencing.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining online resources with optional in-person workshops at the university. Multimedia resources include lectures, readings, case studies, and interactive exercises.

Faculty:

The program is taught by experienced practitioners and leading international experts in the field of intelligence and security. They come from diverse backgrounds and have extensive experience working with NGOs, governments, and security sectors worldwide. Students have the opportunity to study at the world-leading Buckingham Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS). They can also transfer and convert their Postgraduate Certificate to the MA Covert Action, HUMINT and the Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation program with approval from the Programme Lead.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

The program prepares graduates for careers in various intelligence and security sectors, including:

• Government intelligence agencies
• Law enforcement agencies
• Private security firms
• Security consultancies
• NGOs
• Academia

Career Opportunities:

Graduates can pursue careers as:

• Intelligence analysts
• Covert operations specialists
• HUMINT officers
• Security consultants
• Researchers
• Policy analysts

Start Type 1st Year Total cost Sep 2024 Full-time (26 Weeks) UK TBC £3,163 INT TBC £3,163 Sep 2024 Part-time (9 Months) UK N/A £3,163 INT N/A £3,163 Jan 2025 Full-time (26 Weeks) UK TBC £3,163 INT TBC £3,163 Jan 2025 Part-time (9 Months) UK N/A £3,163 INT N/A £3,163 TBC = To be confirmed N/A = Not applicable Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear. The course fee for applicants from the MOD is £2,500.