Master of Intelligence Analysis

Delivered online, this course provides the flexibility to enable you to fit study around your existing work, family or other commitments. Apply your learning to your professional environment in real time to deliver immediate value to your organisation.

Align your knowledge with current practice

Designed to meet the growing needs of the public and private sectors, which increasingly require effective intelligence analysis, this online master's program supports analysts to ready their decision-making skills for a rapidly changing security environment. Subjects cover a range of areas relevant to promoting sound industry-relevant practice in the intelligence office.

Develop specialist knowledge in your chosen arena

Learn from industry experts in subjects across criminology and criminal justice; strategic, operational and tactical intelligence theory and practice; crime analysis; critical thinking; analytical tools and tradecraft. Through your studies you may also consider contemporary professional debates and develop advanced research skills, imagery and geospatial intelligence, risk management capability and management of national security issues.

Contribute to research

Throughout the course, our future analysts complete a research dissertation or a special studies project that results in a distinct contribution to knowledge in the intelligence field. You may also choose restricted electives from the terrorism, safety and security; leadership; investigations; fraud and financial crime prevention; emergency management or anti-money laundering / counterterrorism financing programs.

Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security

Established in 1993, Charles Sturt University's Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security (AGSPS) is a leading provider of postgraduate research and education for professionals in law enforcement, emergency management and security. Faculty members are leaders in their fields and have significant experience and academic expertise – offering you a unique advantage in furthering your knowledge and expertise in this emerging field. 

The Master of Intelligence Analysis from Charles Sturt University is intended to provide you, as an intelligence professional – whether in law enforcement, national security, public or private sectors – with the opportunity to undertake studies at postgraduate level through our Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security (AGSPS).

Recommended study pattern

The course consists of an articulated set of courses containing a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, and Masters as follows:

Graduate Certificate in Intelligence Analysis (32 points)

• JST450 Introduction to Intelligence
• JST428 Operational Intelligence
• JST495 Intelligence and Analytics

Elective subjects to the value of 8 points from any of the postgraduate subjects offered by AGSPS

Graduate Diploma of Intelligence Analysis (64 points)

In addition to the subjects above:

• JST452 Intelligence Management
• JST541 National Security and Intelligence
• JST555 Open Source Intelligence

Elective subjects to the value of 8 points from any of the postgraduate subjects offered by AGSPS

Admission to Master of Intelligence Analysis (96 points)

Students who have satisfactorily completed the Graduate Diploma requirements are eligible to enter the Master of Intelligence Analysis. 

There are THREE pathways within the Master degree course

Option 1

Pure research stream

• JST530 Research Methodology and Dissertation (16 points)
• JST531 Dissertation (16 points)

OR

Option 2

Work place research project stream

• EMG505 Work Based Project (16 points)
• EMG506 Literature Review (16 points)

OR

Option 3

Coursework stream

• JST539 Counterintelligence
• JST540 Independent Knowledge Integration: Theory and Professional Practice

Elective subjects to the value of 16 points from any of the postgraduate subjects offered by AGSPS

Award requirements

With a master's degree in intelligence analysis you can consolidate your strategic leadership and influence the development and implementation of intelligence practices, policies and procedures. Lead the collation, analysis and reporting of intelligence information. Prepare and present intelligence briefings. Analyse intelligence data, including the identification and evaluation of emerging threats, opportunities, patterns and trends relating to the activities which affect the security and good order of a prison.

Charles Sturt University is Australia’s most experienced online uni, and has the country’s highest graduate employment rate. From agriculture, arts, healthcare and IT, to business, law, social work and teaching—you’ll get the latest skills in your field, and learn from academics who are connected to industry. Add in 24/7 IT support, scholarships and a vibrant student community, and you can take your next, or first, career step with confidence.

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QS Ranking 2024:

31

Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:

37

This course is designed to assist existing intelligence practitioners, and those hoping to access this field. As such students who are already working in as an intelligence analyst/practitioner, as well as those who hope to enter the profession, may be admitted (on a case by case basis) to the course. Applicants will normally have an undergraduate degree and relevant intelligence and analysis professional experience.

If you’ve studied before, you may be able to fast-track your postgraduate degree with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If you’ve completed relevant tertiary study, you could be awarded credit for your postgraduate degree. Get in touch to see if you’re eligible for credit based on your previous qualifications or industry experience.