Intelligence & International Security MA

Program Overview

Through a multidisciplinary approach, students explore the history, theory, and practice of intelligence, developing critical analytical and research skills for careers in intelligence, security, and related fields. The program features guest lectures from practitioners and experts, offering unique insights into the practical challenges and opportunities in the field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The MA in Intelligence & International Security offers students an in-depth, unique perspective on intelligence and its role in statecraft. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of the nature of intelligence, the practice and process of intelligence agencies, and the interaction between these agencies and wider issues in war and international security. Building upon a foundation of historical research and practical experience, the course examines from a multidisciplinary perspective the issues and trends that continue to shape intelligence and international security in the 21st century.

Program Objectives:

• Provide students with a solid understanding of the nature, theory, and history of intelligence.
• Enable students to critically analyze the role and practice of intelligence in a global context.
• Develop students' research and analytical skills necessary for careers in intelligence and security.
• Foster a critical understanding of the ethical and political dimensions of intelligence operations.

Program Description:

This intensive one-year full-time or two-year part-time program provides students with a multidisciplinary approach to the study of intelligence. The core module, "Intelligence in Peace and War," offers a broad, authoritative perspective on the evolution and practice of intelligence. Optional modules allow students to study various aspects of intelligence and security operations, including:

• History of British Intelligence
• Influence: Covert Action, Active Measures, and Deception
• Diplomacy & Foreign Policy
• National Security Studies
• Technology, Security and Global Politics
• Armchair Intelligence- Open Sources & Online Investigation
• Homegrown Radicalisation
• Political Violence, Counterterrorism and Human Rights
The program is complemented by lectures and masterclasses given by Visiting Professors, practitioners, and leaders in the field, who share their unique experiences and perspectives on intelligence and its role in statecraft.

Outline:

Program Content:

The MA in Intelligence & International Security covers a wide range of topics related to intelligence, security, and international relations. Some of the key areas covered in the program include:

• The nature and evolution of intelligence
• Intelligence collection, analysis, and dissemination
• Intelligence agencies and their role in government
• The ethics of intelligence
• The use of intelligence in national security decision-making
• The impact of technology on intelligence
• The relationship between intelligence and international security
• Current challenges and trends in intelligence and security

Program Structure:

The program is structured around a core module, "Intelligence in Peace and War," and a selection of optional modules. Students must complete the core module and 90 credits worth of optional modules.

Course Schedule:

The course schedule varies depending on the modules selected. However, most modules are taught over two 10-week terms, with 2 hours of teaching per week (typically split into lectures and seminars). A 15-credit module is half this length.

Individual Modules:

Required Module:

• Intelligence in Peace & War (30 credits): This module provides a broad overview of the history, theory, and practice of intelligence.
It covers topics such as the evolution of intelligence agencies, the different types of intelligence, the intelligence cycle, and the ethical and legal aspects of intelligence operations.

Optional Modules:

Students can choose from a variety of optional modules to customize their program according to their interests. Some of the available modules include:

• Past and Present of British Intelligence (15 credits): This module examines the history and development of British intelligence agencies, from their origins to the present day.
• Influence: Covert Action, Active Measures, and Deception (15 credits): This module explores the use of covert action, active measures, and deception in intelligence operations.
• Diplomacy & Foreign Policy (30 Credits): This module examines the relationship between intelligence and diplomacy, and the role of intelligence in foreign policy decision-making.
• National Security Studies (30 credits): This module provides a comprehensive overview of the field of national security, including the threats to national security, the role of the state in protecting national security, and the challenges of balancing security with individual rights.
• Technology, Security and Global Politics (15 Credits): This module examines the impact of technology on intelligence and security, and the challenges and opportunities posed by the use of technology in intelligence operations.
• Armchair Intelligence- Open Sources & Online Investigation (15 credits): This module introduces students to the use of open-source intelligence (OSINT) and online investigation techniques.
• Homegrown Radicalisation (30 credits): This module examines the phenomenon of homegrown radicalization, including the factors that contribute to it and the different approaches to countering it.
• Political Violence, Counterterrorism and Human Rights (30 credits): This module explores the relationship between political violence, counterterrorism, and human rights.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

The primary methods of assessment for this course are:

• Assessed essays
• Individual and group presentations
• Exercises
• Exams
• Dissertation (for full-time and part-time students in their second year)

Assessment Criteria:

The assessment criteria vary depending on the specific assessment method.

• Accuracy and depth of knowledge
• Critical analysis
• Clarity and organization of thought
• Effective communication
• Originality and creativity

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Lectures are used to provide students with an overview of key concepts and theories.
• Seminars: Seminars provide students with an opportunity to discuss course material in more depth and to apply their learning to real-world case studies.
• Guest Lectures: The program features guest lectures from practitioners and experts in the field of intelligence and security.
• Workshops: Workshops provide students with hands-on experience in developing their research and analytical skills.
• Independent Study: Independent study is an essential part of the program, allowing students to explore their interests in more depth and to develop their research and writing skills.

Faculty:

The program is taught by a team of world-leading experts in the field of intelligence and security. The faculty includes:

• Dr. Beatrice de Graaf: Dr. de Graaf is a Reader in Intelligence and International Security at King's College London.
She is a leading expert on the history of intelligence and has published extensively on the subject.
• Dr. Mark Phythian: Dr. Phythian is a Senior Lecturer in Intelligence and International Security at King's College London.
He is an expert on the contemporary challenges and trends in intelligence and security.
• Dr. Emily Williams: Dr. Williams is a Lecturer in Intelligence and International Security at King's College London.
She is an expert on the ethics of intelligence and has published widely on the subject.

Unique Approaches:

One of the unique aspects of the program is its focus on the relationship between intelligence and statecraft. This approach helps students to understand the role of intelligence in shaping and influencing foreign policy decisions. Additionally, the program provides students with the opportunity to learn from practitioners and experts in the field of intelligence and security. This hands-on experience helps students to develop a deeper understanding of the practical challenges and opportunities faced by intelligence agencies.

Careers:

Career Paths:

Graduates of the MA in Intelligence & International Security go on to pursue a variety of careers, including:

• Intelligence analysts
• Security consultants
• Counterterrorism specialists
• Policy advisors
• Researchers
• Journalists
• Diplomats
• Lawyers

Opportunities:

The MA in Intelligence & International Security prepares students for careers in a variety of sectors, including government, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations. Graduates of the program are highly sought-after by employers due to their deep understanding of intelligence, security, and international relations, as well as their analytical and research skills.

Outcomes:

Recent graduates of the program have gone on to work for a variety of organizations, including:

• The Ministry of Defence (MoD)
• The United Nations

Other:

The MA in Intelligence & International Security is part of the Department of War Studies at King's College London. War Studies is a multidisciplinary department that offers a range of programs related to the study of war and conflict.

UK: Full time: £18,258 per year (2024/25) Part time: £9,129 per year (2024/25) International: Full time: £33,258 per year (2024/25) Part time: £16,629 per year (2024/25) These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions. Deposit Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment. The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000. If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer. If you receive an offer between 16 July and 15 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.