MA Covert Action, HUMINT and the Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation by Research

Program Overview

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MA Covert Action, HUMINT and the Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation by Research

Course Overview

This programme aims to offer insight into hitherto closed and sensitive areas of security and intelligence practice within both western democracies and authoritarian regimes. Emphasis is placed on relating academic and historical analyses to contemporary problems and policy questions, especially in the UK, but also to western states in general, using a unique degree of practitioner-led expertise.

Entry Requirements

• A first or second-class honours degree from a recognised university or,
• A recognised professional qualification with relevant work experience

Mature Students

Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.

International Students

We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.

English Levels

If English is not your first language, please check our undergraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.

Selection Process

Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the Admissions Tutor has any queries about your application you may be contacted by Microsoft Teams, email or phone.

Student Contract for Prospective Students

When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer.

Teaching & Assessment

What Does the Programme Deliver?

The programme comprises of three terms of seminars of nine weeks each, covering: Covert Action, Human Intelligence (HUMINT), and the psychology of intelligence elicitation. These run respectively from January to September – September to June. The programme is delivered using an online Virtual Learning Environment, through which multimedia resources are accessed.

Term 1: Covert Action

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

Term 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

Term 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

After Your Course

Our Buckingham University Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies graduates have gone on to further study at PhD level and secured / maintained jobs in intelligence and security related positions in the UK and overseas. This includes intelligence and investigative roles in regional and national public authorities, as well as roles in communication investigations, investigatory interviewing, source management and conflict security.

Course Fees

• Sep 2025 Full-time (1 Year): UK - TBC, INT - TBC, Total cost - £7,995
• Sep 2025 Part-time (2 Years): UK - £3,998, INT - £3,998, Total cost - £7,995
• Jan 2026 Full-time (1 Year): UK - TBC, INT - TBC, Total cost - £7,995
• Jan 2026 Part-time (2 Years): UK - £3,998, INT - £3,998, Total cost - £7,995

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.

UK Students

• Postgraduate First-Class Scholarship: The scholarship will reduce tuition fees by 33% for new UK and international postgraduate students.
• Royal Charter 40th Anniversary Scholarship: Research scholarship that offers outstanding applicants some or all the fees paid for by the University.

International Students

• Postgraduate First-Class Scholarship: The scholarship will reduce tuition fees by 33% for new UK and international postgraduate students.
• Royal Charter 40th Anniversary Scholarship: Research scholarship that offers outstanding applicants some or all the fees paid for by the University.
• Sheikh / Mubarak Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah Scholarship (Postgraduate): A £20,000 scholarship for outstanding Arabic students pursuing a full-time Master’s degree in the UK.

Program Outline

• The MA Covert Action, HUMINT and the Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation by Research program at the University of Buckingham delves into the sensitive fields of security and intelligence within various political structures.
• The emphasis lies on connecting academic and historical analyses with contemporary challenges and policy issues relevant to Western democracies and authoritarian regimes.
• This program offers a distinctive focus on practitioner-led expertise, providing insights into these crucial areas.

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Program Objectives:

• Equip students with an in-depth understanding of covert action, human intelligence (HUMINT), and the psychology of intelligence elicitation.
• Enable students to conduct independent research under expert guidance, focusing on a self-selected topic.
• Enhance critical thinking and analytical skills through engaging with relevant seminars and research projects.
• Prepare students for professional careers in intelligence and security sectors or advance their existing professional development within these fields.

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Program Description:

• This Research Master's program offers a unique blend of engaging pre-recorded seminars and a dedicated focus on individual research projects.
• Students can choose their preferred research theme and receive individual guidance from dedicated supervisors.
• The program caters to a diverse audience, including those interested in intelligence and security issues, aspiring professionals in these fields, and individuals seeking professional advancement within existing intelligence and security roles.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• The program delves into three crucial areas: Covert Action, Human Intelligence (HUMINT), and the Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation.
• Each area is explored comprehensively through the lens of academic, historical, and contemporary perspectives.
• Students gain insights into the practical application of these areas within specific contexts, exploring case studies and real-world examples.

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Program Structure:

• The program is divided into three terms of nine weeks each, spanning January to September and September to June.
• The modules are delivered through an online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), providing access to multimedia resources and interactive learning materials.
• Term 2: Human Intelligence (HUMINT)
dives into the legalities of HUMINT, informant identification and deployment, undercover policing, online HUMINT, and ethical considerations.
• Term 3: The Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation
examines lie detection, interview models, characteristics of effective intelligence, interrogation ethics, non-coercive elicitation techniques, and motivations for source collaboration.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• The program utilizes a combination of coursework assignments and a final research dissertation.
• Coursework assignments may include essays, reports, presentations, and other projects designed to assess students' understanding of key concepts and their ability to apply these concepts to real-world scenarios.
• The research dissertation is a significant piece of independent work demonstrating the student's ability to conduct original research, analyze data, and present findings in a clear and concise manner.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Assessment criteria are specific to each coursework assignment and the research dissertation.
• Generally, assessments evaluate students' critical thinking, analytical skills, research abilities, communication skills, and knowledge of the subject matter.
• Rubrics and marking schemes provide students with clear expectations and guidelines for achieving high marks.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• The program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining pre-recorded seminars with independent research and personalized supervision.
• Seminars are delivered by subject matter experts with extensive experience in intelligence and security fields.
• Independent research allows students to explore their individual interests in-depth and develop their research skills.
• Personalized supervision provides tailored guidance and support throughout the research process.

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Faculty:

• The program boasts a team of experienced researchers and practitioners with backgrounds in intelligence and security agencies, academia, and other relevant fields.
• Faculty members bring unique perspectives and real-world expertise to the classroom, ensuring students receive a well-rounded and practical education.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program offers several unique approaches, including:
• Extensive use of case studies: Students engage with real-world examples and apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios.
• Access to practitioner insights: Students benefit from the expertise of former intelligence and security practitioners throughout the program.
• Opportunity to attend national intelligence conferences: Students gain invaluable insights into current issues and network with professionals in the field.
• Affiliation with the Buckingham Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS): Students access cutting-edge research and engage with a vibrant community of scholars and practitioners.

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Careers:

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Career Possibilities:

• Completion of this program can open doors to a variety of career paths within the intelligence and security industry, government agencies, law enforcement, international organizations, and the private sector.
• Potential career options include:
• Intelligence analyst
• Security researcher
• Counterterrorism specialist
• Cyber security professional
• Law enforcement officer
• Military intelligence officer
• Risk management specialist
• Human rights investigator
• Security consultant

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Career Opportunities:

• The program provides graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to secure positions in these fields, with many alumni successfully transitioning into rewarding careers in intelligence and security.
• The program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and encourages applications from those holding first degrees or relevant professional experience.
• Flexible study options are available, allowing students to pursue their studies part-time or full-time.
• The program is designed to be accessible to students worldwide, with online delivery and opportunities for remote engagement.
• Scholarships and financial aid options may be available to eligible students.
• The program provides graduates with membership in the University of Buckingham Alumni Association, offering access to various networking and professional development opportunities.

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Start Type 1st Year Total cost Part-time (2 Years) UK £3,998 £7,995 INT £3,998 £7,995 Sep 2024 Full-time (1 Year) UK TBC £7,995 INT TBC £7,995 Part-time (2 Years) UK £3,998 £7,995 INT £3,998 £7,995 Jan 2025 Full-time (1 Year) UK TBC £7,995 INT TBC £7,995 TBC = To be confirmed 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.