BA Intelligence and International Security (with integrated year studying abroad)

Why study

Intelligence and International Security at Aberystwyth University? We offer students high-quality teaching on a wide range of modules (around 20 to choose from in years 2 & 3), an intellectually stimulating but friendly environment and a real sense of community. You'll explore the complexities of how intelligence is gathered and assessed before it is disseminated to decision-makers and examine how this process and its products influence responses to security threats.

You'll also evaluate the importance of information, secrecy, and surveillance while considering the ethical, moral and legal implications that arise from engaging in intelligence activities through historical case studies. We offer a wide range of modules across strategy, intelligence and security, including NATO, Arab-Israeli wars, Russian intelligence, nuclear strategy and politics, European security, terrorism and counter-terrorism, US intelligence and the Global Cold War. You can also take modules on international relations, embedding your knowledge of strategy, intelligence and security within the wider context of global politics, on topics such as: international institutions, development, political economy, climate change, as well as different regions and countries like the Americas and Russia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

As well as honing your academic skills, our modules will equip you with the know-how you’ll need for life after university, like writing blogs and policy briefs, giving presentations and using your creativity to solve problems. We run role-play simulation modules every year which develop skills in negotiation, persuasion, collaboration and teamwork - exactly the skills you need in the political arena. Our graduates go into a wide range of career pathways, from diplomacy to journalism, civil service or working for political parties, NGOs or international organisations like the UN, defence as well as graduate pathways in business, industry, education and the public sector.

In addition, we offer a number of modules taught entirely or partially through the medium of Welsh. Opportunities - Politics students at Aberystwyth can: Apply for our prestigious Parliamentary Placement Scheme: a three to four week internship which enables you to gain valuable experience working alongside an MP in Westminster) or an MS in Cardiff. Join our renowned ‘Crisis Games’ - a role-playing exercise in political, economic and diplomatic manoeuvres which will develop your negotiation and communication, critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

A highlight of the course. Spend a semester abroad studying in many destinations, across North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific. Get involved and feel part of our departmental community through activities, like the regular ‘Roundtable’ discussions on key global events, Interpol Society activities, the student journal Interstate, Student Diversity Group and our popular social events.

Lecturers in the Department of International Politics are all research active and qualified to PhD level, and most also have a PGCHE.