Security Challenges in a Globalizing World (4 ECTS)

In this course, students get acquainted with the underlying social, economic, political and cultural changes of late-modernity that influence perceptions of (in)security and critically discuss the concept of ontological security. This course addresses transformations in society that produce ontological insecurity, like globalisation and hybrid threats. Further, the course will look into the renewed search for ontological security, as manifested in populism, identity politics, re-territorialisation, nationalism and nostalgia.

Security: Actors, Institutions and Constellations (5 ECTS)

The provision of security has increased in complexity over time. The public provision of security is divided amongst several public entities, the pure public provision of security is deemed an illusion, and citizens demand a role in this framework as well. The very concepts of internal and external security become fluid as well, not in the least because of the growing importance of cyber security. Lastly, this multi-actor approach plays in a multilevel setting. In this course, students discuss the different theories on how security can be provided in the most effective way, and what repercussions this has for the organisational structure of security actors.

Intelligence a Changing World (10 ECTS)

This course examines seven key debates shaping the study and practice of intelligence, including national intelligence cultures, globalization, secrecy, oversight, ethics, and intelligence in conflict. Students critically engage with traditional and emerging perspectives while developing advanced skills in conducting and writing literature reviews. This research skill enhances their ability to independently analyse, synthesise, and evaluate knowledge—capabilities valuable in both academic and professional contexts.

Intelligence and Conflict in the Digital Era (10 ECTS)

This course investigates how digital technologies have transformed intelligence and conflict, examining the evolving roles of states, corporations, and other actors in cyberspace. It critically explores cyberwarfare, digital espionage, and their implications for privacy and civil liberties. Students develop key research skills in data collection, learning to gather and assess reliable information on cybersecurity and intelligence challenges. The course prepares students to analyse and communicate complex issues related to cyber conflict and intelligence in the digital era, relevant for both academic and professional settings.

Security and the Rule of Law (5 ECTS)

Democracies today continue to wrestle with shifting and rapidly evolving threats stemming from conflicts, state coercion, and a variety of security concerns. Differently from other political systems, societies upholding the rule of law require policy and legal responses to respect balances and protect civil, social and human rights. Hence, how can states ensure safety while respecting a democratic legal framework? What kind of powers and responsibilities characterise democratic security governance? The aim of this course is to bring together different theoretical and methodological approaches in order to address these questions. Specifically, the seminars are designed around seven dilemmas related to security and the rule of law addressing both national and international politics.

Elective (5 ECTS)

In Block 4, students are required to pick one elective of 5 ECTS. Find the overview of the electives offered in 2025-2026 in the study guide.

Intelligence and Policymaking (10 ECTS)

This course critically examines the complex relationship between intelligence producers and policymakers, focusing on decision-making during national and international security crises. Students explore theoretical and practical aspects of the intelligence-policy interface, analysing both historical and recent cases such as the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Emphasis is placed on understanding intelligence successes and failures, cognitive biases, and the challenges of effective communication. The course develops students’ skills in analysing complex security phenomena and briefing policymakers, preparing them to translate academic insights into professional practice through collaborative projects and presentations.

Intelligence and Influence (10 ECTS)

This course delves into the covert influence activities undertaken by intelligence and security agencies of nation-states, examining how these institutions shape the behaviour and policies of state and non-state actors, often beyond public acknowledgement. Topics include unattributable propaganda, election interference, sabotage, clandestine operations, and international intelligence cooperation. The course critically explores the motivations behind covert influence, the operational and ethical challenges it raises, and the complexities of intelligence-sharing with partners. Through theoretical study and practical simulations, students gain advanced knowledge of covert influence practices, international liaison, and the associated political, legal, and normative implications, while developing critical evaluation and professional briefing skills.

Portfolio (1 ECTS)

You will acquire substantive knowledge and (research) skills throughout the CSM-programme, especially in the specialisation courses where assignments are tailored towards testing specific research skills: literature review, data collection, analysis of complex situations and phenomena, and critical review of standing research.

In your portfolio, you include assignments produced during the specialisation courses and common courses, showing the (research) skills and competencies acquired.
The portfolio also functions as a showcase for future employers: you can not only show to employers skills obtained, but also the research papers they produced. The portfolio therefore is also part of the labour market preparation in the CSM-programme. 
Additionally, the portfolio has to be accompanied by a reflection paper and problem analysis assignment. In the specialisation courses and common courses you have to produce short interim reflection papers, that serve as the basis for the final reflection paper.
In the final reflection paper, you reflect on your learning pathway in terms of (research skills) and general insight in Crisis and Security Management as developed during the programme. That way, you show your competency of self-directed learning and the ability to critically reflect on their competencies and achievement as a (future) reflective, academically trained security professional.

A defense meeting in which the portfolio, reflection paper and problem analysis assignment will be presented and discussed, is part of this course and function as the formal final step in order to graduate.