BSc (Hons) Global Security with Intelligence Analysis*
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Location: High Wycombe / Distance Learning
- Duration: Three or Four Years
- Start Date: September 2025
Behind every major decision made by governments, military forces, and global corporations lies a detailed process of intelligence gathering, analysis and reporting. This pathway prepares you to operate within this fascinating field and contribute meaningfully to strategic thinking and decision-making on a global scale.
Whether you're intrigued by traditional state-led intelligence or excited by emerging open-source and public-facing data, this course is your launchpad. Ideal for those looking to support government agencies, the Armed Forces, or international organisations, you’ll build the skills to evaluate risks and influence resilience in political, humanitarian, and commercial contexts.
Our curriculum centres on active, workshop-based sessions: you’ll analyse real-world data, debate live case studies and run tabletop exercises that mirror the pressures of an intelligence-analysis cell. From day one, you’ll practise briefing decision-makers and using structured techniques to turn raw information into actionable insight.
We aim to equip you with a toolkit that employers are looking for from day one. You’ll n to analyse complex risk scenarios, present clear security briefs and make rapid decisions under pressure. With an internship embedded into in your second year, you’ll graduate with both the theoretical grounding and the professional network to hit the ground running. BNU graduates have proven their skills in real settings well before graduation day.
Step into our intelligence, security, and resilience centre, a dedicated space with live open-source intelligence (OSINT) feeds, commercial data subscriptions and secure simulation software. Here you’ll master the tools of the trade, tracking political risk, financial flows, or cyber-threats, in a space that mirrors real world offices.
Your first year brings you together with students from our Aviation and Investigation pathways, giving you a solid grounding in global security theory, structured analytical methods, and cyber-risk fundamentals. This means that at the end of your first year, you will get the opportunity to change your specialisation if you want to.
This course is available as either a full-time, in-person degree at our High Wycombe campus or as a fully online Distance Learning programme. In-person study gives you access to live workshops, guest speakers, and face-to-face networking with peers and professional. Distance Learning, on the other hand, is ideal for those needing more flexibility, offering access to expert-led content, virtual simulations and real-world case analysis from home. Whichever route you choose, you’ll learn the same high-quality content and gain the same qualification.
It set me up with an excellent foundation to Military intelligence. This underlying knowledge has allowed me to excel as I already understand the fundamentals and how to apply them correctly.Graduate, 2023, now serving in the British Army as an intelligence operator.
What will I study?
You’ll start off study the foundations of global security, information security, and analytical techniques. As you move into the second and third years, you’ll focus on specialist intelligence skills, such as strategic intelligence development, financial intelligence gathering, and advanced analytical methods used across public and private sectors. You'll examine how intelligence is used to manage national and international risks, and how political and commercial contexts shape intelligence operations. The course also places strong emphasis on communication and professional confidence, preparing you to brief stakeholders and present intelligence clearly and persuasively. Your studies will culminate in a major research project in your final year, allowing you to explore a topic that reflects your future ambitions.
How will I be taught and assessed?
Teaching is designed to be immersive and practical, giving you real insight into the world of intelligence analysis. You’ll work closely with your peers in hands-on workshops and small-group seminars, where you'll work on live case studies, role-play exercises, and group problem-solving. While some large lectures will help set the scene for core concepts, most of your development will take place in active learning environments. Our academic team brings the sector to life with their experience, and you'll hear from guest lecturers who can offer fresh insight on current issues.
You’ll be assessed through professional-style tasks — policy briefs, oral briefings, research reports, and presentations. There are no traditional written exams. As you gain experience, you’ll have more freedom to tailor your work to your own interests. Your final year includes a significant independent project, where you can demonstrate everything you’ve learned through an in-depth, self-led investigation.
RUSI Membership
As a student on this degree, you will benefit from the course membership of the (RUSI) including (a community of early career professionals who share an interest in global affairs, security and defence).
This means that whilst studying, you have access to RUSI's high quality online reports and commentary on contemporary and historical global affairs which will enhance the quality of your learning and provide expert perspectives for strategic analysis.
The course provided a range of opportunities to meet professionals and organisations within the intelligence and security sector. This was an important factor when considering my next steps after completing my degree.Graduate, 2023, now working in an undisclosed intelligence role.
What are the course entry requirements?
A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 88 - 112 (Full-time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)
UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subject. Please list all your qualifications on the application form as you will be asked to provide copies when we receive your application.
A minimum of two full A-levels (or equivalent) is required. Every application is considered on an individual basis
For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.
Those with no previous study, work experience, or who do not meet the specified entry requirements, including demonstrating the necessary knowledge and understanding, are welcome to apply for the 3-year BSc (Hons) degree, however may be offered the four-year programme which includes a Foundation Year.
Modules
This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.
What are the tuition fees
Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026
BSc (Hons) Global Security with Intelligence Analysis (3-year programme):
- Home: £9,535 per year.
- International: £15,150 per year.
BSc (Hons) Global Security with Intelligence Analysis with Foundation Year (4-year programme):
- Home: £5,760 for the Foundation Year, then £9,535 for Years 1, 2 and 3.
- International: £15,150 per year.
BSc (Hons) Global Security with Intelligence Analysis (Online)
- Home: £8,110 per year.
- International: £8,110 per year.
What are my career prospects?
As a graduate of Global Security with Intelligence Analysis you will be equipped to step straight into roles such as intelligence analyst, policy officer or military or government analyst roles. Recent graduates have gone on to work at GCHQ, commercial cyber-analytics firms, and advise on financial intelligence and corporate risk. Some graduates also choose to progress to postgraduate research at BNU.
Course leader
