Intelligence and Security Studies MA

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.

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.

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.  

• 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. 

• 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) 

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.