Intelligence, Security and Resilience with Foundation Year

Looking for a course that prepares you for constant challenges and unexpected events? BSc (Hons) Intelligence, Security, and Resilience is all about understanding the impact of contemporary issues such as climate change, cyberattacks, crime, geopolitical change, commercial competition and more, both for businesses and governments.

We are living in a time where technology and human life are blending in fascinating yet complex ways. This degree helps you make sense of it all and teaches you how to be a valuable player in this rapidly changing world. We cover everything from investigation and verification of information to identifying patterns, making assessments, and presenting analysis. These skills are universally valuable, and you can specialise early on choosing to work on a local or global scale or anywhere in between.

Why Study This Subject? In today's 'permacrisis' world, organisations confront a multitude of challenges, from climate change to cyber threats, geopolitical shifts, and more. BSc (Hons) Intelligence, Security and Resilience equips you with the expertise needed to help organisations anticipate, prepare for, protect against, and respond effectively to any potential threat or risk.

We are at the dawn of the 4th industrial revolution, characterized by hyper-connectivity, AI, open data, VR, AR, and the merging of humans with technology. This course not only helps you understand the opportunities and risks inherent in this new world but also empowers you to actively participate and make a difference.

Whether you're launching a new career or enhancing existing experience with academic qualifications, this degree broadens your professional knowledge. It also enhances valuable life skills, including public speaking, research, and critical analysis.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University? Uniquely, at BNU we put our focus on the skills and behaviours necessary to succeed as an analyst team leader, as well as the knowledge. This means that our graduates are equipped to immediately enter fulfilling roles in the intelligence, security, and resilience industries. You'll benefit from our strong connections with industry and public sector employers. You'll learn from seasoned professionals who bring real-world insights into the classroom. Additionally, we regularly host guest speakers, giving you direct exposure to current industry trends and practices. This is a highly practical course with no exams. We focus instead on realistic professional assessments which prepare you for a fascinating career. We work to actively help you find summer internships and placements. These experiences provide invaluable insights and practical skills, setting you up for success in your chosen field. In today's professional landscape, communication skills are paramount. At BNU, we prioritize the development of these skills. Workshops on public speaking, effective visual communication, and enhancing written and online communication are woven into the curriculum.

What will I study? In the Foundation Year of this four-year course, you’ll build essential academic study skills. This year will help you gain confidence in your abilities. You’ll also identify your strengths and areas for development. Together, these will prepare you for progression to the undergraduate degree.

In the first year, you will study a series of core modules to build knowledge that the rest of the course is built on.

In the second year, you'll develop technical skills with modules such as Structured Analytical Techniques and Research Methods. Specialization options include Intelligence and Security, Corporate Security, Terrorism, and a work placement module.

In the final year, you'll apply your knowledge, skills, and behaviours through the completion of a personal extended project on a topic of your choice. As well as going on a series of visits to relevant organisations to see how your expertise can be applied in the workplace.