PhD Intelligence and Security Studies

Research profile

The Brunel's Centre for Intelligence and Security Studies Team conduct research in most areas connected with intelligence organisation, management, and analysis. Members of BCISS from other departments contribute to research in fields such as law (which governs the intelligence enterprise in Britain and other democratic states), engineering (which builds the tools used for collection) and cryptography (which protects our secrets). Within the Politics and History team at BCISS, expertise

• Political sociology as it applies to institution-building and organisational design of intelligence agencies and communities
• Theories of ‘intelligence culture’ and the practice of intelligence around the world
• Military doctrine of intelligence, with a focus on UK practices
• Analytical methods: the tools and practices of intelligence analysts
• Intelligence history: how states have organised and practised intelligence in the period since the bureaucratisation of intelligence, and earlier

We especially welcome research students working in the broad fields of intelligence and security studies, wishing to undertake advanced research projects on intelligence policy. Research students are members of the research team, working on major policy and consultancy projects, and are centrally involved in all of the research activities in this area at home and abroad. Research students also participate in the Analytical Simulation Exercise in the University's second term. We provide students with full access to our resources and networks of contacts in support of their research and longer-term career plans, and actively encourages researchers to publish their work in academic and professional spheres.

Careers and your future

Tailored careers support is offered to all our current PhD students and for up to 3 years after you complete your research at Brunel. We help you to actively engage in career planning and managing your personal development right from the start of your research. Our careers provision includes online advice, one to one consultations and a range of events and workshops.

In addition, where available, you may be able to undertake some paid work as we recognise that teaching and learning support duties represent an important professional and career development opportunity.