Diploma of Intelligence Analysis

Overview

Developed in consultation with Australian Government representatives and industry, the Diploma of Intelligence Analysis is the only nationally accredited generic intelligence course currently available in Australia.

This Diploma will assist you to be an innovative and methodical intelligence analyst.

You will learn how to gather, analyse and contextualise data to draw conclusions and put forward recommendations. You will develop techniques for hypothesis creation, justification and defence. You will address the issues of information ethics, security and dissemination; with a strong emphasis being placed on effective and persuasive communication.

Job Opportunities

• Intelligence Analyst
• Researcher
• Information Officer

Who should Attend

This course is designed for people working as, or wishing to work as, intelligence analysts, researchers and information officers in the public and private sectors

Entry Requirements

To be eligible to enrol in this course you will need to:

• be selected and sponsored by your employer agency
  
  If you are an employee of a government agency you must be selected and sponsored by your Senior Officer or Supervisor. There may be specific security clearance and vetting requirements for sensitive intelligence analysis settings. You may also be required to undergo an interview process.

OR

• submit a written application giving reasons for studying in this field and other evidence that demonstrates your awareness of the role of analysts and applications of analysis in your chosen area.
  
  Your application should include your:
  
  • experience in research and analysis
  • capacity to be self-motivated
  • interests in current affairs
  • capacity to question conventional thinking and practices
  • critical thinking and problem solving skills
  • capacity to creatively explore issues
  • commitment to complete this course.

You may also be required to undergo an interview process.

What's involved

• Face to face training sessions
• Milestone activities
• Work-based projects
• Assessment interview

Class Size

Minimum 8 participants
Maximum 20 participants

Objectives

On completion of this Diploma, you should be able to demonstrate the following in the areas identified:

Intelligence Methods and Techniques

• Use a broad range of resources, media, techniques and formats in the production of intelligence analysis products
• Plan, select and apply a range of information collection, ordering and analysis methods
• Apply a range of logical and lateral thinking approaches to generate plausible hypotheses and scenarios that may constitute threats, opportunities or eventualities
• Identify, interpret and evaluate situations and their treatment options
• Produce clear and concise analysis products on complex and unclear situations through the application of intelligence processes such as:
  • task/ brief clarification
  • project planning
  • information research
  • collation
  • evaluation
  • corroboration and interpretation
  • hypothesis/ scenario building
  • testing and evaluation
  • results analysis
  • justification and report/ recommendations
  • formulation and presentation

Cognitive and Contextual Skills

• Demonstrate applications of thinking skills and processes in the context of intelligence analysis
• Select, integrate and apply analytical methods
• Establish and maintain diverse current affairs interests
• Research and explore a range of alternative intelligence context scenarios, risks and outcomes to demonstrate core and advanced technical and analytical expertise
• Justify and promote own analytical work within contemporary intelligence contexts in terms of the underpinning theory and practice, ethical standards and compliance requirements
• Reflect on and evaluate intelligence analysis practice in the context of emerging environmental, social, political, security and economic threats and responsibilities
• Demonstrate capacity to undertake research work in support of professional development or further study

Communication and Management

• Apply business and security management principles and methods to professional intelligence analysis projects
• Establish essential network contacts to formulate, challenge and enhance attitudes which encourage self-development and awareness, intellectual curiosity and promote social, cultural and ethical sensitivity
• Collaborate and contribute effectively to individual and team effort
• Provide and produce required intelligence services, advice, support and product that meets clients' needs within project resource allocations in a professional manner
• Communicate effectively with a broad range of clients, professionals and stakeholders using appropriate forms of communication
• Establish ongoing feedback mechanisms with clients to ensure continued relevance and quality of product and services

Intelligence Applications

• Initiate, clarify, plan, coordinate and manage the development and production of products that respond to a broad range of intelligence problems and comply with ethical, legal, regulatory and other applicable standard frameworks
• Draw on a range of resources of practical, theoretical, historical and strategic contexts to ensure the relevance of analysis outcomes and judgements
• Operate alone and as an accountable team member in the intelligence industry workplace/ agency and respond to emerging task variations
• Ensure the required levels of compliance, security and confidentiality are maintained
• Resolve conflicting tensions and issues in an ethical and accountable manner
• Generate and explore creative or unique techniques and solutions to intelligence problems and tasks
• Critically reflect on intelligence practices with respect to quality assurance, efficiency, effectiveness and improvement

Units of Study 

This Diploma is delivered through a combination of scheduled face-to-face classes and integrated project-based learning, enhanced by approaches that engage with quantitative and qualitative analysis tools.

• Conduct routine intelligence analysis processes
• Analyse personal thinking and behaviours
• Work effectively as an intelligence analyst
• Produce routine intelligence analysis products
• Select and use standard analysis tools and techniques
• Analyse thinking and behaviour of others
• Liaise and coordinate intelligence analysis projects
• Produce complex intelligence products
• Develop and integrate innovative intelligence analysis tools
• Contextualise emerging situations, risks and opportunities
• Manage external influences on intelligence analysis projects
• Apply innovative approaches to intelligence analysis and product development
• Manage intelligence analysis projects and present intelligence products to clients