2025/26 entry Applications also open for 2024/25
CertHE Intelligence Analysis
Why study Intelligence Analysis at Liverpool John Moores University?
- Qualify with the professionally recognised Level 4 Apprenticeship in Intelligence Analysis and a Higher Certificate in Intelligence Analysis.
- Study remotely through a mix of online live and pre-recorded lectures, workshops and group tasks as well as self-led research.
- Taught by experts with substantial real-world experience as analysts in the UK and internationally, alongside comprehensive academic backgrounds.
- Aims to empower analysts in producing insightful, objective, timely and high impact analytical products across law enforcement and other government agencies.
- Incorporates a variety and depth of understanding as to the role of the analyst.
- Enables learners to comprehensively explore both their role and the wider field, participating in communities of practice, building professional connections across agencies to learn from one another and contributing to the development of the profession.
About your course
Study remotely to qualify with a professionally recognised Level 4 Apprenticeship in Intelligence Analysis and a Higher Certificate in Intelligence Analysis.
The Intelligence Analysis Apprenticeship is structured as four 30-credit modules studied over a twelve month period, followed by an additional six months during which learners complete their End Point Assessment. Teaching is delivered remotely via a range of synchronous and asynchronous tools, including workshops, lectures, self-led research and group tasks. With the aim of enabling learners to both understand and demonstrate the duties, knowledge, skills and behaviours associated with the Intelligence Analyst role.
On completion of the programme learners will be awarded the Level 4 apprenticeship in Intelligence Analysis by the Institute of Apprenticeships and the Higher Certificate in Intelligence Analysis by LJMU.
The programme is primarily aimed at Intelligence Analysts working in law enforcement and other public sector agencies utilizing all source intelligence to derive strategic and tactical insight. But will also be relevant to analysts working in private or third sector bodies seeking to develop their skills in working with a broad variety of intelligence and information forms, and to other intelligence professionals seeking to understand analytical processes.
Fees and funding
Degree Apprenticeships are funded courses, with learning costs being paid to the university by the employer, through the Degree Apprenticeship levy, if a large company, or with the help of the government’s co-investment model, if a smaller company.
If you aren’t already employed by a company that is willing to sponsor you through an apprenticeship, you’ll need to find one. You can do this by regularly checking the Government’s Find an apprenticeship website.
You can also approach an employer yourself to find out whether they would be interested in offering Degree Apprenticeships and ask them to contact us. Our team will be able to explain to them how they can access the correct funding and the next steps.
Information for potential employers
If an employer has a wage bill of over £3 million, it would automatically pay the Government levy and would use this to fund learning via the company Apprenticeship Service Account.
Non- Levy companies can access funding via the Government co-investment model, whereby the Government will fund 95% of the learning costs and the company will fund the remaining 5%.
To access the Government funds, non-levy paying employers are required to set up an account on the Apprenticeship Service and reserve funding for apprentices, no earlier than three months before the course start date. Information regarding setting up an account can be found here. LJMU will still invoice non-levy paying companies for their contribution, but without this account LJMU will be unable to draw down the Government co-investment funding for the apprentices.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
A life-changing experience
There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree.
-
Your future awaits -
Fees, funding and scholarships -
University life -
Accommodation -
Get involved
News and views
Browse through the latest stories and updates from the University and beyond
What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
This course is currently undergoing its scheduled programme review, which may impact the advertised modules. Programme review is a standard part of the University’s approach to quality assurance and enhancement, enabling us to ensure that our courses remain up to date and maintain their high standard and relevancy.
Once the review is completed, this course website page will be updated to reflect any approved changes to the advertised course. These approved changes will also be communicated to those who apply for the course to ensure they wish to proceed with their application.
Apprentice learners will undertake four modules of approximately 12-weeks each. Following which, learners will complete a work-based project in advance of their sitting the End Point Assessment.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 4
Core modules
The legal and ethical dimensions of intelligence analysis practice
30 credits
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.
Analysis and the Intelligence Cycle
30 credits
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.
Working with structured analytical techniques
30 credits
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.
Communicating analytical assessments to diverse audiences
30 credits
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 recognizing 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 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.
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
The programme utilises a variety of teaching and learning approaches that are designed to engage and inspire apprentice learners. These include lectures, seminars, group work activities, and tutorials. LJMU’s Learning and Teaching Strategy 2023-2030 has guided the programme design to ensure that learners develop and utilise progressively higher level academic skills throughout the modules, as well as subject specific knowledge and skills as they become inquiring and confident apprenticeship learners.
The range of learning and teaching strategies that are applied across the programme seek to develop and foster independence in the acquisition of knowledge and facilitate the application of theoretical knowledge. A typical module may include a combination of:
- live on-line workshops,
- video lectures,
- self-led reading and research,
- work-based practice and reflection,
- group discussion and action learning,
- quizzes and other forms of knowledge-check via the virtual learning environment,
- opportunities to engage with experienced practitioners to explore the application of theory in a range of intelligence contexts.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
Induction
All apprentice learners will begin their programme of study with a comprehensive induction period, the primary purpose of which is to foster a sense of community within the teaching group and establish peer-to-peer support networks which will enable learners to thrive and flourish throughout the course. Induction will also provide information as to the variety of support available to learners including academic skills, wellbeing, and career development. Whilst also equipping learners with the knowledge and skills required to manage apprenticeship journey.
Support Mechanisms
LJMU has a range of support services available to learners throughout their studies.
From an academic perspective, apprentice learners have access to the programme team, their personal tutor, their work-based mentor, and other experts in intelligence matters within the Liverpool Centre for Advanced Policing Studies. In addition to the services of LJMU Academic Achievement and Libraries who provide a comprehensive offering of online and in person, group, and individual support with study skills. Further, each learner will participate in a 12-weekly tripartite progress review with their work-based mentor and a member of the teaching team, enabling continued discussion of their development across the programme through goal-setting and tracking, reflection on learning, and the identification and management of any additional support needs.
Whilst from a well-being perspective, learners may access the wide variety of health and other support services provided by LJMU. In addition to engaging with career development experts to explore opportunities post-programme.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
Assessments throughout this programme are designed to reflect the tasks undertaken and challenges experienced by intelligence analysts in the workplace. Thereby enabling them to apply learning directly to their professional practice, including reflecting upon the experience and identifying opportunities for further development. Each module incorporates a different assessment form and opportunity to receive feedback prior to final submission, enabling learners to maximise their potential and achieve deeper learning.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications:
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
Level 2 English and mathematics as required by the Education and Skills Funding Agency for apprenticeship EPA completion. Proof of qualification to be provided on application.
Further information
-
DBS, Occupational Health requirements
Employment in a public or private sector role requiring the knowledge and skills of an intelligence analyst.
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU Degree Apprenticeship form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:
- Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
- NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
- Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
- Higher Diploma in Maths/English
- Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/English
- Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
- Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
Alternative international qualifications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The university reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the university. Where this does happen, the university operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.