Bachelor of Military Science in Defence Intelligence Studies
Law, Military Science and Security - Sovereignty of the State
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Military Science (BMil (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 function effectively in the specific culture of the intelligence, counter-intelligence, and collection environments. It also aims to enable individuals to exploit opportunities, analyze threats, or potential threats and meet the demands of the intelligence environment. The Degree aims to educate a competent and professional officer corps to assist and support the effective delivery of intelligence products and services.
Objectives:
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding and competency of the required subject content knowledge base, educational theory, and methodology.
- Apply the principles and theory of a professional intelligence functionary competently.
- Possess focused knowledge and skills in executing the intelligence discipline.
- Exhibit a specific depth of knowledge, specialization, practical skills, and workplace application.
- Take initiative and responsibility in an academic and professional functional intelligence environment.
- Develop intellectual independence and some level of independent research competence in the field of intelligence.
- Understand the diversity in the South African and human context for objective and efficient intelligence conduct.
- Demonstrate creative and critical thinking skills in intelligence product submissions.
- Show a critical understanding of the role and function of intelligence within the Security domain, specifically with reference to the South African National Defence Force.
Rationale:
- The BMil (Defence Intelligence Studies) addresses the need for specialized education in the intelligence domain to meet the challenges and complexity of the intelligence environment for peace in Africa and the world.
- It aims to achieve parity with international best practices in intelligence education.
- The qualification aligns with the Department of Defence's initiative for all officers to have a Degree before commissioning by 2020.
- The development and education of officers in the intelligence domain are essential to address future challenges and maintain a professional Defence Force fulfilling Constitutional obligations.
- The qualification structure supports the trend in international academic communities, where degrees in intelligence studies are becoming prevalent.
- It prepares officers for postgraduate studies, specialization, and meeting the evolving demands of the intelligence environment.
- The qualification aims to produce adaptive, reflexive intelligence officers who can effectively operate in diverse and changing environments.
- The BMil (Defence Intelligence Studies) equips intelligence functionaries with academic knowledge to effectively navigate the intelligence, counter-intelligence, and collection environments.
- It contributes to security, social, and economic transformation and upliftment within South African society.
- The degree enhances the efficiency of the Department of Defence and Military Veterans in fulfilling their Constitutional obligations.
This Bachelor of Military Science in Defence Intelligence Studies is crucial for developing professional intelligence officers equipped to address the security challenges of today and the future effectively.
Outcomes
- 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.
- 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.
- Identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments within the intelligence discipline and context.
- 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.
- 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.
- Develop and communicate ideas and opinions in well-formed arguments, using appropriate academic, professional, or occupational discourse.
- Manage processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts, recognising that problem solving is context and system bound, and does not occur in isolation.
- Identify, evaluate and address his or her learning needs in a self-directed manner, and to facilitate collaborative learning processes.
- 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.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of intelligence studies and analysis in relation to various disciplines.
- Evaluate types of knowledge within the field of intelligence study.
- Knowledge assessed through evaluations, assignments, tests, and examinations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Interact responsibly with subject content knowledge.
- Apply analytic and investigative skills.
- Complete a research paper on Comparative Intelligence Studies.
- Conduct strategic intelligence analysis using various research methodologies.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Produce estimative intelligence products.
- Interpret and integrate intelligence information for decision-making processes.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Understand diversity in the South African and human context.
- Conduct intelligence objectively and efficiently within the Security domain.
- Understand the role of intelligence in the South African National Defence Force.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Develop independent research competence in intelligence.
- Design a strategic intelligence management system.
- Apply project management methodologies in strategic intelligence management.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Execute intelligence discipline with focused knowledge and skills.
- Demonstrate practical skills in workplace application.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Display creative and critical thinking skills.
- Formulate future intelligence scenarios.
- Debate diverse viewpoints on intelligence and security policy questions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Take initiative and critique intelligence systems.
- Work on individual and group assignments.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Understand organisational requirements of an intelligence organisation.
- Illustrate the value of strategic intelligence management practices.
- Motivate the contribution of strategic intelligence processes to decision-making within DOD/SANDF.
Integrated Assessment:
- Learner assessment is integrated into the programme.
- Examination and Promotion Regulations ensure fair assessment processes.
- Reassessment opportunities are provided.
- Final marks are determined based on class marks and examination performance.
- Admission to final examinations is based on meeting minimum class mark requirements.
- Progression to the next module is subject to meeting minimum performance standards.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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