MA Covert Action, HUMINT and the Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation by Research
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Course overview
About the Course
This programme aims to offer insight into hitherto closed and sensitive areas of security and intelligence practice within both western democracies and authoritarian regimes. Emphasis is placed on relating academic and historical analyses to contemporary problems and policy questions, especially in the UK, but also to western states in general, using a unique degree of practitioner-led expertise.
This programme in Covert Action, HUMINT and Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation enables students to choose (with guidance) their own topic of research and to pursue this under expert one-to-one supervision. The MA by Research combines engaging course pre-recorded seminars with a focus on one’s own research project. This programme is aimed at everyone who is interested in intelligence and security issues, whatever their career plans, but also at those who may be aspiring to work in the field of security and intelligence. It can also assist the career development of those already employed within that field.
An important element of this programme is the academic advisors and course staff, who are constantly available to provide their guidance and input. It would appeal to anyone who wants to improve their academic skills, advance their career, or simply explore key topics in this broad field.
Course Highlights
- Enhances opportunities to develop a professional career in the intelligence and security sectors
- An opportunity to undertake a research project in an area of the student’s choosing
- Outstanding flexibility – study offered part time and full time AND by way of distance 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 to study
- Learning supported by former practitioners and leading international experts who work with NGO’s Governments and security sectors worldwide
- Programme qualifies for ELCAS funding
- Access to BUCSIS sponsored national intelligence conferences
- Opportunity to study at the world-leading Buckingham Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS)
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 with relevant work experience
Mature students
Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.
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.
The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.
English levels
If English is not your first language, please check our undergraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.
Selection process
Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the Admissions Tutor has any queries about your application you may be contacted by Microsoft Teams, email or phone.
Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us on +44 (0)1280 820227 or get in touch via our online form. If you wish to speak to the Programme Lead, Dr Ian Stanier, please contact via ian.stanier@buckingham.ac.uk or via telephone +441280820179.
Student Contract for prospective students
When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the Student Contract
Teaching & Assessment
What does the programme deliver?
The programme comprises of three terms of seminars of nine weeks each, covering: Covert Action, Human Intelligence (HUMINT), and the psychology of intelligence elicitation. These run respectively from January to September – September to June. The programme is delivered using an online Virtual Learning Environment, through which multimedia resources are accessed.
The MA offers systematic instruction in the facts of covert action, HUMINT and the Psychology of Intelligence elicitation although the emphasis is on independent research.
At the heart of the Buckingham MA is the close working relationship between student and supervisor. While the final thesis must be an independent work, it is the supervisor who offers advice on refining the topic (if necessary), on primary sources, on secondary reading, on research techniques and on writing the final text (which should be not less than 25,000 words). Supervisors and students will meet frequently throughout the year, and not less than twice a term; and the supervisor shall always be the student’s primary contact for academic advice and support.
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.
Term 1: Covert Action
- Understanding and defining covert action
- Disinformation, propaganda and fake news
- Political Action – covert regime change and election interference
- Covert paramilitary action
- Assassinations and targeted killings
- Covert Action case studies – UK, USA and Russia, China
Term 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
Term 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
After Your Course
Our Buckingham University Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies graduates have gone on to further study at PhD level and secured / maintained jobs in intelligence and security related positions in the UK and overseas. This includes intelligence and investigative roles in regional and national public authorities, as well as roles in communication investigations, investigatory interviewing, source management and conflict security.
Fees & Scholarships
The fees for this course are:
| Start | Type | First Year | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Jan 2025 Full-time (1 Year) | UK | TBC | £7,995 |
| INT | TBC | £7,995 | |
Jan 2025 Part-time (2 Years) | UK | £3,998 | £7,995 |
| INT | £3,998 | £7,995 | |
Sep 2025 Full-time (1 Year) | UK | TBC | £7,995 |
| INT | TBC | £7,995 | |
Sep 2025 Part-time (2 Years) | UK | £3,998 | £7,995 |
| INT | £3,998 | £7,995 | |
Jan 2026 Full-time (1 Year) | UK | TBC | £7,995 |
| INT | TBC | £7,995 | |
Jan 2026 Part-time (2 Years) | UK | £3,998 | £7,995 |
| INT | £3,998 | £7,995 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
ELCAS
The University of Buckingham is an accredited ELCAS provider (Provider number 1460). This course is a recognised programme. The part-time MA programme is spread over 2 financial years.
Postgraduate loan scheme
A system of postgraduate loans for Masters’ degrees in the UK is supported by the UK Government. The loan will provide up to £11,222 for taught and research Masters’ courses in all subject areas. The loans can be used for tuition fees, living expenses or both.
Scholarships
Details of scholarships can be found on our Bursaries and Scholarships page. You should make an application to study at the University and receive an offer letter confirming our acceptance of your application before applying for a scholarship.
You may also find it useful to visit our External Funding page.