Intelligence and Security Studies MA 12 months Postgraduate Programme By Brunel University of London |TopUniversities
Programme Duration

12 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

28,350 GBPTuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

17 Jul, 2026Application Deadline

Main Subject Area

International Relations/Studies/AffairsMain Subject Area

Programme overview

Main Subject

International Relations/Studies/Affairs

Degree

MA

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

2nd in London for Politics - National Student Survey 2025

Unlock the World of Intelligence with Brunel's Unique MA Programme

Dive into the only MA in Intelligence that's designed not just to teach you about intelligence, but to prepare you for an impactful career in the field. At Brunel, our MA in Intelligence and Security Studies (MAISS) stands apart by offering a practical course grounded in both social science and historical methods.

Why Choose MAISS?

  • Flexible study modes: our course is offered in either “on-campus” and “distance learning” modes. The on-campus mode can be taken full or part-time. The distance learning mode is part-time, and includes one “residential week” each spring where the cohort will come to campus to complete their exercises and assessments together. These options allow you to study according to your requirements.
  • Interdisciplinary Learning: Our programme uniquely blends social science, policy, and history to provide a rounded perspective on intelligence.
  • Practical, Hands-On Training: Engage in immersive simulations, receive certification in industry tools, and participate in the Brunel Analytic Simulated Exercise (BASE) which provides real-world briefing experience before a panel of experts.
  • Expert-Led Teaching: Learn from a dynamic mix of seasoned practitioners and renowned academics, ensuring your education is grounded in both theory and real-world application.
  • Exclusive, Cohesive Curriculum: Experience a "garden-wall" designed programme where every module is crafted to build on each other. Offering a unique, cohesive learning journey, with specialist electives, focused on in-depth study.

What Sets Us Apart?

Our course is not just a history or politics degree. It's a policy-oriented programme that arms you with the practical skills sought by employers. Your learning and assessment are designed to provide you the tools and experiences you need to excel in the intelligence community, whether you’re on campus or distance learning.

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.

Connect and Network

Benefit from our extensive speaker series, bringing experts from government and the private sector right to your classroom. MAISS also boasts a vibrant community of peers and an expansive alumni network to build lasting professional connections.

Our alumni are employed in the public sector, and private firms such as Securitas, Merck, Formula One, Pinkertons, Raytheon, and Lockheed Martin. Our graduates have also founded and joined smaller start-up intelligence companies such as Grey Dynamics and b4 Secure.

Programme overview

Main Subject

International Relations/Studies/Affairs

Degree

MA

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

2nd in London for Politics - National Student Survey 2025

Unlock the World of Intelligence with Brunel's Unique MA Programme

Dive into the only MA in Intelligence that's designed not just to teach you about intelligence, but to prepare you for an impactful career in the field. At Brunel, our MA in Intelligence and Security Studies (MAISS) stands apart by offering a practical course grounded in both social science and historical methods.

Why Choose MAISS?

  • Flexible study modes: our course is offered in either “on-campus” and “distance learning” modes. The on-campus mode can be taken full or part-time. The distance learning mode is part-time, and includes one “residential week” each spring where the cohort will come to campus to complete their exercises and assessments together. These options allow you to study according to your requirements.
  • Interdisciplinary Learning: Our programme uniquely blends social science, policy, and history to provide a rounded perspective on intelligence.
  • Practical, Hands-On Training: Engage in immersive simulations, receive certification in industry tools, and participate in the Brunel Analytic Simulated Exercise (BASE) which provides real-world briefing experience before a panel of experts.
  • Expert-Led Teaching: Learn from a dynamic mix of seasoned practitioners and renowned academics, ensuring your education is grounded in both theory and real-world application.
  • Exclusive, Cohesive Curriculum: Experience a "garden-wall" designed programme where every module is crafted to build on each other. Offering a unique, cohesive learning journey, with specialist electives, focused on in-depth study.

What Sets Us Apart?

Our course is not just a history or politics degree. It's a policy-oriented programme that arms you with the practical skills sought by employers. Your learning and assessment are designed to provide you the tools and experiences you need to excel in the intelligence community, whether you’re on campus or distance learning.

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.

Connect and Network

Benefit from our extensive speaker series, bringing experts from government and the private sector right to your classroom. MAISS also boasts a vibrant community of peers and an expansive alumni network to build lasting professional connections.

Our alumni are employed in the public sector, and private firms such as Securitas, Merck, Formula One, Pinkertons, Raytheon, and Lockheed Martin. Our graduates have also founded and joined smaller start-up intelligence companies such as Grey Dynamics and b4 Secure.

Admission Requirements

6.5+
59+
90+

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.

17 Jul 2026
1 Year
Sep

  • Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
  • Candidates are required to submit an essay(s) for acceptance

Tuition fees

Domestic
13,280 GBP
International
28,350 GBP

Scholarships

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