Last chance to study this subject for 2025—enrol by 20 July
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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
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