The Cambridge Security Initiative
& The Department of War Studies, King’s College London
The International Security and
Intelligence Professional Programme (ISI-Pro)
30th March - 12th April 2025- Emmanuel College, Cambridge
About ISI-Pro
The Cambridge Security Initiative (CSi) is proud to announce the launch of ISI-Pro, a new advanced programme inspired by the established and highly acclaimed ISI programme.
Specifically designed for mid- to senior-level professionals from across government, business, the military, the intelligence and law enforcement communities, international organisations and academia, ISI-Pro offers an opportunity to acquire a deeper understanding of international security and intelligence dynamics, to hone strategic thinking skills and, not least, to meet with others keen to develop their understanding of the global security environment.
The ISI-Pro programme also offers an excellent opportunity for ISI alumni to take their understanding of the international security environment to the next level while working with career professionals and renewing their connections with Cambridge.
ISI-Pro 2025 Application
The 2025 International Security and Intelligence Professional Programme is hosted at Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge.
The residential programme will run from Sunday 30th March to Saturday 12th April 2025.
Course Description
Building on CSi’s strong connections with leading practitioners and academic researchers in the fields of security and intelligence, this advanced course brings together experts and professionals to examine critical global security challenges and their impact on governments, citizens, and businesses.
With a special focus on the role of intelligence in shaping international relations, security and defence policies, ISI-Pro offers invaluable insights into how navigate today’s complex security landscape.
- Thematically organised into masterclasses, presentations and break-out sessions, the programme delves into the most urgent security crises around the world as well as enduring challenges to world order and the fundamental security dilemmas they pose.
- These sessions will include examination of, but not be limited to intelligence success and failure, information and cyber warfare, counterterrorism strategies, regional crises, security architectures and the geopolitical implications of emerging technologies, in particular AI and quantum computing.
- The role of intelligence in statecraft and the ‘missing dimension’ of intelligence in international affairs will also be explored. Regional actors, including Russia and China, in the context of great power competition, will be examined, as will the crises in the Middle East and Ukraine. Presentations on ethics, leadership, strategy, the role of private sector business intelligence, as well as perennial security threats such as terrorism, sabotage, counterintelligence, and insider threats will also be explored.
- Former intelligence officials, policymakers, and leading academics will bring real-world insights and cutting-edge research to the classroom.
FAQ
Who are my lecturers and seminar leaders?
Course convener, Professor David Gioe, will be joined by fellow leading academics from the intelligence and international security communities and former senior practitioners. Many of these have taught regularly on the 4-week ISI programme (see the faculty page) and/or are frequent presenters at CSi’s annual conference, ‘Intelligence and National Security in Changing World’.
What will a typical day look like?
The day will start with a lecture ‘masterclass’ – delivered by an internationally recognised expert in their field. Half of the cohort will then have a ‘reaction’ session – a conversation with the lecturer – while the other half reflects on the topic through readings and discussion. In the final morning session, these roles are reversed.
The afternoon timetable follows the same format.
What if I have already taken the 4-week ISI programme?
The ISI-PRO programme presents an ideal opportunity for ISI alumni to build upon previous ISI educational experiences by taking their understanding of the international security environment to the next level while networking with career professionals and renewing their connections with Cambridge.
Application and Fees
A professional CV or resume should be submitted with a short statement of purpose (not to exceed 500 words) detailing how ISI-Pro fits into career goals and what perspectives or expertise the applicant might bring to ISI-PRO.
- A non-refundable application fee of £150 is due at the time of application.
- Applications will be assessed within two weeks of submission.
- To secure a place, the programme fee must be paid in full within 2 weeks of notification of acceptance.
- The Programme Fee which includes the academic programme, a single occupancy bedroom with en-suite facilities, a daily continental breakfast, lunch on weekdays and several formal halls, is £3,500.00
Once admitted the applicant will receive a registration form. Receipt of the completed registration form and the programme fee will secure an applicant’s place on the ISI-Pro Programme 2025.
Staying in Cambridge
Nestled behind 16th-century sandstone walls in the heart of Cambridge, Emmanuel College offers professional delegates a rare chance to experience life within one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions. Delegates can enjoy serene courtyards, picturesque gardens, the Christopher Wren chapel, and the charming Emma duck pond, alongside access to the grand formal hall and historic library. Accommodation (single ensuite) and dining facilities provide an authentic taste of Cambridge student life, enhanced by the college’s rich heritage and the vibrant city atmosphere.
With shops, restaurants, and cultural venues just steps away, Emmanuel—affectionately known as Emma—combines academic excellence with a welcoming community and an inspiring glimpse into Cambridge’s collegiate traditions.