Intelligence and Security Studies

University of Salford

United Kingdom, Salford

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Home/United Kingdom/Salford /University of Salford/Intelligence and Security Studies

University of Salford

United Kingdom , Salford

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 17,520 / years

Next Intake September-2026

Intelligence and Security Studies

About

Introduction

In a nutshell

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

International

students accepted

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

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Requirements

What you need to know

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, weâd like to hear from you. Weâre 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.

Intrigued to know more about our MA Intelligence and Security Studies? You can sign up to an Open Day, or attend a campus tour. Meanwhile, if you have any questions email course enquiries or you can contact our programme leader, Dr Christopher J. Murphy, directly.

Standard entry requirements

A good honours degree in the social sciences or humanities is required, preferably in history, politics or international relations.

International students

International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.5, 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).

English Program Requirements

Equivalent qualifications

English language requirements are shown on individual course pages. Generally, this is shown as an IELTS grade, however we accept a range of equivalent qualifications.

As a general guide:

For undergraduate courses we require IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum 5.5 in each component) or equivalent

For postgraduate courses, we require IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum 5.5 in each component) or equivalent

For the International Foundation Year, we require IELTS 4.5 (with a minimum 4.0 in each component) in UKVI IELTS for UKVI (Academic)

The approved equivalent qualifications list includes the following:

Secure English Language Tests (SELTs)

University of Salford English language courses

Regional-based qualifications

Majority English Speaking Countries as deemed by UKVI

Medium of English Institutions

Applicants who require a Student Route visa to study in the UK may require evidence of a Secure English Language test rather than an examination or qualification due to visa requirements, as deemed by the UK Government Home Office, Visa and Immigration (UKVI).

Career

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

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.