Bachelor of Military Science in Defence Intelligence Studies

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Military Science (BMil (Defence Intelligence Studies)) is to equip the intelligence functionary with broad based academic knowledge to be able to function effectively in the specific culture of the intelligence, counter-intelligence and collection environments and also be able to exploit the opportunities, analyse threats or potential threats and meet the demands of the intelligence environment. The Degree aims at educating a competent and professional officer corps to assist and support the effective delivery of intelligence products and services. The objective will be achieved when learners are able to demonstrate:

• A thorough understanding and competency of, and interact responsibly with, the required subject content knowledge base, educational theory and methodology.
• Competency in applying the principles and theory of a professional intelligence functionary.
• Focused knowledge and skills in executing the intelligence discipline.
• A specific depth of, and specialisation in knowledge, together with practical skills and workplace application.
• Initiative and responsibility in an academic and professional functional intelligence environment.
• Intellectual independence and the development of some level of independent research competence in the field of intelligence.
• An understanding of the diversity in the South African and human context in order to conduct intelligence objectively and efficiently.
• Creative and critical thinking skills in the submission of intelligence products.
• A critical understanding of the role and function of intelligence within the Security domain and more specific with reference to the South African National Defence Force.

The BMil (Defence Intelligence Studies) will contribute to the further development of the learner within statutory intelligence by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability. A person acquiring this Degree will be able to apply appropriate advanced and sophisticated intelligence analysis approaches and techniques to solve complex intelligence problems; will have an understanding of advanced research methodology and thinking skills and the application thereof in the intelligence and counter-intelligence analysis processes. The learners will be able to show responsibility, and independently and effectively manage themselves within the intelligence domain. In addition, the learners will be able to produce and disseminate relevant and appropriate intelligence products that are descriptive, evaluative and predictive in content and provide intelligence advice and recommendations. The learner will be able to interact with a range of clients and intelligence information providers.

The qualification will reflect that the person is capable of operating effectively in the specific culture of the defence intelligence environment and is able to exploit the opportunities, analyse threats or potential threats and meet the demands of the intelligence environment. Such person will be able to support the Department of Defence with strategic, operational and tactical intelligence.

Rationale

There is a great need for a Bachelor in Defence Intelligence Studies as part of Military Science, with a focus on the conduct, challenges and complexity of the intelligence domain and environment, looking for peace in Africa and the world. This Degree aims at satisfying a specific need regarding the education in the South African Defence/Military Intelligence Community and to achieve parity with international best practices with regard to intelligence. The generic reference to intelligence in this context refers to the international understanding of the elements or disciplines of intelligence namely: intelligence (analysis), counter-intelligence, collection and covert action.

This qualification will support the initiative of the Department of Defence's Review 2020 that all officers must have a Degree before being commissioned as officers by 2020. The need to develop and educate officers in the intelligence domain is essential to address the challenges of the future and to promote a professional Defence Force that is able to fulfill its Constitutional obligations in terms of defending the integrity and citizens of the Republic of South Africa. Such an approach is also in line with developments in the international academic community where several countries through their universities have introduced degrees in intelligence studies as part of the field of study either through the establishing of a University in Intelligence Studies or independent schools, faculties and departments.

The architecture and purpose of the qualification does not only take the core purpose of the intelligence discipline as a point of departure, but also the premise that intelligence officers need to strengthen their intelligence and intelligence-related knowledge through focused education, opening access toward postgraduate studies and specialisation within specific fields of the intelligence domain as well as the broader academic domain. The qualification will provide the broad-based education into future specialisation, thereby providing specialist intelligence functionaries, who are able to address the security and intelligence challenges of the day.

There is a need to educate intelligence officers who are adaptable and reflexive so that they can function optimally in a diverse, complex and ever changing environment. The qualification envisions an officer who can think critically and who possesses the professional, technological and cultural knowledge to function optimally in the broader sense of the Intelligence Community.

The Bachelor of Military Science in Defence Intelligence Studies (BMil (Defence Intelligence Studies)) will equip the intelligence functionary with the broad based academic knowledge to be able to function effectively in the specific culture of the intelligence, counter-intelligence and collection environments and also be able to exploit the opportunities, analyse threats or potential threats and meet the demands of the intelligence environment. The level of skills, knowledge and understanding required within this qualification are essential for a beneficial impact on security as well as the social and economic transformation and upliftment within the South African society. The qualification also aims at educating a competent and professional officer corps to assist and support the effective delivery of intelligence products and services. The learner is sensitised to the specific culture, threats or potential threats, opportunities and demands of the intelligence environment. This qualification is for intelligence officers of the South African National Defence Force who require advanced knowledge and skills for the performance of their line function.

The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this qualification are essential for a beneficial impact on security, social and economic transformation and upliftment within the South African society. The qualification aims at developing a competent and professional work force to ensure the effective delivery of relevant and appropriate intelligence products and services. This Degree will have a major impact on the efficiency of the Department of Defence and Military Veterans in the executing of its Constitutional obligation, namely the protection of the sovereignty of the state and its citizen.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be implemented according to the National Policy for the Implementation of the Recognition of Prior Learning of March 2013, the Policy for Credit Accumulation and Transfer within the National Qualifications Framework of 2014 and the Policy for the Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) of the institution. These policies are contextualised within the ARPL policy of the Faculty of Military Science.

