| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Intelligence and Security Studies
Overview
The MA Intelligence and Security Studies is a postgraduate degree that provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to make a difference in the field of intelligence and security. The program is designed to give students a deep understanding of the history of Britain's relationships with its spies and the effect of increased security on the culture of the country.
Course Details
- Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
- Duration: One year (full-time), Three years (part-time)
- Next Enrolment: September 2025
Introduction
The MA Intelligence and Security Studies degree will place intelligence and security-related issues in their historical and cultural context, as well as introducing students to the conceptual tools needed for serious intellectual enquiry. This is the longest-running non-governmental postgraduate course in the UK, in the area of contemporary intelligence and security issues.
Modules
- Issues in Intelligence: This module introduces students to the theory, practice, and history of secret intelligence.
- Intelligence and Conflict: This module seeks to examine the role and impact of Britain's civilian intelligence agencies in a range of conflicts.
- The Secret State: This module uses newly available primary documents to examine the British government's response to terrorism, espionage, and subversion.
- Middle East and Terrorism: This module offers the chance to develop an understanding of the scope and nature of terrorism as it relates to the Middle East.
- Security and Strategic Studies: This module considers the complex relationship between politics, strategy, and security.
- Contemporary Security, Intelligence and Terrorism Studies: This module provides a systematic understanding and critical awareness of the current issues raised by security, intelligence, terrorism, and counter-terrorism.
- Dissertation: Students will research and write a 14,000-word dissertation on a topic of their choice in the field of intelligence and security.
Teaching and Assessment
- Teaching: The program will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars, supported by worksheets, videos, and directed reading.
- Assessment: Module performance is usually assessed by two essays of 3,500 words (50% each). In addition, MA Intelligence and Security Studies students are required to submit a 14,000-word dissertation.
Employment and Further Study
- Employment: There's never been a better, or more important, time to seek a career in intelligence or security services.
- Further Study: Graduates showing strong academic and research skills can pursue a further academic research path through our doctoral (PhD) programs on a full-time or part-time basis subject to a satisfactory proposal.
Requirements
- Standard Entry Requirements: A good honours degree in the social sciences or humanities is required, preferably in history, politics, or international relations.
- International Students: International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.5, with no element below 5.5, is proof of this.
- Alternative Entry Requirements: Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) may be used for entry onto courses or to give exemptions from parts of the course.
Fees
- Type of Study | Year | Fees
- Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,100 per year
- Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,000 per year
- Part-time | 2025/26 | Part-time fees will be calculated on a pro rata basis
Additional Costs
- You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding, and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for International Students
- If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships.
Program Outline
MA/PgDip Intelligence and Security Studies at University of Salford: A Deep Analysis
Degree Overview
This postgraduate program aims to equip students with the knowledge and expertise to navigate the complexities of intelligence and security challenges in today's world.
Objectives:
- Develop critical analytical skills: Students delve deep into contemporary global issues, learning to critically analyze intelligence information in its historical and cultural context.
- Gain expertise in intelligence and security practices: The program delves extensively into the theory, history, and practices of British secret intelligence agencies, exploring their impact on warfare, terrorism, and the daily functioning of government.
- Hone transferable skills for diverse professional settings: The program cultivates research, analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills applicable across various sectors, preparing graduates for successful careers.
Outline
Structure:
This postgraduate degree is offered full-time, with completion possible in one year, or part-time, extending the duration over three years. It comprises three semesters of intensive studies.
Curriculum Content:
The program blends traditional lectures with engaging seminars, enriched by video analyses, directed readings, guest lecturers from the field, and opportunities to attend industry-relevant conferences.
Semester One (Full-time):
- Issues in Intelligence:
Semester Three (Full-Time):
The final semester delves into an independent research project culminating in a substantial 14,000-word dissertation on a student-selected area within the intelligence and security domain.
Assessment
The program utilizes diverse assessment approaches:
- Seminars and Group Activities: Engaging in critical discussion, case studies and presentations provides valuable learning opportunities.
- Essays: Two essays of 3,500 words (50% each) assess students' knowledge, understanding, and analytical prowess in each module area.
- Dissertation: The culminating 14,000-word dissertation allows for in-depth exploration of a particular intelligence and security topic chosen by the student, demonstrating research capabilities, writing expertise, and critical analysis of contemporary and historical issues relevant to the chosen theme.
Teaching
Teaching methodologies encompass both theoretical foundations and real-world application:
- Lectures and Seminars: Led by expert practitioners and academics, these sessions deliver essential theoretical underpinnings and facilitate active engagement through discussions, case studies, and presentations that bring real-world examples alive for students.
- Guest Lectures and Industry Events: Exposure to experienced intelligence professionals offers invaluable insights and perspectives. Conference participation enhances practical understanding of contemporary issues within the field
Careers
This postgraduate degree prepares graduates for fulfilling careers:
- Public or Private Intelligence and Security Sector: The program equips graduates with the expertise, skills, and theoretical understanding to excel in various intelligence-driven settings.
- PhD studies: For graduates aiming to pursue academic research pathways, this masters serves as an ideal springboard for further postgraduate study.
- Transferable skills: The honed analytical thinking, research, problem-solving, and critical analysis capabilities gained in this program can benefit a range of professional careers, enhancing prospects across sectors.
Other
- This masters degree is the longest-running non-governmental program offering specialization in the analysis of modern intelligence and security challenges.
- The program collaborates with Grey Dynamics, allowing eligible graduates the opportunity to participate in their prestigious and highly valuable professional internship program in intelligence analysis.
| Type of study | Year | Fees | |---|---|---| | Full-time home | 2024/25 | £8,820.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2024/25 | £16,380.00 per year | | Part-time | 2024/25 | Part time fees will be calculated on a pro rata basis | | Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,100.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,000.00 per year | | Part-time | 2025/26 | Part time fees will be calculated on a pro rata basis |
Entry Requirements:
Standard Entry Requirements:
- A good honours degree in the social sciences or humanities is required, preferably in history, politics, or international relations.
International Students:
- International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.5, with no element below 5.5, is proof of this.
- We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
- We also accept a range of other English language qualifications.
Alternative Entry Requirements:
- Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL): Students with relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully may be considered through APL. This includes Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
Language Proficiency Requirements:
For international applicants, an IELTS score of 6.5, with no element below 5.5, is required to demonstrate sufficient English proficiency.
Other accepted English language qualifications are also listed.
