This course will provide a thorough understanding of the contribution that intelligence can make to national and international security. Its main aim is to provide students with a sound understanding of the way in which intelligence is collected and analysed, and how it contributes to national decision-making. To that end the course will examine the structure and oversight of intelligence agencies in the Australian context, identify and analyse cases of intelligence success and intelligence failure, examine both the historical and contemporary use of intelligence (eg in the Cold War and in dealing with international terrorism) and the relationship between science, psychology and intelligence.

On satisfying the requirements for this course, students will have a sound understanding of the way in which intelligence is collected and analysed, and how it contributes to national decision making. To this end, the course aims to provide students with a good understanding of the structure of the Australian intelligence agencies and the legislation and oversight that underpins their operations; human psychology and how that influences the collection and interpretation of information; historical instances of intelligence successes and failures; intelligence in a military context; intelligence and terrorism.

Assignments 60%, Examination 40%

Students undertaking this course could expect a workload of 10 hours a week. This is inclusive of actual contact hours for lectures and also out of class preparation time.

Delivery Mode:

On Campus