BSc (Hons) Global Security with Investigation*
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Location: High Wycombe / Distance Learning
- Duration: Three or Four Years
- Start Date: September 2025
Corporations, humanitarian organisations and local authorities are all regulated by third parties. Whether you are motivated by societal resilience, crisis recovery or profit-margins, have you considered the specialists who maintain the security of the operation? BSc (Hons) Global Security with Investigation focuses on the analytical processes, ethics and skills underpinning professional investigation.
Designed for those interested in protecting communities, uncovering wrongdoing, and supporting fair systems, this course opens doors to careers in law enforcement, regulatory bodies, and private security. If you’re fascinated by societal safety or commercial investigations and want to be the person who finds the answers, this pathway puts you on the right track.
*Please note this course is Subject to Validation.
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 challenges of an investigative team. 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 learn 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 Intelligence Analysis 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.
What will I study?
The course begins with a foundation in global security, intelligence concepts, cyber risks, and structured analysis. As you specialise, you’ll develop key investigative skills in areas such as terrorism and counter-terrorism, digital forensics, and criminal justice systems. You'll explore the ethical dimensions of investigation work and learn how to lead inquiries across both public and private sectors. You'll also enhance your ability to give confident presentations, assess evidence critically, and manage decision-making under pressure. In your final year, you’ll complete a research project on a topic that reflects your professional goals, helping you graduate with both subject expertise and investigative credibility.
How will I be taught and assessed?
At BNU, your learning will be interactive, applied, and rooted in real-world scenarios. Teaching happens mainly through 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.
The assessments are designed to reflect the work you'll do in a professional setting. Instead of exams, you'll be evaluated through investigative reports, briefings, and reflective assignments. You'll also have the opportunity to carry out your own independent research project — a chance to showcase your skills, curiosity, and professional readiness.
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.
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 Investigation (3-year programme):
- Home: £9,535 per year.
- International: £15,150 per year.
BSc (Hons) Global Security with Investigation 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 Investigation (Online)
- Home: £8,110 per year.
- International: £8,110 per year.
What are my career prospects?
As a graduate of Global Security with Investigation you will be equipped to step straight into roles such as Intelligence Officer, digital forensics, or regulatory compliance. You could join regional police forces, corporate fraud teams or private security consultancies Many graduates also choose to progress to postgraduate research at BNU.
Course leader
