BA Intelligence and International Security

Our BA Intelligence and International Security focuses on the international politics of war and the complex security challenges facing us all. As the world’s first Department of International Politics, founded in 1919 in the aftermath of World War One, we have been pioneers in the study of international relations and conflict for over a hundred years. Yet, while we learn from the past, our attention is focused on the present – and future – of intelligence, strategy and the search for security for individuals, societies, states and for the planet itself.

Today we offer a wide range of modules across intelligence and security, including: NATO, Arab-Israeli wars, Russian intelligence, nuclear strategy and politics, European security, terrorism and counter-terrorism, US intelligence and the Global Cold War. You can also take modules on international relations, embedding your knowledge of strategy, intelligence and security within the wider context of global politics, on topics such as: international institutions, development, political economy, climate change, as well as regional politics in Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East.

Intelligence and International Security students are often at the heart of student life in Interpol at Aberystwyth. As well as honing your academic skills, our modules will equip you with the know-how you’ll need for life after university, like writing policy briefs, giving presentations and using your creativity to solve problems. Our graduates go into a wide range of careers, such as diplomacy, journalism, teaching and work for international organisations like the UN, as well as other graduate pathways into business, industry and the public sector.

Opportunities – Intelligence and International Security students at Aberystwyth can:

Join our renowned ‘Crisis Games’ – a role playing exercise in political and diplomatic manoeuvres and a highlight of the course.

Apply for our prestigious Parliamentary Placement Scheme: a three to four week internship for second years working alongside an MP in Westminster or an MS in Cardiff.

Get involved and feel part of our departmental community through activities, like the regular ‘Roundtable’ discussions on key global events, Interpol Society activities, the student journal 'Interstate', Student Diversity Group and our social events.

Spend a semester abroad studying in many destinations, across North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific.