Master of Arts - Intelligence and Security Studies

Intelligence and security policy issues are one of the fastest growing areas of academic and public concern. More than ever before, national governments, international agencies and international corporations need employees with a strong grasp of intelligence and security concerns who can also demonstrate first-rate skills of research and assessment.

Intelligence and Security Studies at Brunel offers students a unique opportunity for practical, policy oriented graduate study of intelligence issues across the private and public sectors around the world.

As part of the course, students study a range of modules on campus over one year full-time, including participation in the Brunel Simulated Intelligence Analysis Exercise (BASE) on a real-world subject. The MA will allow students to demonstrate their ability to complete a substantial piece of intelligence and securities research through a dissertation project. Students will also be trained in Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) collection methods, for which they will receive a separate certificate.

Students will be taught by a dynamic team of multi-disciplinary and multi-lingual scholars, whose expertise covers matters from cutting-edge analytical techniques to scholarship on intelligence, the state, and society. Brunel's scholars are policy-relevant, and frequently worth with colleagues in government.

These scholars are part of the Brunel Centre for Intelligence and Security Studies (BCISS) that produce important original research that is published worldwide and contributes to the success of government and business in the UK.

Graduates secure jobs in the private and public sector with most pursuing careers in intelligence and security studies. Those already in government employment find the course supports their promotion, commissions or provides new employment opportunities post-retirement.

Private sector opportunities are especially strong in analytical functions for the banking, resources and risk and the burgeoning private intelligence and security sector.