We welcome research students working in the broad fields of intelligence and security studies. BCISS runs active research degree programmes for students wishing to undertake advanced research projects on intelligence policy. Research students at BCISS are members of the BCISS research team, working on major BCISS policy and consultancy projects, and are centrally involved in all of the Centre's activities at home and abroad.
Research students also participate in the Centre's annual Analytical Simulation Exercise in the University's second term. BCISS provides research students full access to its 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.
Find out more about Research Degrees at Brunel.
Funding for doctoral studies
A number of studentships and other research funding opportunities are available at Brunel. Please see full list here: Research degree funding.
Choosing your supervisor
Our researchers create knowledge and advance understanding, and equip versatile graduates with the confidence to apply what they have learnt for the benefit of society. Browse the list of the members of our Centre to select your potential supervisor here. You are welcome to approach your potential supervisor directly to discuss your research interests.
All research degrees are administered by the Postgraduate Programmes Office in Colleges. Once you have identified your area of research and a potential supervisor, please use the contact details provided here for enquiries.
Research environment
BCISS has cultivated a highly integrated research community, reaching not only across disciplines and departments but bringing academic staff and research students together in a shared environment of events and programmes. BCISS operates its own visiting speaker programme featuring senior practitioners as well as academic speakers attended by research students as well as staff.
New PhD students who are not graduates of the MA/ISS are usually required to audit the MA during their first year, providing not only a common knowledge base for students and academics at all levels but also fostering a close working relationship between PhD and MA students. The PhD cohort make up the BCISS Director’s ‘coordinator’ group’, taking a central role in organizing, delivering and even convening events such as the BCISS Visiting Speaker Programme and the Raytheon workshop series.
All members of BCISS have access to the three principle academic intelligence forums in the UK, the Oxford Intelligence Group (through Professor Davies, a member of the OIG’s steering group), the Cambridge Intelligence Seminar (through Dr. Gustafson) and the invitational London Study Group on Intelligence through both Dr. Davies and Dr. Gustafson who are established members of that forum.