This course provides an introduction to the principles, methodologies, and tradecraft of intelligence analysis. Students will learn about the intelligence cycle, understand how raw information is transformed into actionable intelligence that supports national security, law enforcement, corporate strategy, and policy decision-making. Students will be introduced to structured analytic techniques, critical thinking, bias mitigation, and be provided with example resources.

Throughout the course, students will examine the intelligence cycle, including collection, processing, analysis, dissemination, and feedback. They will learn the advantages and disadvantages of different components of intelligence that we discuss, assess reliability and credibility, and understand different ways in which the intelligence generated can be shared.

Key topics include:

The intelligence cycle
Analysis Techniques
Intelligence Sources
Warning analysis and risk assessment
Dissemination and Reporting

Each section is concluded with a short quiz to demonstrate knowledge gained. By the end of the course, students will understand the intelligence cycle, how it works, the value it provides and a number of frameworks that can be used to support it.

This course has been designed for beginners in the field who are pursuing careers in intelligence, national security, criminal justice, cybersecurity, international relations, and strategic analysis. Intelligence analysis has applications in any numbers of industries and can be an essential skill for anyone looking to better understand any situation.