Learn to process and analyse intelligence so you can identify threats and make decisions in this free online course.

The process that involves collecting information and data from various sources on a potential enemy to foretell their behaviour, including any possible threats that may arise, is referred to as ‘intelligence analysis’. Intelligence analysis aims to ward off the criminal activities of enemies both from within and without. In addition, you can use it to investigate the economic aspects that determine a country's capacity to sustain its armed forces and carry out military actions. You can protect a nation from potential criminals and terrorist threats through effective intelligence analysis. This course provides you with a comprehensive understanding of intelligence analysis by showing you some applications and examples. We begin by defining ‘intelligence analysis’ and then discuss its origin and requirements. Following that, you'll learn about crime analysis, its advantages and its role in devising situations.

Next, we examine the purpose of an analyst and the attributes that completes an analyst. You'll explore the evolution of intelligence analysis and the challenges faced by analysts due to the developments and capabilities in information and globalisation. You'll study the intelligence cycle, its phases and each phase's purpose in intelligence analysis. To correctly analyse data and information, an intelligence analyst needs to be able to think creatively. In this light, you'll learn about critical thinking standards, how it helps intelligence analysis and the importance of questioning. You'll understand the cost and utility of critical thinking and its role in preventing typical mistakes.

An intelligence analyst is responsible for delivering intelligence analytics to appropriate audiences, among other responsibilities. You will study their duties, how to formulate hypotheses and the objectives of intelligence agencies. You'll investigate the impact of secrecy in the intelligence service and policymakers' difficult choices. Human intelligence (HUMINT) describes intelligence acquired from data and information provided by human sources. You'll learn about HUMINT and the abilities needed to be an effective HUMINT collector. We explain the relationship between an intelligence office and a policymaker. Finally, we teach you to identify the core competencies necessary for intelligence officer training and education. This course is developed for all learners interested in pursuing careers as intelligence analysts in various institutions and government agencies, including information technology firms and the armed forces. By studying this course, you'll develop your critical thinking abilities and become an intelligence analyst. So without any delay, enrol and start this course today.