MA/PgDip Intelligence and Security Studies

Program Overview

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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

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MA/PgDip Intelligence and Security Studies at University of Salford: A Deep Analysis

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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.

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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.

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Outline

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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.

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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.

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Semester One (Full-time):

• Issues in Intelligence:

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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| 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 |