MA Intelligence and Security Studies

Intelligence and security policy issues are one of the fastest growing areas of academic and public concern. 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 you 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, you’ll study a range of modules on campus over one year full-time or two years part-time, including participation in the Brunel Simulated Intelligence Analysis Exercise (BASE) on a real-world subject. The MA will allow you to demonstrate your ability to complete a substantial piece of intelligence and security research through a dissertation project. You will also be trained in Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) collection methods, for which you will receive a separate certificate.

You’ll 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. Our 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. Many of our graduates find employment in successful firms founded by our alumni. 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.

You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.