BSc (Hons) Global Security with Investigation (Online)
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Location: Distance Learning
- Duration: Three Years
- Start Date: September 2026 and April 2027
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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.
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.
We will maximise the opportunity to learn from other students on your course. Whether you are joining us straight from school/college or have a few years real world experience under your belt, we will create a learning environment where you can learn from each other as well as from our expert academics.
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.
This is a hands-on, active learning experience for every student. We are proud of all our graduates and the exciting careers they have jumped straight into, regardless of their background or prior educational achievement. Each of their great career launches are a testament to the professional confidence and technical expertise they developed with us on this course.Fiona Galbraith Course Leader
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.
One of the standout aspects for me was the lecturers. They bring a wealth of professional knowledge and experience to the table, and they’re genuinely passionate about sharing that with students.Avi Purewal Intelligence Analyst at Global Situational Awareness
This is a course that not only builds knowledge but pushes you to develop a critical, inquisitive mindset that will serve you long after graduation.
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
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
Home
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Home, Academic Year 2024 - 2025: £8,110 per year *
International
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Overseas/International, Academic Year 2024 - 2025: £8,110 per year *
Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes.
Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.  
Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.  
Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.  
We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU.
The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.
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
