Study location	United Kingdom, Aberystwyth
Type	Bachelor courses, full-time
Nominal duration	3 years
Study language	English
Awards	BA
Course code	L250

Tuition fee	To be confirmed

Entry qualification	High school / secondary education (or higher) The entry qualification documents are accepted in any language

Language requirements	English Accepted proof of proficiency: Cambridge English, IELTS, TOEFL, sufficient results in secondary school final exams or other equivalent Additionally, state English examination results are accepted as proof of proficency.

Other requirements	At least 1 reference(s) must be provided. A motivation letter must be added to your application.

More information	Expenses, accommodation, working etc. courses.aber.ac.uk/..igence-studies-degree

Overview

International Politics and Intelligence Studies explores the secret world of ‘cloak and dagger’. Secret services don’t just spy. Some of them do ‘covert’ or ‘special‘ operations to help friends and fight enemies. Some states use their secret services to overthrow governments or assassinate enemies. History shows that some of these activities are done by democracies. So how do we reconcile special operations with democratic values and international law? How, indeed do we reconcile secrecy and accountability? How do we make judgements about the morality of intelligence? This degree scheme allows you to learn how spies and code-breakers discover what enemies (and sometimes friends) don’t want them to know. You will scrutinise how knowledge of threats is acquired and analysed and used. You will study how intelligence is central to fighting terrorism and combatting the spread of nuclear weapons. You will assess the value and the limitations of secret services and look at when and where it all goes wrong – from Pearl Harbour to 9/11 to the invasion of Iraq. By exploring intelligence you will deepen and broaden your understanding of international security, international politics, and international history.

Questions about intelligence – its collection, use, and influence – are central to intelligence activities and the war on terror. They are also central to intelligence when viewed from a longer historical perspective. The BA International Politics and Intelligence Studies degree is not only concerned with the history of intelligence and its contemporary uses, but also the efficacy and morality of ‘covert operations’.

Career opportunities

This degree scheme opens up a wide range of careers in the political and public affairs arena, such as Security Service officer, Government research officer, public affairs consultant, social researcher, and Civil Service fast streamer, but would also be useful for such roles as local government officer, journalist, public relations officer, market researcher or work in the diplomatic services. The research and analytical skills you will develop during your degree will also provide a sound basis for postgraduate study and for a career in academia.