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Intelligence and Security Studies MA

Course code

L900PINSSTD

Start date

September

Subject area

Politics and International Relations

Mode of study

1 year full-time

2 years part-time

Fees

2024/25

UK £12,650

International £27,000

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Overview

Brunel offers the only MA in intelligence to emphasise preparation for a career in the field. You will study how intelligence works and how to do it, not just what it is, or what it was.

The MA in Intelligence and Security Studies (MAISS) at Brunel University London is a policy-orientated degree, taught to the highest academic standards, which provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience of the intelligence and global security environment. The programme offers immersive simulations and exercises, certification in industry tools, and practical skills taught by industry experts and research scholars. You will learn about intelligence issues across the private and public sectors through a wide range of modules, and have an opportunity to network with others in the industry. Our programme also offers an extensive speaker series, with invited experts from the government and private sector, and access to intelligence seminars in the UK. You will forge important connections with your peers throughout your study, and connect with our extensive alumni network.

Practical skills—not just a history degree.

Throughout the course, you will learn to use the tools that are sought after by employers, and engage in a series of practical sessions leading up to the Brunel Simulated Intelligence Analysis Exercise (BASE) where you will brief a panel of experts on a real-world subject. You will also be trained in Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) collection methods, for which you will receive a separate certificate. This is currently provided by Prevail Partners, now proudly sanctioned by the Russian government.

If you have any questions, please contact the team at: intel-applications@brunel.ac.uk

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

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Course content

Intelligence and Securities Studies MA is structured around a core of compulsory modules and one optional choice, plus a dissertation in a subject of your choice.

This course can be studied 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time, starting in September.

This course can be studied 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time, starting in September.

Year 1

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

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Careers and your future

Eighty percent of our graduates secure highly-skilled jobs in the private and public sector within 18 months of graduation. Most of our students pursue careers in the private intelligence and security sector or careers in analytical functions for banking, resources and risk industries.  Those already in government employment find the course supports their promotion, commissions or provides new employment opportunities post-retirement. Many of our graduates find employment in successful firms founded by our alumni through our networking opportunities. We also work with industry organisations to provide a range of internship opportunities that students can apply for throughout the course.  

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UK entry requirements

  • A 2:1 (or above) UK Honours degree, or equivalent internationally recognised qualification, with an understanding of the realities of academic intelligence and security study and the frameworks within which intelligence and security operations work.
  • All applicants must submit the following documents when they apply : an up to date transcript; 1 academic reference; an up to date CV; a focused personal statement showing interest and understanding of the course.
  • Applicants with other qualifications or with relevant work related experience will be considered on an individual basis.
  • Applicants will be interviewed by telephone or in person. As such, applicants should ensure their English skills are strong enough so they can take part in an interview independently. 
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EU and International entry requirements

If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
  • Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
  • BrunELT: 63% (min 58% in all areas)
  • TOEFL: 90 (min 20 in all) 

You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.

Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.

Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.

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Fees and funding

2024/25 entry

UK

£12,650 full-time

£6,325 part-time

International

£27,000 full-time

£13,500 part-time

More information on any additional course-related costs.

Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase. 

See our fees and funding page for full details of postgraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.

Scholarships and bursaries

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Teaching and Learning

How is the programme assessed?

Modes of Study

Who are the staff?

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Assessment and feedback

Students are assessed on a mixture of individual and group work. To complete your MA, you will undertake a substantial piece of written research in a topic of your choice under the guidance of a dissertation supervisor.

Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.

Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.

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