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.