Chaired by Sir Richard Dearlove, formerly Chief of the British Secret Intelligence Service (aka MI6), the Cambridge Security Initiative (CSi) launched the International Security and Intelligence (ISI) Programme in 2016. The aim of this unique programme is to provide an opportunity for participants to meet and work with leading academics and practitioners from intelligence and security communities in the historic setting of one of the world’s foremost universities. The Programme is run in partnership with the Department of War Studies at King’s College, London.

The Programme convenors are Professor Michael S. Goodman, BA(Hons), MA, PhD, FRHistS, former Head of War Studies and Professor of Intelligence and International Affairs at King’s College London and Professor David Gioe, PhD, FRHistS, a British Academy Global Professor in the Department of War Studies at King’s College London and Associate Professor of History at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Professor Gioe brings over 23 years of combined active and reserve service working in the U.S. intelligence community, including analytical and operational roles in the FBI, CIA, DIA, and the Office of Naval Intelligence.

Western democracies face diverse and complex challenges from state and non-state actors which preoccupy the highest levels of government, private industry, and civil society. Themes explored include:

• How can western intelligence communities operate in a world of seemingly ubiquitous surveillance and how they might compete with – or harness – the revolution in open source data?
• Threats posed by intelligence, cyber warfare, radicalization, acts of terrorism, regional insecurity and information operations.
• Modern conceptions of transparency tempered by legitimate claims for state secrecy and the role of the intelligence and security agencies in a modern democratic society.
• Analytical challenges and the intelligence-policy interface.
• Various mechanisms of intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination, intelligence liaison, counter-intelligence and covert operations.​

Teaching is modelled on that offered by Cambridge University and the pace is set by lectures, seminars and supervisions (tutorials) designed specifically for this programme.

Included in the Programme is attendance at CSi’s annual Conference (25th and 26th July 2024) which explores Intelligence and National Security in a Changing World. 

Participants have the opportunity to participate in a lively social and cultural programme with academic, pastoral and medical support. Paricipants will have access to the Cambridge University Library for the duration of the Programme as well as a  bespoke online learning platform.

Applications are invited from students and practitioners with an intellectual or professional interest in statecraft and the interlocking themes of intelligence, security, defence and foreign policy.

ISI operates a rolling application process and is always fully-subscribed. Early application is therefore strongly advised.

CSi’s annual conference explores current themes relating to Intelligence and National Security in a Changing World. The Conference, which all ISI participants attend, brings together speakers and delegates from governments, security agencies, academia and business to explore a wide range of security-related issues. Past speakers have included heads of the British Cabinet Office, the French Security Service, GCHQ and MI6, distinguished academics, ambassadors and business leaders.

For additional information, please visit our Conference Page.

Founded in 1584, Emmanuel College with its quiet courts and gardens is set in the heart of medieval (and modern) Cambridge. Like most colleges it has a rich architectural history and its central location provides the ideal base from which to explore the cultural and social  life of this historic City.

Single occupancy accommodation is offered for the duration of the Programme either with en-suite or shared bathroom facilities. Linens, towels and cleaning by College staff are provided and laundry facilities are available. There are well-equipped kitchens for students’ use on each floor; study and social spaces; wi-fi, a cafe, a a bar and a fine historic dining hall. Breakfast is included in the accommodation fee (Sunday – Friday). Also included are at least two ‘formal halls’ (served three-course dinners) each week. Central Cambridge offers an abundance of food outlets to suit all tastes (and budgets), a very popular daily produce market and many convenience stores.

ISI is a residential programme bringing together people from many countries with shared intellectual interests who find there is much to be gained from the shared social and cultural experience.

Should it not be possible for you to live in Cambridge for the duration of the Programme for family or other reasons, please let us know when you make your application.

• If you are currently enrolled in higher education, you will need to upload an academic transcript and an academic reference.

• If you are a professional applicant, you will need to upload your CV and a professional reference.

• A Personal Statement of 500 words or less, explaining why you would like to participate in ISI 2024 focusing on your professional or academic experiences and what you feel you will gain from the programme.

• ISI Research Supervision Proposal including the subject area, title, brief description, relevant work and sources. 

• Proof of English Language Proficiency. This is only required for non-native English speakers studying at Universities whose language of instruction is not English.

There are five full tuition-fee Scholarships available for students attending the ISI  Programme – who will have a GPA above 3.6.

The Cambridge Security Initiative welcomes applications for the 2024 ISI Scholarships.

The deadline for Scholarship applications is 17:00 Greenwich Mean Time on Monday 12^th February 2024. 

Please note: (i) you can apply in any order or concurrently but (ii) to be eligible for consideration for a Scholarship,  you MUST have an ISI offer.

Click on the icon below to submit your Scholarship application.

Insurance Information:

All participants must ensure that they have adequate insurance prior to travelling to Cambridge. Insurance should cover:

• all international medical and emergency expenses;
• loss or damage to your personal belongings while you are travelling to/from and during your stay in the UK;
• personal liability.

Visa Information:

If you require a visa, you can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities.

You must apply for a Standard Visitor visa online before you travel to the UK.

A Standard Visitor visa costs £115 for up to 6 months. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.

If you visit the UK regularly, you can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead.

Please check you meet the eligibility requirements on the UK Government Website.

Additional Information about UK Visas can be found here.

Please note: the Cambridge Security Initiative and the Department of War Studies, King’s College, London are responsible to the UK Border Force for monitoring attendance at the Programme to ensure that students comply with the terms of their visa.

We strongly advise you to take copies of your passport, Visa Letter and insurance policies prior to travelling and keep these separate from the originals.

If you arrive in Cambridge without the correct immigration clearance for short term study, we will not permit you to start the programme. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa clearance to participate in ISI. 

If you will be receiving financial aid and intend to use this to pay all/some of the ISI fee, disbursement dates may delay your ability to pay the fee. In such a case  it may be possible for you to secure your place by paying a £500 deposit and the balance once your aid is released. Please contact isi@thecsi.org.uk to discuss such arrangements at the earliest opportunity.

Incoming students frequently enquire about publication opportunities that stem from work completed during the Programme. Supervisors encourage students to pursue publication opportunities. With this in mind, we highly recommend that you discuss with your supervisor about the pathway to publication upon arrival in Cambridge. A selection of ISI Faculty and Alumni Publications can be found on our Social Media Pages linked below.

If you are an alumni of ISI and wish to publish you article on our website please email alumni@thecsi.org.uk.