Entry Requirements

• National Senior Certificate granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies.

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Levels 6 and 7 totalling 368 Credits. Students will take the subject combinations as listed below. Progression per year will be as follows:

• 1st year: The following modules are compulsory: Intelligence Studies I, Intelligence Analysis I, English Studies I, and Computer Information Systems I, totalling 96 Credits. Optional modules are: Political Science I, Military Geography I, or, Military History I, totalling 24 Credits. Thus, the total first year modules are 120 Credits.
• 2nd year: The following modules are compulsory: Intelligence Studies II, Intelligence Analysis II, Military History II, and Mercantile Law and Criminal Law I and II, totalling 88 Credits. Optional modules are: Political Science II, Military Strategy II, Military Geography II, or, Military Psychology II, totalling 32 or 40. Thus, the total second year modules are 120 or 128 Credits.
• 3rd year: The following modules are compulsory: Intelligence Studies III and Intelligence Analysis II, totalling 80 Credits. Optional modules are: Political Science III, Military Geography III, Military Psychology III, Military Strategy III, or, Military History III, totalling 48 credits. Thus, the total first year modules are 128 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 6: 184 Credits

• English Studies (Mil) 114: Academic Writing and Communication in English, 12 Credits.
• Computer Information Systems (Mil) 114: Information Systems Theory and Practise, 12 Credits.
• Intelligence Studies 114: Introduction to Intelligence and Collection, 12 Credits.
• Intelligence Analysis 114: Introduction to Intelligence Analysis, 12 Credits.
• English Studies (Mil) 144: English Language, Literature and Culture in Context, 12 Credits.
• Computer Information Systems (Mil) 144: Software Engineering and Object-orientated Programming, 12 Credits.
• Intelligence Studies 144: Introduction to Counter-Intelligence and Covert Action, 12 Credits.
• Intelligence Analysis 144: Factors Influencing Intelligence Analysis, 12 Credits.
• Military History 224: General Intelligence History, 16 Credits.
• Intelligence Studies 214: Counter-Intelligence Threats, 16 Credits.
• Mercantile Law (Mil) and Criminal law (Mil) 114: Criminal and Military Law, 12 Credits.
• Intelligence Analysis 154: Intelligence Analysis, 12 Credits.
• Military History 254: South African Intelligence History, 16 Credits.
• Mercantile Law (Mil) and Criminal law (Mil) 254: Intelligence Mandate and Regulatory Framework, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules at Level 6

• Political Science (Mil) 114: Introduction to Political Science, 12 Credits.
• Military Geography 114: Concepts and Techniques in Geography, 12 Credits.
• Military History 114: General Military History to 1914, 12 Credits.
• Political Science (Mil) 144: Introduction to IR and CMR, 12 Credits.
• Military Geography 144: The Physical environment, 12 Credits.
• Military History 144: The Military History of Africa to 1945, 12 Credits.
• Political Science (Mil) 214: South Africa and the International Community, 16 Credits.
• Military Geography 214: Military Conduct and the Environment, 20 Credits.
• Industrial Psychology (Mil) 214: Military Psychology, 16 Credits.
• Military Strategy 214: Study of Strategic Thought and Concepts, 16 Credits.
• Military History 214: South African Military History to the 21st Century, 16 Credits.
• Political Science (Mil) 244: Introduction to African Politics, 16 Credits.
• Military Geography 244: The Geography of Sub-Saharan Africa, 20 Credits.
• Industrial Psychology (Mil) 254: The Management of Cultural Diversity, 16 Credits.
• Military Strategy 244: Introduction to African Security, 16 Credits.
• Military History 244: The First and Second World Wars, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 7: 80 Credits

• Intelligence Studies 314: Strategic Intelligence and Intelligence Management, 24 Credits.
• Intelligence Analysis 214: Structured Intelligence Analytical Techniques, 16 Credits.
• Intelligence Studies 344: Contemporary and Comparative Intelligence Studies, 24 Credits.
• Intelligence Analysis 244: Producing Intelligence Products, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules at Level 7

• Political Science (Mil) 314: African Political Thought, 24 Credits.
• Military Geography 314: Geographical Information Systems, 24 Credits.
• Industrial Psychology (Mil) 324: Intelligence Psychology, 24 Credits.
• Military Strategy 314: Contemporary Thought on Low Intensity Conflict, 24 Credits.
• Military History 314: Contemporary Warfare, 24 Credits.
• Political Science (Mil) 344: Africa and the International Political Economy, 24 Credits.
• Military Geography 344: Remote Sensing, 24 Credits.
• Industrial Psychology (Mil) 354: Psychological Warfare, 24 Credits.
• Military Strategy 344: Conventional Schools of Thought and Future Warfare, 24 Credits.
• Military History 344: Low-intensity Conflict in Africa Since 1945, 24 Credits.

