CertHE Intelligence Analysis | Degree Apprenticeship

In the course of this module apprentices will be introduced to the primary sources of legislation and regulation governing the acquisition, management, and dissemination of intelligence. Including exploring the consequences of these frameworks for their individual role and organisational contexts. Apprentices will also consider the broad range of threats, risks, vulnerabilities associated with their use of intelligence, and opportunities to counter these in line with law, organisational policy, and professional standards. In addition to the legal aspects of intelligence activity, apprentices will be introduced to and encouraged to reflect upon the ethical dimensions and consequences of their work. Including principles of privacy, confidentiality, and prevention of harm, alongside exceptional circumstances necessitating deviation and issues of legality and proportionality in these cases. Finally, apprentices will consider how they may effectively share intelligence within legal, professional and ethical bounds, particularly when working across teams, organisations and international borders.

This module seeks to empower apprentices to play an active role in the intelligence context through understanding the contribution of the analyst at each stage of the Intelligence Cycle. Starting with the role of the analyst in identifying and prioritizing the intelligence requirements, apprentices will then explore the range of sources available to fulfill these. Before progressing to consider the implications of the source for the validity of the information obtained and the consequences for the resultant analysis. Apprentices will then consider the nature of tactical and strategic intelligence products and the implications of these for the Intelligence Cycle, alongside techniques for disseminating and receiving feedback on these. Finally, apprentices will explore specific considerations when working with open source intelligence and data, recognizing security, legal, ethical, integrity and validity requirements associated with these types of information and methods to mitigate associated risks.

Completing this module will empower apprentices to confidently conduct impartial, credible, insightful, and comprehensive analytical assessment. Starting with an exploration of the psychology of intelligence analysis, apprentices will then focus on the risks presented by analytical bias and examine techniques by which this may be countered. Before progressing to explore a range of structured analytical techniques and the ways in which these may be applied and combined to answer a variety of intelligence questions. Including those experienced by analysts working in investigative settings within law enforcement agencies.

This module aims to empower apprentices to confidently communicate and defend their analytical assessment, tailoring their approach to the specific requirements of the audience and giving consideration to individual and organisational needs, cultures and contexts. At the outset apprentices will consider stakeholder theory, including identifying and prioritising internal and external parties to the analytical process. And recognising their specific uses for and requirements of the assessment product. Apprentices will then explore and evaluate different approaches to communicating the analytical message, and reflect upon how these may be used to the best effect in their specific context. Before considering the needs of diverse audiences and the means in which their communication may be adapted to enhance accessibility. Finally, apprentices will reflect upon their communication confidence and identify objectives to build upon this ahead of the End Point Assessment presentation and professional discussion.