Brunel University
Intelligence and Security Studies MA
Brunel University

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Course Description

Intelligence and security policy issues are one of the fastest growing areas of academic and public concern. More than ever before, 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 securities research through a dissertation project.

Highly committed and enthusiastic tutors combine broad-ranging expertise in areas such as cryptography, computer networking, imagery, intelligence analysis, economics and law, with the knowledge, skills and understanding to develop your academic and professional potential.

You will be taught by one of the UK’s most innovative scholars in intelligence and security studies: an expert on covert action and military intelligence doctrine, a specialist in structured analytic techniques and a former senior military imagery analyst.

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. 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 security sectors.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • All other courses
    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees Arts, Social Sciences, Education and Social Work
    • 7.0
    • Graduate Degrees Law
    • 6.0
    • Graduate Degrees Science, Technology and IT
    • 6.5
    • Undergraduate Degrees Arts, Social Sciences, Education and Social Work
    • 6.5
    • Undergraduate Degrees Law
    • 6.0
    • Undergraduate Degrees Science, Technology and IT

Every year Brunel University London offers over 600 scholarships, bursaries and discounts to home, EU and international students. To apply you will need to have received an offer on one of our courses and submitted the relevant application. Please visit our website to discover more. https://www.brunel.ac.uk/scholarships
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Intelligence and Security Studies, MA, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

A 2:2 (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.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of Brunel University in top UK and global rankings.

See all 32 university rankings of Brunel University

About Brunel University

Established in 1957, Brunel University is located in the large town of Uxbridge, in suburban London. Thanks to its location, Brunel University has numerous public transport connections to London, which students make use of for expanding their options when it comes to work experience placements. The admission rate is lower than in many universities, so applicants should prepare their personal statements and interviews well when applying to enrol here.

List of 270 Bachelor and Master Courses from Brunel University - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Brunel University

undergraduates:
11215
postgraduates:
4730
Total:
15945
  • Brunel campus life: Union of Brunel Students
  • Brunel campus life: Brunel International and London Brunel International College
  • Creative Writing BA | Brunel University London
  • Being an international student | Brunel University London
  • Education BA | Brunel University London
  • Education students discuss their careers and futures | Brunel University London

Where is this programme taught

Brunel University London
map marker Show on map

Similar courses

Program University Student satis­faction Unem­ployed Drop­out Tuition (UK) Tuition (Inter­national) UCAS Tariff City
Criminology MSc Staffordshire University - - - £9250 £16750 - Stoke-on-Trent On campus Full-time
International Security and Development MA Swansea University - - - £4400 £4600 £9650 £10150 - Swansea On campus Part-time
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Studies MSc Royal Holloway, University of London - - - £8600 £19500 - Egham On campus Full-time
Diplomacy MA University of Reading - - - £8100 £17100 - Reading On campus Full-time
Defence, Development and Diplomacy MSc Durham University - - - £15250 £26750 - Durham On campus Full-time
Reconciliation and Peacebuilding MA The University of Winchester - - - £9250 £10725 - Winchester On campus Full-time
Peace, Conflict and Diplomacy MA London Metropolitan University - - - £1170 £2020 - London On campus Part-time
Conflict Resolution MSc University of Essex - - - £10000 £21700 - Colchester On campus Part-time
International Security MSc Royal Holloway, University of London - - - £10100 £18200 - Egham On campus Full-time
Organised Crime, Terrorism and Security MSc University of Essex - - - £10000 £21700 - Colchester On campus Full-time