The Postgraduate Certificate in Covert Action, HUMINT and the Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation (by distance learning) programme is a comprehensive and rigorous study in key areas of covert action and associated human intelligence (HUMINT)-related intelligence collection. It is designed for graduates and intelligence professionals alike who are interested in following or developing a career within a covert and overt intelligence pathway. The programme is designed to complement existing strategic intelligence professionalisation programmes within the law enforcement (College of Policing’s Intelligence Professionalisation Programme) and military (Operation Upsland) professional development environments.

The programme content is particularly relevant given all the changes introduced in the legislation underpinning HUMINT (including new codes of practice, primary legislation and statutory instruments) over the last five years. Expert knowledge of covert policy and practice and the latest research on non-coercive interview/ interrogation techniques are going to be of crucial importance for rising professionals in this area, and this programme aims to produce graduates with this specialised knowledge and the skills required for a career in these areas of intelligence.

The programme also offers a pathway to further study and / or research at postgraduate level. It is designed to deliver insight and critical understanding on covert action, the use and exploitation of intelligence gained from human interactions, and the psychology underpinning effective intelligence and evidential collection during non-coercive interviews and interrogation. Many of these areas are vibrant research agendas as well as being professional requirements.

The intelligence and covert student cohort has been difficult to harness. The nature of the role means unpredictability in availability for intelligence professionals in attending fixed date physical lectures. By offering this programme on a distance learning basis, part-time and full-time, utilising accompanying pre-recorded and hybrid content, the flexibility will appeal to those who wish to undertake academic study but are constrained by short -notice professional distractions.

The design of the course and the universality of many of its topics, offer an opportunity for BUCSIS to reach an international audience as well as the domestic market. Initial scoping suggests there is interest in this programme from both undergraduates and intelligence professionals alike.

Programme Description
The programme has two entry points, January and September each year. The intention, subject to validation, is to launch the programme January 2023. It will be delivered by way of distance learning (online).

It can be completed through full-time study (6 months) or part-time (9 months) and include the following modules:
1) Covert Action (20 units)
2) Human intelligence - HUMINT (20 units)
3) Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation (20 units)


Students on the programme will also be able to benefit from Buckingham’s close association with the NPCC Intelligence Practice research Consortium, a body that promotes academic research within the intelligence community.

Notes:
(1) The Programme leader, Dr Ian Stanier, chairs or is a member of a number of relevant professional portfolios including the National Police Chief’s Council Intelligence Portfolio, the National Crime Agency’s HUMINT Academic Hub and is an Associate Lecturer for the College of Policing’s covert courses.
(2) The enrolment of military personal is linked to ELCAS funding grants and has been priced accordingly to reflect these awards.
(3) An example of the most recent relevant legislative changes in this area is the Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021.

The programme will offer the latest tools and approaches to teach students to think critically and apply their knowledge to practical problems faced by those operating within a covert or sensitive investigation context. The programme will be delivered by staff with expertise in the fields covered within the programme, including covert investigation, managing covert operations, source handling, source control and authorisation. It will involve lecturers whose doctoral research (and subsequent published academic articles) have focused on Intelligence, HUMINT, and elicitation techniques, from which students will greatly benefit.

Specifically, the programme will benefit from having Dr Ian Stanier and Dr Jordan Nunan as lead members of the teaching team, who have between them recognised careers and research outputs in this field. The programme lead, Dr Ian Stanier has experience in providing consultancy and operational advice at the highest governmental and political level in the UK and abroad including North Africa, the Middle East and the South East Asia.

Framework for Higher Education Qualifications ;
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Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the University of Buckingham and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.