MSc
Innovation in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
Key Information
Academic Year
Course Overview
The MSc Innovation in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Fast Track programme is designed for experienced military personnel, civil servants, and defence professionals working within Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance.
This programme enables experienced ISR practitioners to gain a recognised postgraduate qualification by building on their existing professional knowledge and expertise. Combining academic research with real-world operational experience, the course develops critical thinking, analytical skills and applied research capabilities while providing a qualification with value both within and beyond the defence sector.
Fast Track Programme
We are currently offering the Fast Track pathway, which is designed for applicants with significant professional experience in ISR. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate a minimum of three years' experience in relevant ISR roles.
The full MSc programme is expected to be available from 2027. Please enquire to register your interest in the full programme.
Course Contact
Please contact the School of Defence, Security and Executive Education for more information about this course.
Fast Track Modules
Research Methods
Module Overview
This module is designed to cover the fundamental skills and background knowledge that students need to undertake research related to the title of the award being studied, including: surveying literature; selecting and justifying a research topic; planning of research; selection of appropriate research methods; evaluation of research; presentation and reporting of research; and legal, social, ethical and professional considerations.
(15 Credits)
Project
Module Overview
The Project (Dissertation) module provides students with the opportunity to undertake an independent research project focused on a topic of personal and professional relevance within Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR).
Working with the support of an academic supervisor, students will formulate a research question, critically evaluate relevant theory and evidence, and apply appropriate research methods to investigate a real-world challenge or opportunity. The project enables students to integrate the knowledge and skills developed throughout their studies while demonstrating their ability to conduct rigorous, independent research.
The dissertation should make a meaningful contribution to professional practice, drawing on the student's own experience where appropriate, and culminating in a substantial research report that demonstrates critical analysis, academic rigour and practical insight.
(60 Credits)
Course Fees
| Academic Year | Fees (Fast Track Programme) |
|---|---|
| 2026/27 | £6,000.00 |
ELCs can be used to fund studies.
If you are Â鶹ÊÓƵ alumni, you may be eligible for a alumni scholarship (up to 20%). Please check your eligibility.
How You Study
This course aims to develop the knowledge, skills and a critical understanding of ISR within the wider Intelligence Systems environment. It also provides the opportunity to develop a thorough technological understanding of hardware and software systems, in a range of environments and across a wide range of platforms used in this field. This can be achieved by studying and researching a range of key disciplines, reflecting, researching and critically evaluating doctrine and procedures within the ISR sphere of operations.
Students experience a combination of different techniques including a "hands-on" practical approach to scenarios and workshops, debates, lectures and personal research. Students will be expected to examine and professionally evaluate operational and technical aspects of ISR management by reflection and the preparation of essays, presentations and research projects.
Analytical skills are developed by critically evaluating thinking, action and structural factors operating in the area of ISR, including underlying assumptions, and identifying implications for wider systems that extend the area of practice. The development of practical skills is progressive and is supported with mentor guidance and supporting material. Individual lecturers will have different areas of expertise and will employ a wide variety of teaching strategies enhancing the experience and providing a range of teaching approaches to the programme.
How you are assessed
Assessments take place towards the end of the study module encouraging consolidation of knowledge and skills developed during the module intensive delivery period. All study modules include coursework elements for both summative and formative assessment.
Reports and assignments are used to assess knowledge and understanding, critical analysis, development of reasoned argument and synthesis of conclusions. Oral presentation skills are assessed in the context of consideration of professional issues when students present to peers the results of some group work. Practical implementation assignments assess both programming and design skills.
Feedback on coursework may be provided via written comments on work submitted, by provision of 'model' answers or through discussion in tutorials.
Entry Requirements 2026-27
Entry Requirements
The programme is only available to those applicants who are currently serving military personnel with ISR experience or those who have recently left the armed forces but are employed in an associated relevant profession. Normally applicants will have a first degree (usually at 2:1 or greater) and/or appropriate experience in the related military field.
Professional Development
This course has been developed in order to provide a route by which military personnel of appropriate experience and expertise can obtain a credible in-service academic qualification. Students combine the study of specialist subject matter within an academic framework, which provides opportunity for critical and analytical engagement. Through this programme students can validate their expertise and experience and obtain recognised qualifications which also have credibility outside the military sphere.