MA/PgDip Intelligence and Security Studies
- Course type
- Postgraduate
- Course qualification
- MA/PgDip
Course summary
What is the fee?
For all course options, see fees and funding
Where will I study?
Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology
How long will I study?
One year, Three year
Overview
Intelligence and security-related issues have never been more prevalent. With terrorist attacks occurring more frequently throughout Europe, the US and the Middle East, governments are working harder than ever before to keep people safe. Sound interesting? Our master’s degree in intelligence and security studies will give you the skills you need to make a difference in this field.
With a range of modules focused on how Britain has historically responded to threats to its internal security, this MA Intelligence and Security Studies degree will place these issues in their historical and cultural context, as well as introducing you to the conceptual tools needed for serious intellectual enquiry.
This is the longest-running non-governmental postgraduate course in the UK, in the area of contemporary intelligence and security issues.
We have a partnership with Grey Dynamics, which is a private intelligence firm that offers apolitical analysis on topics such as security, geopolitics, defence and espionage. MAISS students will be eligible for participation in Grey Dynamics' internship programme.
MA Intelligence and Security Studies (Distance Learning) is an option that is currently available to only professionals serving in intelligence and/or security-related employment. Interested in finding out more about our MA/PgDip Intelligence and Security Studies course? Why not sign up to an Open Day, or attend a campus tour.
Meanwhile, if you have any questions you can contact our programme leader, Dr Christopher J. Murphy, directly.
International applicants: Please check the international intakes page for the latest information and application dates.
You will:
- Learn from a team of academics who are recognised, published experts in their fields
- Study current, real-world events of international significance and importance
- Gain the knowledge and transferrable skills desired by employers in the intelligence and security sector
This is for you if...
You want to establish a professional intelligence or security-related career in either the public or private sector
You want to build a strong foundation for PhD study
You want to further enhance your employment prospects through further qualifications
How you learn
Future careers
EMPLOYMENT
There’s never been a better, or more important, time to seek a career in intelligence or security services. From the armed forces to the police, the civil service to international organisations, an understanding and appreciation of the threats to security facing our country can help you put your role into context. Not to mention giving you the opportunity to add value to the important work you are doing.
If you’ve not yet entered the working world or you’re looking for a change of career, undertaking a professional qualification in this area will prove your interest and intentions, as well as giving you plenty of transferable skills to take to a new role. And as a master of intelligence and security studies, you’ll also be in the perfect position to pursue PhD study.
FURTHER STUDY
Graduates showing strong academic and research skills can pursue a further academic research path through our doctoral (PhD) programmes on a full-time or part-time basis subject to a satisfactory proposal.
Modules
From the initiation of the secret intelligence services to the ongoing war on global terror, with this master’s degree in intelligence and security studies, you’ll become immersed in the history of Britain’s relationships with its spies and the effect of increased security on the culture of the country.
As your degree progresses, you’ll explore the impact of intelligence upon warfare, counter-terrorism, as well as its role as an everyday tool of government. You’ll be taught the academic skills required to analyse and review real-world examples, considering their impact within the context of history.
Your assignments will give you the chance to use contextual analysis to inform your decision-making – a key skill that will provide instant value to employers. You’ll have the opportunity to finish the course with a postgraduate diploma after the second trimester, or to progress to the master's degree in security and intelligence by completing a dissertation in an area that particularly interests you in trimester three.
Gain a deeper understanding of what you’ll explore within each module below.
Full-time: Semester one
Issues in Intelligence – 30 credits
This module introduces you to the theory, practice and history of secret intelligence. Students will consider key issues and debates including how intelligence is defined, the strengths and weaknesses of the various modes of intelligence collection, and the importance of analysis, along with consideration of intelligence liaison and the ethical issues associated with intelligence. It provides a suitable foundation for further study and research in the area.
Intelligence and Conflict – 30 credits
This module seeks to examine the role and impact of Britain’s civilian intelligence agencies in a range of conflicts from the Edwardian ‘spy scare’ and the formation of the Secret Service Bureau in 1909, to the ongoing global ‘War on Terror’ and counterinsurgency operations in Afghanistan.
Full-time: Semester two
The Secret State – 30 credits
Since the late-nineteenth century, Britain has faced a number of threats to internal security. This module uses newly available primary documents to examine the British government’s response to terrorism, espionage and subversion from the formation of Scotland Yard’s Special ‘Irish’ Branch in 1883, set up to combat Fenian terrorism, to the present-day counter-terror activities of the British Security Service (MI5) and police. In addition, the module explores how the British state has altered to meet individual threats, with sessions devoted to the Official Secrets Act, vetting and anti-terror legislation, looking at their impact on British political life and culture.
Middle East and Terrorism – 30 credits
This module offers the chance to develop an understanding of the scope and nature of terrorism as it related to the Middle East. You will develop the ability to differentiate between varying forms of terrorism in relation to the political and societal context from which they originate and the differing domestic, regional and international responses they provoke.
Strategic Studies – 30 credits
This module considers the complex relationship between politics, strategy and security. You will examine traditional and enduring topics such as the dynamics of war, terrorism, nuclear deterrence and weapons proliferation, as well as non-violent security concerns such as environmental degradation and international trade and economics. The module provides the opportunity to explore key historical and contemporary issues in strategic and security studies, by applying the theoretical and conceptual tools of strategic and security studies to real-world examples.
Contemporary Security, Intelligence and Terrorism Studies – 30 credits
On this module will gain a systematic understanding and critical awareness of the current issues raised by security, intelligence, terrorism and counter-terrorism, and of scholarship in these fields of study. You will study concepts such as security, surveillance and terrorism threats posed to Western states since the end of the Cold War, and how states and corporate actors have responded to those threats.
Semester three
Dissertation – 60 credits
You will research and write a 14,000 word dissertation on a topic of your choice in the field of intelligence and security.
We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.
Our postgraduate taught courses are normally made up of 30 credit modules which are equal to 300 hours of learning time, or 15 credit modules which are equal to 150 hours of learning time. A Master’s degree typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, and a PGCert 60 credits.
Please note that exact modules and content offered may vary in order to keep content current and, for courses that offer optional modules, may depend on the number of students selecting particular options. When accepting your offer of a place to study on a programme with optional modules, you should be aware that optional modules may not all run each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you can undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Entry requirements
Do you want to establish a professional career in intelligence or security? Are you looking to build the foundations you need to apply for PhD study? Do you want to further enhance your employment prospects through further qualifications?
If so, we’d like to hear from you. We’re looking for people with a keen interest in intelligence and security studies, as well as a desire to take their abilities to the next level. You should be well-informed about current affairs, especially in relation to issues of security and terrorism.
Standard entry requirements
Standard entry requirements
A good honours degree 2:1 or above in the social sciences or humanities is required, preferably in history, politics or international relations. Consideration will be given to applicants with a 2:2 undergraduate degree with relevant experience and satisfactory references.
International students
International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0, with no element below 5.5, is proof of this.
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course.
Alternative entry requirements
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
Fees and funding
2025/26
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Part-time | Distance learning fee is calculated on a pro rata basis |
2026/27
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,360 per year |
| Part-time | Part time fee is calculated on a pro rata basis |
| Distance learning | Distance learning fee is calculated on a pro rata basis |
2026/27
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £17,520 per year |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for International Students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships.