History of Intelligence
PostgraduateMAQ-PICX80132025
Previously MAQ-PICX813
Gain a thorough understanding of the history of intelligence via political, economic, social, technological and military perspectives. Research and evaluate the advance of technology and how it has affected intelligence collection and analysis.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 20 July 2025
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 28 July 2025
- Price from
- $4,155
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
History of Intelligence
About this subject
On successful completion of this subject, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the historical development of intelligence practices and organisations.
- Synthesize complex information relating to significant episodes of intelligence history, and weigh the merits of competing interpretations of those episodes.
- Assess the significance of particular concepts and debates within the academic field of Intelligence Studies, and evaluate their applicability to contemporary intelligence practice.
- Develop compelling and original arguments regarding intelligence practice, and and clearly communicate those arguments in writing.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
This subject was previously known as PICX813The History of Intelligence
This subject considers how and why the practices of intelligence professionals and the organisations in which those professionals work have changed over time. It covers both ancient and modern intelligence, but focuses mostly on the post-World War II era. In surveying this history of intelligence as part of the broader development of national security policies and institutions, the subject provides context for some of the debates and discussions around intelligence today. In closely examining selected case studies of intelligence success and failure, students will develop their own skills in historical and analytical thinking - skills that are integral elements of intelligence tradecraft
- Essay 1 (40%)
- Online quizzes (20%)
- Essay 2 (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about Macquarie University.
Explore Macquarie courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
Entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MAQ-PICX813 (Not currently available)
Others
NCCW (pre-2020 units) PICT813, PICX813
Pre-requisite Admission to MPICT or MCPICT or GradDipPICT or GradDipCPICT or PGCertPICT or MPICTMIntSecSt or MCPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud or GradDipIntSecStud or GradCertIntell or MCTerrorism or MCyberSec or GradDipSecStudCr or GradCertSecStudCr or MIntell or MSecStrategicStud or MCrim or MSecStrategicStudMCrim or MSecStrategicStudMIntell or MSecStrategicStudMCyberSec or MSecStrategicStudMCTerrorism or MIntellMCrim or MIntellMCyberSec or MIntellMCTerrorism or MCyberSecMCTerrorism or MCyberSecMCrim or MCTerrorismMCrim or Master of Cyber Security Analysis or (10cps at 6000 level or 10cps 8000 level)
Additional requirements
- Other requirements - Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
PostgraduateMAQ-INT-MAS
PostgraduateMAQ-CRM-MAS
PostgraduateMAQ-MCT-MAS
Master of Cyber Security Analysis
PostgraduateMAQ-CYB-MAS
PostgraduateOUA-PSU-GCE
Master of Security and Strategic Studies
PostgraduateMAQ-SEC-MAS
Graduate Certificate of Security Studies and Criminology
PostgraduateMAQ-SSC-GCE
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.