Management and Leadership in Intelligence
PostgraduateMAQ-PICX80712026
Course information for 2026 intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 19 July 2026
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 27 July 2026
- Price from
- $4,320
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Management and Leadership in Intelligence
About this subject
On successful completion, a student will be able to:
- Evaluate the effectiveness of leadership theories and management principles in real-world intelligence organisations and decision-making environments.
- Demonstrate leadership capabilities by fostering collaboration, ethical conduct, and effective communication within diverse intelligence teams operating in high-pressure environments.
- Assess organisational challenges and strategic priorities within intelligence agencies, and develop management strategies that align with national security objectives and policy frameworks.
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving to manage intelligence operations in response to shifting geopolitical and organisational conditions.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
Intelligence success depends on more than individual brilliance—it requires effective leadership and collaboration across teams, agencies, and national borders. This unit explores how good and effective leadership and strategic management shape high-performing intelligence organisations. Students will examine leadership practices that foster cultures of cooperation, creativity, and integrity, alongside the management principles necessary to navigate complex intelligence environments. Topics include building trust with decision-makers, managing institutional risk, and enabling ethical intelligence sharing across jurisdictions. Through analysis of real-world examples, students will consider how leaders address challenges such as bias, groupthink, and geopolitical uncertainty. By the end of the unit, students will have developed a foundational understanding of how to lead and manage within the unique pressures of intelligence work and align operational strategies with national security priorities.
- Analytical Essay (40%)
- Intelligence Portfolio (30%)
- Reflective Group Work (30%)
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 2026, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 9
Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- MAQ-ITL-MAS-2026 - Master of Intelligence
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
Others
Pre-requisite-Admission to MIntell
NCCW (2020 and onwards)
PICT8071 Management and Leadership in Intelligence
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
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.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
PostgraduateMAQ-ITL-MAS