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3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Aberystwyth University
The BA Intelligence and International Security at Aberystwyth University gives you a deep dive into the world of global security, intelligence, and strategy. It’s perfect for students curious about real-world issues like terrorism, cyber threats, nuclear weapons, and international conflicts, combining theory with practical insight.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Foundations of Global Security
In your first year, you’ll get a solid grounding in international politics and security. Core modules like Exploring the International 1: Central Concepts and Core Skills and War, Strategy and Intelligence introduce key ideas and skills, while optional modules such as Behind the Headlines and The Making of the Modern World: War, Peace and Revolution since 1789 let you explore historical and current events in depth.
Year 2: Advanced Analysis and Specialisation
Year two is about sharpening your analytical skills and focusing on areas that interest you. The core module Strategy, Intelligence and Security in International Politics explores how strategic decisions affect global security, and optional modules like The Arab-Israeli Wars, The Strategy and Politics of Nuclear Weapons, or Russian Intelligence from Lenin to Putin let you dive into specific topics.
Final Year: Independent Research and Expert Insight
In your final year, you’ll have the chance to carry out an independent research project, producing a dissertation that reflects your ability to tackle complex security questions. Optional modules such as Women and Military Service, Terrorism & Counter Terrorism in the Modern World: Policing, Intelligence & War, and The Strategy and Politics of Nuclear Weapons let you explore topics in depth and specialise further.
Focus Areas
Strategic Studies, Intelligence Analysis, Security Policy, International Relations, Conflict Resolution, Cybersecurity, Nuclear Strategy, Terrorism Studies, Geopolitical Analysis, Ethical Implications of Intelligence
Learning Outcomes
Graduates leave with strong critical thinking and analytical skills, a solid understanding of global security challenges, and the ability to assess and respond to complex international issues.
Professional Alignment
This program is closely linked to professional standards in intelligence and security. You’ll gain practical skills like policy brief writing, presentations, and scenario-based exercises, preparing you for careers in government, international organisations, and beyond.
Reputation and Employability
Aberystwyth University has a long-standing reputation in international politics, and its graduates go on to work in diplomacy, journalism, civil service, NGOs, international organisations like the UN, and the defense sector. The Department of International Politics has been shaping experts since 1919, giving you a credible and respected qualification.
At Aberystwyth University, studying Intelligence and International Security isn’t just about reading textbooks — it’s about getting hands-on experience and seeing how theory works in the real world. Students benefit from a range of facilities, expert-led workshops, and opportunities that help them build the skills employers are looking for in intelligence, security, and international relations. From interactive seminars to research projects and study abroad programs, you’ll gain practical insights that bring your studies to life.
Here are some of the ways you’ll get practical experience:
Centre for Intelligence and International Security Studies (CIISS): Join seminars, workshops, and conferences that connect classroom learning with real-world intelligence practice.
International Politics Building: Learn in modern lecture halls and seminar rooms designed for interactive discussion and group projects.
National Library of Wales: Access a vast collection of resources for research, reports, and historical intelligence material.
Global Opportunities Program: Take part in study abroad programs to see international security issues from a global perspective.
Visiting Scholars Programme: Engage with world-leading experts in intelligence and international politics through talks and mentoring sessions.
These experiences make sure you don’t just understand intelligence and security — you live it.
Graduates from the BA Intelligence and International Security program leave Aberystwyth University ready to take on exciting and impactful careers. Many go on to work as Intelligence Analysts, Policy Advisors, Diplomatic Service Officers, or Cybersecurity Consultants, applying their skills to real-world challenges in security, defense, and international relations. With a strong mix of practical experience and academic knowledge, you’ll be well-prepared to make a difference in these fields.
Here’s how the university helps you get there:
Careers Service: Personalized guidance, CV workshops, and interview prep to make your job search smoother.
Internship Opportunities: Access placements with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations to gain hands-on experience.
Alumni Network: Connect with graduates already working in intelligence, security, and policy for mentorship and advice.
Industry Connections: Partnerships with research institutes and organizations give you chances to work on collaborative projects.
Accreditation and Reputation: Graduating from the world’s first Department of International Politics (est. 1919) gives your degree lasting recognition.
Many graduates go on to secure roles in government, defense, international organizations, and intelligence services, demonstrating the program’s strong link to employability.
Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, there are great options:
Master’s Degrees: Specialize in Intelligence and International Security, Strategic Studies, or Cybersecurity.
PhD Opportunities: Pursue research-focused paths that can lead to academic or high-level policy advisory roles.
Aberystwyth University’s postgraduate programs provide a smooth pathway to deepen your knowledge and advance your career in international security.
A-level - BCC-ABB Equivalent to 104 - 128 UCAS Tariff Points.GCSE (minimum grade C/4): English or WelshIELTS - 6.5 with minimum 5.5 in each component TOEFL iBT - 93 with minimum component scores: Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 17 India – Standard XII: 75% in Year XII from a recognized central or state board.India – English Requirement: 70–80% in Class XII English (Standard) from a recognized board (CBSE, CISCE, excluding Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh), obtained within 7.5 years of the course start date.USA – Minimum GPA 3.0–3.2 plus either 2 AP tests (score 3+), 2 Honors classes (B grades), or 2 College-level classes (B grades).Intelligence AnalystsPolicy AdvisorsDiplomatic Service OfficersCybersecurity ConsultantsRisk AnalystsSecurity OfficersResearch AssociatesStrategic AdvisorsGovernment OfficialsDefense AnalystsInternational Organization Specialistsand Terrorism and Counterterrorism Analysts
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