MA Security and Intelligence Studies

Program Overview

The MA Security and Intelligence Studies program at the University of Buckingham provides a comprehensive understanding of security and intelligence in Western democracies, with a focus on the UK. It emphasizes critical thinking, analysis, and professional skills, preparing graduates for careers in intelligence agencies, government departments, and other security-related fields. The program features a unique blend of academic and practitioner expertise, interactive learning, and a focus on "professionalisation" in intelligence analysis skills.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The MA Security and Intelligence Studies program at the University of Buckingham aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary security and intelligence environment in Western democracies, with a focus on the UK. The program emphasizes the importance of knowledge regarding the operation of security and intelligence agencies, their environment, and the utilization of their products in effective governance.

Objectives:

The program seeks to equip students with:

• A deep understanding of security and intelligence issues within western democracies.
• Critical thinking and analysis skills related to intelligence.
• The ability to evaluate and assess diverse and potentially conflicting information sources.
• Professional and practical skills relevant to careers in security and intelligence.

Description:

The program focuses on current security and intelligence challenges within Western democracies, utilizing practitioner-led expertise to deliver a unique perspective. It emphasizes historical and academic analyses in relation to contemporary issues and policy questions, focusing on the UK and other Western states. An innovative aspect is the development of “professionalisation” in intelligence analysis skills, as recommended by the Butler Review on Intelligence on WMD. This includes elements of collaborative working, critical thinking, and analysis through the use of challenging problems.

Outline:

Program Content and Structure:

The program consists of seven modules delivered over three terms, with a dissertation constituting the fourth and final term. Assessment comprises written assignments, examinations, and the dissertation.

Course Schedule:

The program can be undertaken as a full-time course commencing in September or January, with a duration of one year.

Individual Modules:

• Case Studies in Intelligence Success and Failure:
This module examines historical and contemporary case studies of intelligence successes and failures, analyzing reasons for both outcomes and drawing key lessons.
• Current Threats: External and Internal:
This module investigates contemporary security threats faced by Western democracies, encompassing internal and external threats from terrorism, organized crime, and other actors.
• Dissertation:
This individual research project allows students to delve into a specific area of interest within the security and intelligence field, demonstrating analytical and research skills.
• Foreign Policy Analysis:
This module explores the relationship between foreign policy and intelligence, analyzing how intelligence informs foreign policy decisions and the impact of foreign policy on intelligence activities.
• Intelligence History, Tradecraft and Machinery:
This module studies the history of intelligence, encompassing the evolution of intelligence agencies, methodologies, and technologies throughout history.
• Simulation Exercise:
• Terrorism and Counter Terrorism:
This module examines the phenomenon of terrorism, exploring its causes, ideologies, and strategies, alongside counter-terrorism measures and challenges.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

Assessment utilizes a combination of written assignments, examinations, and the individual dissertation. The exact weightings for each element are not specified in the context, but it is assumed that the dissertation carries significant weight due to its research and analysis requirements.

Assessment Criteria:

Assessment criteria likely focus on the demonstration of knowledge, understanding, and critical thinking skills related to security and intelligence issues.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and tutorials. The small tutorial groups characteristic of Buckingham’s teaching style allow for personalized interaction and in-depth exploration of course material. Students are encouraged to engage with faculty outside scheduled classes, fostering a supportive learning environment.

Faculty:

The program benefits from expert faculty with backgrounds in both academia and practice, offering a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world experience.

Unique Approaches:

The program emphasizes interactive learning through simulation exercises and encourages collaborative working through problem-solving activities. This approach aims to develop “professionalisation” in intelligence analysis skills, including critical thinking and the ability to evaluate diverse sources of information.

Careers:

Career Paths:

Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in various fields related to security and intelligence, including:

• Intelligence agencies
• Government departments
• Security and risk management firms
• Think tanks and research organizations
• International organizations
• Private sector security consultancy

Opportunities and Outcomes:

The program equips graduates with valuable skills and knowledge sought after by employers in the security and intelligence field. Graduates have successfully secured positions in prestigious organizations and progressed to senior roles globally. The program welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including those with professional experience, international students, and mature students.

• Start Type 1st Year Total cost
• Sep 2024 Full-time (1 Year) UK £10,300 £10,300
• INT £16,480 £16,480
• Jan 2025 Full-time (1 Year) UK £10,300 £10,300
• INT £16,480 £16,480
• 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.
• Please note that The University of Buckingham has four terms per year.
The tuition fees quoted are for the degree (e.g. if you start a degree at Buckingham in January, you will pay the same termly fee for the duration of your degree – you will not be affected by the price increase in September). Students will pay the same termly fee for the duration of their studies, unless studies are interrupted and resumed later. The tuition fee quoted is therefore the total cost of the degree. Fees are normally paid in termly instalments.