Accepting applications now! Postgraduate Certificate in Covert Action, HUMINT, and the Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation

The next Postgraduate Certificate in Covert Action, HUMINT, and the Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation will commence on 28th September 2026. Designed with the professional learner in mind, the programme is delivered entirely online, combining high-quality pre-recorded lectures with interactive live tutorials. These sessions are scheduled in the evenings to provide maximum flexibility, enabling students to engage fully alongside their professional commitments. To further assist the online student, much of the learning material is also accessible electronically including e-books.

This innovative programme is ideally suited to those seeking to develop or enhance careers in government, security and intelligence, law enforcement, the military, or wider policy roles. It blends rigorous academic theory with real-world application, drawing on contemporary case studies and operational insights to ensure learning is both intellectually robust and professionally relevant. Students will develop critical analytical skills, a deeper understanding of human intelligence practices, and an appreciation of the psychological dimensions of elicitation and covert activity. The programme also offers insight into the increasingly complex and, at times, hostile state activity shaping the contemporary European security landscape.

Successful completion of the Postgraduate Certificate provides a clear pathway to further study, with the opportunity to progress to a Master’s by Research in Covert Action, HUMINT, and the Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation. The University is also an approved provider under the Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS), offering additional support for eligible applicants. Applications are welcomed from individuals with diverse professional backgrounds, including those who may not have previously experienced university-level study, reflecting the programme’s commitment to accessibility and professional development.

For further information, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Programme Leader, Dr Ian Stanier via ian.stanier@buckingham.ac.uk who will be happy to provide additional details and answer any questions.