1. Integrate knowledge of the central areas of intelligence studies and practices, including an understanding of and the ability to apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of the intelligence discipline and practice; and detailed knowledge of an area or areas of specialisation and how that knowledge relates to other fields, disciplines or practices.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods of enquiry in the intelligence discipline and practice, and their suitability to specific investigations; and the ability to select and apply a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change within a practice.
3. Identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments within the intelligence discipline and context.
4. Take decisions and act ethically and professionally and the ability to justify those decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within a supported intelligence discipline and environment.
5. Develop appropriate processes of information gathering for a given context or use; and the ability to independently validate the sources of information and evaluate and manage the information within the intelligence domain.
6. Develop and communicate ideas and opinions in well-formed arguments, using appropriate academic, professional, or occupational discourse.
7. Manage processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts, recognising that problem solving is context and system bound, and does not occur in isolation.
8. Identify, evaluate and address his or her learning needs in a self-directed manner, and to facilitate collaborative learning processes.
9. Demonstrate the ability to take full responsibility for his or her work, decision-making and use of resources, and limited accountability for the decisions and actions of others in varied or ill-defined contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of and competency in the area of intelligence studies and analysis, and how it relates to political science, military geography, intelligence psychology, military strategy and military history, with the knowledge assessed through a series of evaluations, assignments and formal tests, as well as written examinations, presentations and practical examinations.
• Demonstrate an understanding of knowledge as contested and the ability to evaluate types of knowledge and explanations typical within the field of intelligence study and practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Interact responsibly with the required subject content knowledge base, educational theory and methodology.
• Apply analytic, evaluative and investigative skills from a broad comparative perspective.
• Think and reflect critically regarding Comparative Intelligence Studies through completing a relevant research paper.
• Conduct strategic intelligence analysis using a variety of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and assessing their application in the strategic intelligence analysis environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply the principles and theory of a professional intelligence functionary, e.g. in producing an estimative intelligence product by effectively interpreting and integrating intelligence information that supports decision-making processes and requirements of a client at the requisite level.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity in the South African and human context in order to conduct intelligence objectively and efficiently.
• Display a critical understanding of the role and function of intelligence within the Security domain and more specific with reference to the South African National Defence Force.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Display intellectual independence and the development of some level of independent research competence in the field of intelligence, e.g. in designing a strategic intelligence management system and process.
• Apply contemporary project management methodologies within the discipline of strategic intelligence management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Use focused knowledge and skills in executing the intelligence discipline and a specific depth of, and specialisation in knowledge, together with practical skills and workplace application, evaluated in a variety of presentation and assignment assessment tasks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Display creative and critical thinking skills in the submission of intelligence products for different clients.
• Formulate future intelligence scenarios by analysing contemporary intelligence research papers, products, literature, scenarios, etc.
• Debate the merits of diverse viewpoints regarding contemporary international intelligence and security policy questions facing the South African Government through individual assessments and oral presentations.
• Compare and contrast the weaknesses and strengths of Foreign Intelligence communities of selected countries (regional, continental and international) in relation to those of South Africa through comparative analysis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Take initiative and responsibility in an academic and professional functional intelligence environment.
• Demonstrate insight into and the ability to critique intelligence systems, both through individual assignments and group work products.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Analyse and understand the inherent organisational requirements of an intelligence organisation linked to the management of various intelligence processes.
• Illustrate the value of sound strategic intelligence management practices in enhancing the output of a strategic organisational process.
• Motivate how the management of strategic intelligence processes contributes to the strategic planning and decision-making process within the DOD/SANDF.

Integrated Assessment

Learner assessment is integrated in the whole system of a programme approach to teaching and learning and as such forms part of the institutional context. The Faculty of Military Science, as required to all Faculties of the University, have to ensure that their qualifications are aligned with the Assessment Policy. The application of said policy with the Faculty of Military Science is as follows:

Examination and Promotion Regulations

Reassessment

Provision is made for only two examinations of equal value. A learner, who is unsuccessful in any module of any of the final examinations (May/June or November) and who qualifies for reassessment, will undergo an oral or a written reassessment immediately after the first examinations (at the same time as the deferred examinations) in order to determine whether he/she passes or fails.

Determination of Final Mark

Except in the case of continuous assessment, where only a final mark applies, the determination of the learner's final mark for a module shall take into account: (i) the class mark, which is based upon the assessments done during the presentation of the module, and (ii) the examination mark, which includes the learner's achievement in the final examination (and in the reassessment, if any

Admission to Final Examinations

Except where no class mark is required, a learner shall not be admitted to the final examinations in a module unless he has obtained in such module a class mark of at least 40, provided that no student shall be refused admission to such final examinations in a module in which his class mark has been based on one assessment only.

Proceeding to a Module

A learner shall be admitted to a module in a particular year of study of a subject only if he is not more than half the credits of a single preceding year of study of such subject in arrears, provided that this rule shall be subject to the relevant co-requisite, prerequisite and prerequisite pass modules and shall be subject to the relevant class and examination tables.

A learner must obtain a minimum of 40% in a module to continue with the next module within a specific subject.