Espionage, Intelligence and National Security

Overview

This day school was originally scheduled for 13 April 2024.

This event will examine both the history of espionage and the trends that shape the intelligence world and international security situation in the 21st century.

We will grapple with key introductory theoretical issues in intelligence and counterintelligence, including concepts such as the intelligence cycle and methods of intelligence collection and dissemination.

We will study the place of espionage and intelligence in the lives of individuals and in modern day society, in relation to national and international security threats that we all face every day. In doing so, you will be introduced to the mechanics of modern-day intelligence and will examine the histories and methods of the main modern-day intelligence gathering agencies – the CIA, MI5, SIS, Mossad and the KGB/FSB, as well as some of their predecessors, tracing the development of espionage theory and techniques and seeking to understand the evolution and nature of international intelligence relationships.

Historical case studies will be used along the way so that you can see theory and technique in practice and understand and analyse intelligence successes and failures. We will also consider the practical concerns and challenges faced by intelligence officers and services, and the ethics of intelligence.

Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 BST on 12 June 2024.

Programme details

9.45am:
Registration at Rewley House reception (for in-person attendees)

10am:
An introduction to the world of intelligence 

11.15am:
Tea/coffee break

11.45am:
The history of espionage 

1pm:
Lunch break

2pm:
Modern intelligence frameworks and practice 

3.15pm:
Tea/coffee break

3.45pm:
Intelligence successes, failures and the ethics of espionage  

5pm:
End of day

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee - in-person attendance (includes tea/coffee) £99.00
Course Fee - virtual attendance £90.00
Baguette Lunch £6.50
Hot Lunch (3 courses) £17.60

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Dr Sarah Miller

Dr Sarah-Louise Miller is a historian of war and conflict, specialising in the Second World War and the use of military intelligence. She is currently a visiting scholar at the University of Oxford’s Faculty of History, and is a member of Kellogg College, Oxford. She is also a full-time lecturer in the Defence Studies Department at King’s College London. Sarah writes widely on intelligence and the Second World War, and appears regularly on British television, having featured on various history documentaries for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky History.

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form. 

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the price, but if you wish to stay with us the night before the course, then please contact our Residential Centre.

Accommodation in Rewley House - all bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished and each room has tea and coffee making facilities, Freeview television, and Free WiFi and private bath or shower rooms.  Please contact our Residential Centre on +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk for details of availability and discounted prices.

IT requirements

For those joining us online

We will be using Zoom for the livestreaming of this event. If you’re attending online, you’ll be able to see and hear the speakers, and to submit questions via the Zoom interface. Joining instructions will be sent out prior to the start date. We recommend that you join the session at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start time – just as you might arrive a bit early at our lecture theatre for an in-person event.

Please note that this course will not be recorded.