This course can be taken as an accredited short course or a standalone short course.

Please go to the 'Credits towards further study' section for more information.

To enable participants to analyse and explain current conceptual thinking regarding the nature of terrorism, its origins, motivations and manifestations, together with an in-depth knowledge and critical awareness of the counter-terrorism approaches and intelligence approaches and strategies adopted by states. Within the context of counterterrorism, the course also examines the role of intelligence in combating terrorism, the relationship between intelligence and secrecy and its impact, as well as the ethical issues in the use of intelligence.

The course includes masterclasses given by our visiting professors, and leading practitioners in the field, who provide a unique insight on intelligence and counterterrorism.

At a glance

  • Dates
    • 08 - 12 Dec 2025
  • Duration5 days
  • LocationCranfield campus
  • CostShort course £2,250, accredited short course £2,500

What you will learn

On successful completion of the course you will be able to:

  • Acquire extensive understanding of the nature of intelligence and processes of intelligence in counterterrorism,
  • Explore the role and impact of intelligence on counterterrorism,
  • In-depth examination of case studies on successes and shortcomings of intelligence,
  • Evaluate how terrorist organisations attempt to develop their intelligence capabilities and how counter intelligence can effectively mitigate against this threat,
  • Evaluate existent frameworks preventing intelligence and counter terrorism from becoming a political tool, and provide policy relevant recommendations in the fields counter-terrorism and intelligence.

Core content

Understanding intelligence and counterterrorism:

  • Conceptual approaches to intelligence and counterterrorism,
  • The origins and use of intelligence throughout history,
  • Assessing the success and failure of intelligence processes,
  • intelligence approaches and strategies: assumptions, aims, frameworks and principles,
  • Evaluate the purpose and structures of intelligence function,
  • Identify and assess categories of intelligence. (Sources, disciplines, organisations),
  • Assess the influence of culture, history, power, and human factors upon the effectiveness of intelligence. assumptions, aims, frameworks and principles,
  • Counterterrorism and intelligence strategies, globally, regionally and nationally,
  • The intelligence ‘Toolkit’.

Credits towards further study

Important notice

Please note we will not be taking registrations for the below courses (MSc, PgDip and PgCert) from the 2026-2027 academic year onwards:

Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology
Forensic Investigation
Digital Forensics
Counterterrorism, Security and Resilience

This means that we are no longer in a position to transfer credit associated with modules from these courses to Cranfield degree awards. We continue, however, to be able to support credit transfer to other university awards, subject to acceptance by the receiving institution.

This short course forms part of Counterterrorism, Security and Resilience and when successfully completed as an accredited short course you will gain 10 Cranfield learning credits.

Find out more about accredited short courses.

Accommodation options and prices

This course is non-residential. If you would like to book accommodation on campus, please contact Mitchell Hall or Cranfield Management Development Centre directly. Further information about our on campus accommodation can be found here. 

Alternatively you may wish to make your own arrangements at a nearby hotel.

Location and travel

Situated close to Milton Keynes and Bedford, the Cranfield campus is situated in Wharley End, very close to Cranfield village, and is about 10 minutes from the M1 motorway.  There is rail and road access to most major airports as well as coach and train stations. Cranfield campus also has its own airport for private executive business travel.

Download a visitor guide including map, directions and health and safety information.

Campus address

College Road
Cranfield
Bedfordshire
MK43 0AL

 

How to apply

To apply for this course please use the online application form.

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.