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Covert Action, HUMINT and the Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation at University of Buckingham - UCAS

University of Buckingham

Degree level: Postgraduate

Covert Action, HUMINT and the Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation (Taught)

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Open days

26Apr
The University of Buckingham - Open Day
Undergraduate
14May
Postgraduate Open Evening
Postgraduate

Course summary

Course Highlights

  • Enhances opportunities to develop a professional career in the intelligence and security sectors
  • Outstanding flexibility – study offered part time and full time AND by way of distance learning (i.e., online learning)
  • The programme welcomes both holders of first degrees or those who have the relevant professional experience
  • Pre-recorded lectures enable the student to decide the best time and day to study
  • Learning supported by former practitioners and leading international experts who work with NGO’s Governments and security sectors worldwide
If successful in the PGCert, the opportunity to migrate to Master’s programme
  • Programme qualifies for ELCAS funding
  • Tutorial design enables quality small group student-lecturer engagement.
  • Inclusive access to BUCSIS sponsored national intelligence conferences
  • Opportunity to study at the world-leading Buckingham Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS)
  • Opportunity to transfer and convert Postgraduate Certificate to the MA Covert Action, HUMINT and the Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation programme subject to approval from Programme Lead
To survive, states require effective intelligence collection and covert action capabilities, yet both attract significant controversy. This course will critically and systematically analyse aspects of these capabilities and the attendant practice that are designed to mitigate threats to the state. More specifically, it will explore the state’s use of covert action as a way of limiting or avoiding war, stifling the hostile intentions of enemies, and assisting in progressing the aims of foreign policy. It will explore the types of covert action historically deployed by states, from propaganda to political violence to paramilitary action. It will offer a framework for evaluating the success or otherwise of covert action in an ethical context. It will do this by anchoring the study to real-world case studies while discussing covert actions relationship with national security, civil liberties and wider international power-relations. Safety, survival and prosperity in an uncertain world, also demands actionable intelligence. Good intelligence can address threat ambiguity. It can assist policymakers in making hard choices in complex and dynamic circumstances. Intelligence can provide clarity over the nature of an adversary’s threat and inform the selection of the most appropriate operational or strategic response. Accordingly, this course will also explore the use of an established collection discipline, that of human intelligence (HUMINT). It will examine the application of HUMINT in both national security and serious crime operating environments. Aligned to this study of HUMINT is the tradecraft associated with the elicitation of intelligence. The course will undertake a scientific approach to understanding of how and why people are willing to cooperate with the state in terms of the provision of human intelligence. It will investigate the evidence base for techniques adopted to elicit intelligence that aim to maximise the volume and quality of intelligence, interviewee recall and accuracy and the avoidance of deception and deceit. This Postgraduate Certificate in Covert Action, HUMINT and Psychology of Intelligence elicitation 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.

Modules

Module 1: Covert Action Understanding and defining covert action Disinformation, propaganda and fake news Political Action – regime change and election interference Covert paramilitary action Assassinations and targeted killings Covert Action case studies – UK, USA and Russia, China Module 2: Human Intelligence (HUMINT) HUMINT and the law Informants – identification, recruitment and deployment Undercover policing Online HUMINT Cooperating or assisting offenders Community intelligence Operational ethics and HUMINT use Module 3: The Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation Detecting lies and deceit Interview models Characteristics of good intelligence Ethics of interrogation Use of non-coercive elicitation techniques Motivations for source cooperation

Assessment method

Assessment is constituted by a number of written assignments, including essays on big-picture issues; and short policy-paper exercises submitted online. Tutor support is provided throughout, and there are opportunities to attend workshops and symposia in person at the university for those who are able to do so. Each student will be assigned a personal tutor with whom online contact, advice and assistance with course work can be accessed throughout the programme. In addition to online contact, students can also take advantage of optional physical workshops at the university for those who are able to attend.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

International applicants

International Students We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country: https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/international The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry level required for this course is as follows: a first or second-class honours degree from a recognised university or, a recognised professional qualification and/or with relevant work experience

English language requirements

Postgraduate English Language Requirements

https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/postgraduate-language-requirements/

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

EU £3163 Whole course
International £3163 Whole course
England £3163 Whole course
Northern Ireland £3163 Whole course
Scotland £3163 Whole course
Wales £3163 Whole course
Channel Islands £3163 Whole course
Republic of Ireland £3163 Whole course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

The course fee for applicants from the MOD is £2,500.
Covert Action, HUMINT and the Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation at University of Buckingham - UCAS