Criminal Intelligence Analysis PgCert

Please note, applications for 2025/26 entry are now closed, but we're welcoming applications for September 2026/27 entry.

Criminal intelligence analysis is central to the disruption of organised criminal networks and the innovative tackling of complex crime problems. Such analysts are a crucial resource for any entity seeking to contribute to crime prevention and criminal justice, whether in law enforcement, charitable organisations, the financial sector, or beyond.

The Criminal Intelligence Analysis PgCert is a nine-month, part-time, distance learning programme for graduates and practitioners operating, or aspiring to operate, within the criminal intelligence space.

You'll develop a systematic and critical understanding of core theories, research, and concepts relevant to Criminal Intelligence Analysis, alongside key practical skills relating to analytical software, critical thinking, and communication. Scenario and problem-based coursework will provide an innovative framework within which to unite the theoretical with the practical, for a thorough exploration of what it means to be a successful criminal intelligence analyst. You will receive training on industry-relevant software relating to case management and link analysis, incorporating these skills into assessments reflecting the undertakings and challenges of real world practitioners from the office to the courtroom.

The programme is well suited to those with an undergraduate degree in a related field, and/or to those already working in a criminal intelligence role across public, private, and third sectors wishing to develop their skills and theoretical understanding in a unique learning environment. It has been designed to be flexible, working around any existing core commitments of students both temporally and geographically. To participate successfully, students will need to engage their skills of planning both for their independent and any group study. That is, whilst students will have the flexibility to digest pre-recorded lectures and engage in self-study at times that suits them, they will need to ensure that they are able to maintain regular, weekly progression of their studies.

The PGCert Criminal Intelligence Analysis is comprised of two compulsory core modules, Criminal Intelligence Analysis, and Contemporary Threats and Analytical Methodology.  Details of these modules can be viewed by expanding the ‘Year 1’ header below. 

This course can be studied 9 months part-time, starting in September.

For graduates seeking their first step into the criminal intelligence analysis profession, this programme will provide you with the theoretical and practical grounding necessary to work in a range of criminal justice or crime prevention settings. This could include the police, crime-focused governmental agencies such as the National Crime Agency, or any intelligence or investigations focused department across a range of industries such as sports, banking, and security. With many job criteria now requiring a candidate to either already have or be willing to work towards their Intelligence Professionalisation Programme (IPP) accreditation, only achievable through on-the-job assessment, this PGCert will act as excellent evidence of that willingness. The training in link analysis and case management software will also allow you to demonstrate ready experience of the technological environment common within industry.

For active practitioners, this programme may provide the knowledge and motivation to progress on promotion, and/or facilitate further Higher Education (HE) research and/or study. This is a great opportunity for practitioners who either do not already have an undergraduate degree (see the Admissions Criteria for further information) and are seeking their first HE qualification, or have been away from academia for a number of years and are keen to reinvigorate their academic skillset.

2:2 or above in Intelligence Studies, Crime and Policing Studies, Criminology and Law

Applicants with no formal qualification, but 5 or more years' work experience as a Criminal Intelligence Analyst or Investigator will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please make sure to include a copy of your CV in the application.

• 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) 

This course is offered as part-time only and includes the residential fees. Please see the additional-costs document for additional course related costs.

You will be taught and supported by a team with a wealth of experience in Intelligence Analysis, Crime Investigations, and Criminal Justice, across academia and industry. The vast majority of the programme will be delivered remotely, though you must be able to attend a residential week at the end of the Spring Semester i.e. towards the end of the programme. (Please note the Additional Costs in the Fees & Funding section of this page).

Lectures will be delivered through carefully structured pre-recorded videos, followed by problem-based learning to help you engage in practical exercises, case studies and simulations. Lectures will be followed up by online discussions of key topics, providing an ongoing means of encouraging critical thought and of meaningful interaction with your teaching team and fellow students. On average, these activities will require 2-3 hours of your time per week for each module.

A wealth of materials will be available to you online, including through the Brunel Library, to support independent study.

There will be regular opportunities for you to seek guidance from your module and programme leads, and students can seek support in individual meetings with their personal tutors, both on campus and online.

Authenticity is at the heart of the assessment strategy for this programme, providing you with a realistic but safe environment within which to practice your skills and test your knowledge. The programme utilises a variety of assessment types, including face-to-face simulated briefings and analytical reports comprising visualisations and reasoning. The written portions of assessments will allow you to demonstrate your cognitive, knowledge, and technical skills. Interpersonal and other skills will be assessed through both in-person and recorded presentations.

Individual & Study Group tasks will be used to regularly check for understanding of core components of the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO’s), and provide you with the building blocks necessary to achieve success in your coursework. These tasks include formats such as quizzes, software-based exercises, and courtroom exercises. They are designed to ensure fairness of opportunity for all students, whether graduates or active practitioners, to achieve the ILO’s by allowing regular, timely input from the teaching team on academic and operational matters.

The assessments are designed to ensure that you have more than one opportunity to achieve the programme’s Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO’s) across the modules, and encourage the refinement of thought and cognitive ability as the assessments progress, concluding with the opportunity to reflect fully on your development across the programme. The variety of assessment types also ensures optimal opportunity for student success in demonstrating achievement of the ILO’s, by balancing the potential strengths of students e.g. across written and in-person work.

Some formative and summative exercises require in-person preparation and delivery, and therefore will take place during the final week of study, which will be on campus.