BA (Hons) Security, Intelligence and Cyber with integrated Foundation (3-year degree)

Program Overview

BA (Hons) Security, Intelligence and Cyber with integrated Foundation

Course Overview

This three-year programme offers an introduction into the Security, Intelligence and Cyber landscape, ideal for candidates that need extra preparation before studying at undergraduate level. The foundation course is structured to bridge the gap between any current qualifications and experience you have, and the start of undergraduate study.

Entry Requirements

• Applicants must have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 4-9, including English and Maths, or their international equivalents.
• In addition, applicants must have one of the following qualifications or their international equivalents:
  • A Levels with minimum grades of DD
  • BTEC National Diploma with minimum grades of MPP
  • Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to at least 48 UCAS points
• International Applicants: We welcome equivalent qualifications from around the world. However, you must also demonstrate your English language proficiency by achieving an IELTS score of 6 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component, or another approved language test.

Teaching & Assessment

• Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars and tutorials.
• A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal.
• Assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two.

Course Fees

• The fees for this course are:
  • Start: Sep 2025
    • Type: Full-time (3 Years)
    • First Year: £9,250 (UK), £14,800 (INT)
    • Total cost: £37,000 (UK), £59,200 (INT)
  • Start: Jan 2026
    • Type: Full-time (3 Years)
    • First Year: £9,250 (UK), £14,800 (INT)
    • Total cost: £37,000 (UK), £59,200 (INT)

Scholarships and Bursaries

• We have bursaries and scholarships available for both home and international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and these are awarded based on location, merit or financial need.
• Students applying for this course may be eligible for the following:
  • Swains Scholarship: Up to £5,000/year for undergraduates in Buckinghamshire with financial need.

About the Course

• BA Security, Intelligence and Cyber looks at global politics and diplomacy in the 21st century which are increasingly underpinned by questions of security, both as a threat and as policy.
• Diplomats and decision-makers in government and business increasingly need to understand the complex dynamics of regional and global security, whether that be the complex dynamics of the Middle East; the resurgence of assertive powers in a multi-polar world; or domestic extremist movements, to name but a few.
• Processes of globalisation have taught us that two further developments are also critical. First, in order to survive and prosper in an uncertain world, all states need good intelligence on threats and adversaries. But how do intelligence capabilities properly interface with the business of government, especially in democratic states where security, privacy and accountability must be carefully balanced?
• Secondly, the twenty-first century is and will increasingly signify a world where the virtual and the physical become intertwined. The key managers and decision-makers of tomorrow will need to be very much at ease in the cyber realm, recognising both its opportunities and its threats. The intersection of technology, security and politics will become the essence of modern life.

Modules

• The programme is structured around a core set of modules, and two optional pathways, focusing respectively on politics and diplomacy; and foundational-level computing and cybersecurity.
• Modules include:
  • Academic Writing Skills
  • Advanced Academic Skills
  • Britain Since 1945: Changing Roles
  • Critical Thinking
  • Digital Skills
  • Foundations of International Human Rights Law
  • Global Perspectives
  • International Studies
  • Introduction to Political Communication
  • Key Academic Skills
  • Research Skills
  • The Economic Environment of Business
  • The English Legal System
  • Cyber Challenges
  • Development and Security
  • Diplomacy in the Modern Age
  • Foundations of Global Security
  • Foundations of Intelligence Organisations and Structures
  • Intelligence threats, triumphs, and blunders
  • Introduction to Political Theory
  • National Security in a Cyber Age
  • Companion to Industry Experience
  • Integrated Industry Experience
  • Security, Intelligence and Policy-Making
  • Terrorism and Counter Terrorism
  • US Foreign Policy in the Post Cold War Era
  • Conflict, Crisis and Strategic Decision-Making
  • Dissertation (Cyber)
  • DNA and Crime
  • Global Security and International Law
  • Media, Society, Security and Cyberspace
  • Network Analysis for Criminal Investigators
  • Research Design and Methods

After Your Course

• Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world.
• Among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country’s civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program:

• Focuses on the ever-evolving landscape of security, intelligence, and cyber, addressing crucial challenges in the 21st century.
• Combines in-depth analysis of global politics and diplomacy with the critical knowledge of cyber and intelligence operations.
• Offers graduates a unique foundation for pursuing careers in security, intelligence, diplomacy, foreign affairs, business management, and further academic pursuits.

The program is structured around:

• core set of modules
• Two optional pathways: one focusing on
• politics and diplomacy
, and the other on
• foundational-level computing and cybersecurity
.
• Students can choose which pathway aligns with their career aspirations.

Additional program features:

• Builds upon the expertise of the Centre of Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS), a renowned research center in this field.
• diverse learning environment

Overall, this BA program:

• comprehensive knowledge and critical skills
• Prepares graduates for successful careers in a variety of exciting and relevant fields.

Outline:

Year 1

The program's first year offers students an introduction to the Security, Intelligence and Cyber landscape, serving as a bridge for those requiring additional preparation before transitioning to undergraduate study.

This foundational year helps students develop critical academic and digital skills necessary for success in the program.

Years 2-3:

• In Year 2, students delve into core modules covering critical topics such as:
• Cyber Challenges
• Security in a Cyber Age
• Foundations of Global Security
• National Security
• Diplomacy in the Modern Age
• Intelligence Organizations and Structures
• They can choose an optional pathway:
• Politics and Diplomacy Pathway:
focuses on areas like international law, conflict resolution, and regional security studies.
• Computing and Cybersecurity Pathway: equips students with foundational skills in computer science, data analysis, and network security.
• Year 3 builds upon the knowledge acquired in earlier years, offering advanced modules on specialized topics within the chosen pathway.
Additionally, students complete a substantial dissertation project based on their own research interests.

Assessment:

• Varies depending on the specific module, encompassing various methods like:
• Examinations
• Assessed coursework
• Dissertation
• Presentations
• Group projects
The assessments are designed to comprehensively evaluate students' understanding of the course material, analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and research capabilities.

Teaching:

• Combines traditional
• lectures
with
• interactive seminars and tutorials
.
• Smaller tutorial groups offer personalized attention and encourage in-depth discussions.
• international faculty
• Opportunities to engage in research projects alongside faculty can further enhance academic experience.

Careers:

• Program graduates are well-equipped to pursue rewarding careers across diverse sectors, including:
• Government agencies and departments
• Security and intelligence services
• International organizations
• Diplomatic missions
• Cybersecurity companies
• Private sector firms involved in risk management and intelligence analysis
• Academia and research institutes

Other:

• 2-year and 2-year (+ 1 term) accelerated programs are available for students looking to complete the degree faster.
• Graduates who excel academically can avail of special discounts when pursuing postgraduate studies in related fields at the University.
• University also offers career development resources like resume workshops, interview preparation training, and career fairs to further assist students in their professional endeavors.
This program equips them with the necessary expertise and skills to tackle challenges in this crucial area and build rewarding careers in various professional domains.

• UK: £9,250 per year
• INT: £14,800 per year
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.