Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
HUMINT – Human Intelligence
20 credits
20 credits
The Module explores the use of Human Intelligence (HUMINT) in law enforcement, military, and intelligence agencies, covering legislative and oversight aspects. The program addresses the balance between HUMINT's effectiveness and its impact on privacy, human rights, and security. It also examines HUMINT's role in addressing threats, community safety, and its methodological issues, including its value, privacy, and formal vs. informal models. The curriculum discusses historical and theoretical perspectives, policy formation, legislative oversight, cognitive interviewing, interrogation theory, and the principles of intelligence-led policing.
Intelligence Collection, Interviewing & Analysis
20 credits
20 credits
This module explores methods for securing vital information to address threats to public safety and communities, emphasizing ethical and legal intelligence elicitation. The program delves into governance, legislation, and cognitive theories related to these techniques, considering privacy vs. security and operational effectiveness through real-world examples. Students will develop a critical understanding of intelligence elicitation methods, ethics, and limitations.
Operational Ethics, Oversight & Sharing
20 credits
20 credits
This module offers a comprehensive view of operational ethics in covert investigation and specialist intelligence, emphasizing ethical considerations in planning and deploying covert intelligence collection. The module enables students to develop advanced knowledge of methodological and theoretical issues, assessing provisions in the context of operational ethics in military, crime, and national security contexts. The curriculum covers diverse ethical theories in applied settings, such as bulk surveillance, overseas custody, intelligence sharing, targeted killings, enhanced interrogation, and more.
Dissertation – Covert Investigation and Specialist Intelligence
60 credits
60 credits
This module primarily focuses on guiding students in designing, preparing, and progressing through their dissertation. It aims to enhance their ability to analyse and interpret issues within their chosen field, emphasizing scholarly research and critical thinking.
Covert Techniques: Legislation and Operational Capability
20 credits
20 credits
This module provides an overview of covert techniques used by Intelligence Services and Law Enforcement, excluding HUMINT. It covers governing legislation and procedures, privacy vs. security considerations, and the development of human rights-compliant legislation. Students assess various covert methods, policies, and authorization processes, enhancing their understanding of covert collection within crime and counter-terrorism contexts.
Research Methods
20 credits
20 credits
This module will enable you to demonstrate the skills and knowledge you have been developing over the time studying on the programme. It will provide you with the ability to identify a relevant and interesting topic of research, develop and test research questions, and draw conclusions relevant to academia, policy and practice.
Disclosure
20 credits
20 credits
This module introduces students to the following key topics:
- Introduction to the disclosure of Unused Material
- What constitutes unused material
- The nature of sensitive material
- Complex cases and third-party material
- Defence disclosure, defence applications for disclosure and the continuing duty of disclosure
- Consequences of failures in disclosure and key partners
- Best practice in managing disclosure relating to serious organised and terrorism investigations.
- Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA)/Asset Recovery/Money Laundering Legislation
Course tutors
Dr Adrian James
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Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
Tuition fees and funding
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
NVQ
Entry Qualifications for Students without a first degree A relevant second-class honours degree or above (such as in criminology, law, policing, security, social or political science) or an overseas equivalent qualification is normally required. Alternatively, a graduate level professional qualification of comparable standard and suitable work experience (such as policing, corporate intelligence, security or military) may be accepted. Any applicant who does not possesses a first degree must satisfy the programme team of their ability to successfully study at Level 7 through presentation of a strong portfolio to demonstrate appropriate equivalent skills in the workplace. The expectation is that the experience will include a minimum 3 years working within a dedicated intelligence and / or covert investigative related role. The programme also welcomes students with both prior certified and learning and/or application for experiential learning credits. Applicants claiming Recognition of Prior Learning will be explored on an individual basis where previous qualifications or experience will be mapped against the Learning Objectives of the programme modules in accordance with LJMU RP(E)L policy and procedures www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/public-information/academic-quality-and-regulations/academic-framework
International requirements
Other international requirements
Entry Qualifications for Students where English is a second language Proficiency in English – where English is a second language you will be required to demonstrate a minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 or a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFEL) score of 575. In some cases, applicants who do not pass the standard entry requirement may be permitted to enrol at the discretion of the programme leader. Applications are welcomed from overseas students, and all applicants are considered on individual merit, without regard to gender, marital status, disability, race, ethnic origin, religion or social background. The course will be taught in English.
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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.