MPhil/PhD Security and Intelligence Studies

BUCSIS has a vibrant programme of active research currently being undertaken in a range of security and intelligence issues, involving both the UK and overseas.

We are always looking for interesting new research proposals, and prospective candidates are welcome to approach Professor Richards with ideas in the first instance, by emailing julian.richards@buckingham.ac.uk.

Some of our current research projects include:

• Muhammad Tahir Mahmood is researching the judicial system, security and intelligence agencies and counter-terrorism in Pakistan under the question of “The Role of the Judicial System and Law Enforcement Agencies in Combating Terrorism”
• Bryony Norburn is working on intelligence history and Bletchley Park, researching the role that women played at Bletchley Park during the Second World War.
• Richard Hallows is researching cybersecurity policy in the UK.
• Diva Patang Wardak is conducting an evaluation of Afghanistan’s new intelligence agency, the NDS.
• Andreja Bogdanovski is currently examining the reasons behind states’ involvement in the process of securing ecclesiastical independence in the Eastern Orthodox Church, with special reference to the churches in North Macedonia, Montenegro and Ukraine.
• Awwal Isa is investigating how academia could bolster professionalism in the Nigerian intelligence community
• Fidel Abowei is exploring the potency of soft power as a tool of statecraft in inter-African relations and how likely it is to yield tangible foreign policy outcomes

About BUCSIS

BUCSIS was established in 2008 as a world-class centre for research into the key Security and Intelligence issues facing the UK and the world in the 21st century. The Centre is headed by a leading academic in the field, Professor Anthony Glees, and is supported by a research and teaching team led by Dr Julian Richards, a Security Studies specialist with a long experience of working in the UK government on defence and security policy issues.  More information about BUCSIS.

See also:

• Recent testimonials from BUCSIS students
• Read about what the BUCSIS teaching team has been working on (Summer 2017)

Successful graduates

2012

• Megan Munroe (PhD): A morphological analysis of sporting mega-even security policy
• Randy Wilson (PhD): Police intelligence in a counter-insurgency.  Read more about Randy’s experiences.

2014

• Twana Bawa (PhD): The privatisation of security in the Kurdish region of Iraq

2016

• Eugene Eji (PhD): Terrorism in Nigeria: Threats, responses and strategy
• Tony Percy (PhD): Liberal Democracy under Stress: the Oxford Mind and the Threat of Totalitarianism
• Edmar Salem (PhD): Female Suicide Bombers: a Comparative Study of Public Attitudes within the Conflicts of Iraq, Israel/Palestine, and Sri Lanka
• Giles Wollenmann (PhD): Liberal Intolerance: Applying Borum’s phase model to help identify an in-group’s susceptibility towards ideological development
• Mohamed Salem (PhD): Iran and Threat Perception in the Arabian Gulf: A Case Study of the UAE

2019

• Olamide Samuel (PhD): Analysis of national security culture in Nigeria

Applicants are normally expected to have a first or second class, upper division degree or significant experience. A Master’s degree is preferred.

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 postgraduate 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 conducted by Microsoft Teams, email or phone.

Research Proposals

Applications should be accompanied by a research proposal. Advice on submitting a proposal is available as a PDF document: DPhil prospectus.

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.

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.

Quality supervision

The aim of the Research Programme is to help students develop the following: a) a systematic and in-depth understanding in the subject area of choice of research by the student; b) the critical skills necessary to analyse and evaluate complex legal problems and related issues; c) To give students the opportunity to undertake a substantial independent research project at Level 7 of writing; d) research skills necessary to demonstrate familiarity with and understanding of the subject, its principal sources and authorities; e) To develop research skills necessary to display critical discrimination and a sense of proportion in evaluating evidence and the opinions of other authors in the subject.

High calibre staff

Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom also have a background in business or industry and can offer networking opportunities for students.

Supervisory methods

Candidates spend a considerable part of their studies undertaking supervised research, at the end of which they submit a thesis embodying the results of that research. This thesis must demonstrate familiarity with, and an understanding of the subject, its principal sources and authorities. It should display critical discrimination and a sense of proportion in evaluating evidence and the judgements of others. The subject should be dealt with in a competent and scholarly manner. In addition to this:

1. All postgraduate research students are required to take the Research Methods Course.
2. All postgraduate research students must attend supervisory meetings
3. All postgraduate research students must attend any other training required to assist with the completion of the PhD.

Graduate employment

Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country’s civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.

Obtain a second degree in Germany

If you arrange to transfer to our partner university in Germany, you will receive a second Master’s degree after a further year of study. See here for details

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.

Due to the mode of study on this course you will not normally need a room in University accommodation during your degree.

However, if you require short-term accommodation in Buckingham we would be happy to provide a list of local bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation. Alternatively, please contact our Accommodation Office for advice.

Apply directly

You can apply directly using our online application form – all you need to do is click the ‘apply’ button at the bottom of this page.