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MASTER OF SCIENCE
IN
INTELLIGENCE, SECURITY & TERRORISM STUDIES

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

CONTENT

1. Programme Structure and Content.

2. Aims and Objectives.

3. Entry Requirements.

4. Teaching and Learning Methods.

5. Methods of Assessment.

6. Assessment Regulations.

7. Supervision and Cohorts.

1. Programme Structure and Content.

The Programme is designed to be completed within twelve months by a student devoting ten to twelve hours a week, working by distance learning. A student wishing to take a longer period to complete the Programme will be entitled to do so, provided that he/she completes the requirement for the Programme within thirty-six months.

Candidates will be assigned to a tutor and, where possible and desired, to a cohort of students.

The Programme currently consists of three nominal academic year blocks of 3 units, except in the final year consisting of a research project counting 60 credits towards the final requirement of 180 credits. The candidate must satisfy the examiners in all units of the Programme. The University reserves the right to vary the number and nature of the units examined. Currently, they are:

Block 1:
Intelligence Studies - Methods and Analysis
Principles and theory of Security Management
Terrorism Studies – Preparation and Response

Block 2:
Counterintelligence
International Security - Management and Threat Analysis
Forecasting terrorism

Block 3:
• Research Project

All units are 20 credits, except the Project, which is 60 credits

2. Aims and Objectives.

The aims of the course are to provide an opportunity for students to:

1.Advance their evaluative, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in intelligence, security and terrorism studies and to be able to effectively apply these skills in their profession.
2. Improve their practical and theoretical knowledge in these fields using a problem-solving and critical approach
3. Develop advance skills necessary to be able to evaluate practice and develop strong decision making abilities through correct assessment procedures and logical approach.
4. Develop the ability to initiate change and lead in the development of their profession through research and education.
5. Share ideas with other professionals, and to be able to convey information and communicate precisely.

Course objectives

At the end of the course, the student should be able to:

1. Practice his/her profession using advance analytical and problem-solving approach and show advanced skills in their fields.
2. Evaluate practice and critically appraise advances or changes in professional practice.
3. Develop higher standards of practice based on reflective thinking and problem-solving.
4. Initiate change and lead in the management of change and the advancement of the profession through research.
5. Develop a logical approach to the practice of profession and be able to communicate with other professionals from different fields to collaborate and collect relevant information, and to develop a network of quality practice.

3. Entry Requirements.

The usual minimum requirements for entry to the Programme are as follows:

A first degree in any discipline and experience in relevant field
or
a degree in International Relations,
or,
Membership of a professional body whose qualification may be deemed to be the equivalent of a degree,
or
Any other combination of experience and qualifications as may be deemed by the University to constitute eligibility.

Candidates will normally have attained the age of twenty-four years. All candidates will be expected to show a proficiency in the English language.

Each application will be considered on its own merits, however, and admission to the Programme and all interpretations as to the eligibility for such admission remain at the discretion of the University.

4. Teaching and Learning Methods.

The delivery of the teaching for Programme is by distance learning. The material is designed to give the student maximum flexibility as to the pace of learning. Programme materials will consist of Topic Lists, detailed directed reading from set texts and articles.

Topic Lists. These will be a summary of the topics or sub-sections that are to be covered in the relevant module.

Text books. The second major element of teaching for the Programme is the Text Book. Students will be directed to the relevant portions of each text, in the order that these should be tackled against each topic heading in the appropriate sequence.

Books are not provided as part of the provision for the programme, but can supplied at cost price (+P&P) from the University's normal suppliers upon request.

Background Reading. A list of general texts and articles, relating to each module will usually also be presented to the student for further reading, either during the Programme or for follow up work.

Major & Minor Assessments. The requirements of these elements of the Programme are dealt with in detail in Section 5.

5. Methods of Assessment.

In terms of the teaching philosophy of the Programme, the following outlines apply. The Minor Assignment will consist of problems on the programme work, and will be designed to allow the student to demonstrate a grasp of the basic principles of the main elements of that module, and the ability to apply them to the solution of problems. The Major Assignment, on the other hand, will require an in depth investigation of a set question/assignment, and be the candidate's opportunity to demonstrate the ability to put together several elements and arguments to reach a supportable conclusion.

6. Assessment Regulations.

i. In order to be eligible for the award of the appropriate qualification a candidate must make the submissions as required by the relevant Definitive Programme Document within the prescribed time limit - IN THIS CASE, THIRTY-SIX MONTHS - subject to any extension granted.

ii. A candidate for examination may, for reasons adjudged adequate by the University, be exempted from any part of the normal examination or assessment procedure.

iii. If an essay or report is otherwise adequate but requires minor amendment, such amendment may be made, within six weeks of notice to the student.

iv. The marking scheme of the University sets the pass mark for the Programme at C = 50%. The range of marks is as follows: A, B+ B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D.

7. Supervision and Cohorts.

The University is aware of the need to provide first rate supervision to students, given the fact that they are working in a distance learning mode. Each cohort of students, joining the Programme at a given entry point - will be allocated a tutor who is either an experienced academic or proven practitioner in the field of study, or both. He or she will be the students' guide through the Programme.

Given the fact that distance learning is potentially a difficult and isolating experience, it is proposed that each cohort of students should receive a list of its peers. These will be people who are undergoing the same stresses and strains. They will be facing the same problems and the same assignment difficulties at a similar time. Rather than feeling isolated, it is the University's hope that students will wish to join with others to share their experiences in a fellow feeling of a community. Unless an individual student wishes to maintain anonymity, each Cohort of students will be given a list of their peers, in the hope that the over all standard of their work, their performance on the Programme and, above all, their experience as a student is enhanced.

© Copyright Knightsbridge University 2005. No part of this Programme Outline, in part or in whole, may be reproduced, distributed or used for commercial purposes without the written consent of Knightsbridge University.