BA (Hons) in Security, Intelligence and Cyber

Program Overview

---

View full details in the curriculum handbook

View modules

---

---

---

---

Sep 2023 (Full-time)

Module	Type	Credits	Level
Cyber Challenges	Core	15.00	4
Development and Security	Core	15.00	4
Diplomacy in the Modern Age	Core	15.00	4
Foundations of Global Security	Core	15.00	4
Foundations of Intelligence Organisations and Structures	Core	15.00	4
Intelligence threats, triumphs, and blunders	Core	15.00	4
Introduction to Political Theory	Core	15.00	4
National Security in a Cyber Age	Core	15.00	4
Companion to Industry Experience	Core	15.00	5
Integrated Industry Experience	Core	30.00	5
Security, Intelligence and Policy-Making	Core	30.00	5
Terrorism and Counter Terrorism	Core	15.00	5
US Foreign Policy in the Post Cold War Era	Core	15.00	5
Conflict, Crisis and Strategic Decision-Making	Core	30.00	6
Dissertation (Cyber)	Core	30.00	6
DNA and Crime	Core	15.00	6
Global Security and International Law	Core	15.00	6
Media, Society, Security and Cyberspace	Core	30.00	6
Network Analysis for Criminal Investigators	Core	15.00	6
Research Design and Methods	Core	15.00	6

---

---

---

---

Jan 2024 (Full-time)

Module	Type	Credits	Level
Cyber Challenges	Core	15.00	4
Development and Security	Core	15.00	4
Diplomacy in the Modern Age	Core	15.00	4
Foundations of Global Security	Core	15.00	4
Foundations of Intelligence Organisations and Structures	Core	15.00	4
Intelligence threats, triumphs, and blunders	Core	15.00	4
National Security in a Cyber Age	Core	15.00	4
Companion to Industry Experience	Core	15.00	5
Integrated Industry Experience	Core	30.00	5
Security, Intelligence and Policy-Making	Core	30.00	5
Terrorism and Counter Terrorism	Core	15.00	5
US Foreign Policy in the Post Cold War Era	Core	15.00	5
Conflict, Crisis and Strategic Decision-Making	Core	30.00	6
Dissertation (Cyber)	Core	30.00	6
DNA and Crime	Core	15.00	6
Global Security and International Law	Core	15.00	6
International Relations: Theories and Concepts	Core	15.00	6
Media, Society, Security and Cyberspace	Core	30.00	6
Network Analysis for Criminal Investigators	Core	15.00	6
Research Design and Methods	Core	15.00	6

BA Security, Intelligence and Cyber looks at global politics and diplomacy in the 21

st

century which are increasingly underpinned by questions of security, both as a threat and as policy. Diplomats and decision-makers in government and business increasingly need to understand the complex dynamics of regional and global security, whether that be the complex dynamics of the Middle East; the resurgence of assertive powers in a multi-polar world; or domestic extremist movements, to name but a few. Processes of globalisation have taught us that two further developments are also critical. First, in order to survive and prosper in an uncertain world, all states need good intelligence on threats and adversaries. But how do intelligence capabilities properly interface with the business of government, especially in democratic states where security, privacy and accountability must be carefully balanced? Secondly, the twenty-first century is and will increasingly signify a world where the virtual and the physical become intertwined. The key managers and decision-makers of tomorrow will need to be very much at ease in the cyber realm, recognising both its opportunities and its threats. The intersection of technology, security and politics will become the essence of modern life.

This BA Security, Intelligence and Cyber programme builds upon the success of the Centre of Security and Intelligence Studies at Buckingham (BUCSIS)

which has established itself as one of the world leaders in educational provision in this subject area. Both the centre and the university at large offer a very diverse environment. With students coming to Buckingham from over 80 countries, it is an ideal situation to learn about matters of international concern and to discuss them with people from differing cultural backgrounds.

The programme is structured around a core set of modules, and two optional pathways, focusing respectively on politics and diplomacy; and foundational-level computing and cybersecurity.

Students wishing to pursue careers in security, intelligence, diplomacy, foreign affairs or business management will find this programme a unique and attractive foundation.

This is the 2-year or 2-year (+ 1 term) format of the BA Security, Intelligence and Cyber degree. You get the same number of teaching weeks as the 3-year degree but complete the syllabus in a shorter time by working an extra summer term. This is for those who want to complete more quickly, and so begin their career, or progress earlier to further training or a higher degree. For those wishing to progress on to a Master’s or research degree, excellent options are available in the Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS), with discounts for high-performing graduates.

Program Outline

Teaching & Assessment

---

Quality teaching

We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.

---

Teaching methods

Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars and tutorials. A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal. It is also the philosophy of Buckingham’s faculty to be available to students outside the scheduled tutorial times and to encourage good working relationships between staff and students.

---

Assessment methods

The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two. Please check module information for more details.

---

Preparation for work

All our degree courses combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. Many of our more vocationally-focused degrees offer the opportunity of work placements and experience in industry.