Course syllabus Secret Intelligence
Swedish name: Nationella underrättelser
Course code:
2SS082
Valid from semester:
Spring Term 2026
Education cycle:
Second cycle
Scope:
7.5 credits
Progression:
A1N
Grading scale:
Three-grade scale
Main field of study:
Political Science: Security Studies
Department:
Department of Political Science and Law
Subject:
Political Science
Language of instruction:
The teaching is conducted in English.
Decided by:
Statsvetenskapliga institutionen
Decision date:
2025-09-04
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degree worth 180 credits, of which 90 credits are in Political Science or another relevant subject.
English proficiency equivalent to English B or English 6 is also required.
English proficiency equivalent to English B or English 6 is also required.
Course content and structure
This course provides an advanced introduction to intelligence studies, with particular focus on the political dimensions of secret intelligence. The course deals with the meaning of intelligence studies both as a distinct research field and as part of other research traditions such as international relations, security studies and policy analysis. The theoretical basis for studying secret intelligence is supplemented with insights into concrete practices, in both Swedish and international contexts, in “normal” times as well as in crisis situations. Empirically, the course covers traditional espionage as well as new forms of information gathering and electronic surveillance. In relation to these empirical phenomena, a number of issues are discussed, concerning for example the relationship between intelligence officers and politicians; ethics and leadership; the difficulty of making accurate assessments of risks and threats; and the opportunities and challenges of international collaborations on matters of secret intelligence.
Lectures and seminars help the student to assimilate the theoretical foundations of intelligence studies and identify and explain the political dimensions of intelligence. These are complemented by one or more practical exercises that aim to provide the student with further opportunities to independently identify and analyse contemporary challenges in intelligence work.
Lectures and seminars help the student to assimilate the theoretical foundations of intelligence studies and identify and explain the political dimensions of intelligence. These are complemented by one or more practical exercises that aim to provide the student with further opportunities to independently identify and analyse contemporary challenges in intelligence work.
Type of Instruction
- Seminars
- Lectures
- Practical exercises
Objectives
After completed course the student should be able to:
- Critically discuss what constitutes intelligence studies, both as a separate distinct research field and as part of other research traditions such as international relations, security studies and policy analysis.
- Systematically account for the political dimensions of secret intelligence, in particular with respect to the relationship between intelligence officers and political authorities.
- Independently analyze contemporary challenges related to covert intelligence work, including the difficulties of intelligence co-operation, threat and risk assessments, and ethics and leadership.
Examination formats
Assessment takes place through active participation in mandatory seminars and an oral examination at the end of the course.
The examiner may decide to request supplementary assignments in order to achieve a passing grade on the course. Supplementary assignments must be completed no later than three working days after the notification of any supplementary assignment, unless there are special reasons approved by the examiner.
The student is graded on a three-point grading scale: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). Grading criteria are specified by no later than the start of the course.
To obtain the grade Pass (G), the student must actively and constructively participate in mandatory seminars and obtain a grade of Pass (P) on the oral exam.
To obrain the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) in the course, the student must meet the requirements for Pass (G) and obtain a grade of Pass with Distinction (VG) on the oral exam.
The number of examinations is not limited.
The examiner may decide to request supplementary assignments in order to achieve a passing grade on the course. Supplementary assignments must be completed no later than three working days after the notification of any supplementary assignment, unless there are special reasons approved by the examiner.
Grading
The student is graded on a three-point grading scale: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). Grading criteria are specified by no later than the start of the course.
To obtain the grade Pass (G), the student must actively and constructively participate in mandatory seminars and obtain a grade of Pass (P) on the oral exam.
To obrain the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) in the course, the student must meet the requirements for Pass (G) and obtain a grade of Pass with Distinction (VG) on the oral exam.
Restrictions in Number of Examinations
The number of examinations is not limited.
Transitional provisions
When the course is no longer offered or when the course content has changed substantially, the student has the right to be examined once per semester during a three-term period in accordance with this syllabus.
Other regulations
- The course cannot be included in a degree with another course whose content fully or partially corresponds to the content of this course.
- If the Swedish Defence University has formally decided that the student is entitled to receive special educational support due to a disability, the examiner may decide on alternative forms of examination for the student.
- The course director will conduct an evaluation on the completion of the course, which will form the basis for any changes to the course.