EU Intelligence Operations

Enabling officials to perform core duties within an intelligence environment to regional and international standards.

The EU Intelligence Operations Course (EUIOC) combines foundation and advanced field intelligence operations and planning courses as prescribed by international and regional curriculum. The course will take students without any knowledge of intelligence to the level of knowledge and skill required to function as intelligence staff.

Introducing students to the fundamentals of the European intelligence system and organisation, the European Criminal Intelligence Model (ECIM) and associated security architecture; students cover intelligence, security, decision-making, legal and preventative tactics, techniques and procedures. Attendees will also be introduced to key contemporary threats to European security and develop an understanding of how to apply covert collection, counter-intelligence, intelligence analysis and covert action to counter them.

The EUIOC combines intelligence operations courses prescribed by international and regional curricula. The course draws particular focus to regional and international law, ethical standards, risk and security.

Target Audience

The course assumes some existing knowledge of European security issues. However, anyone who is physically fit with a higher education (degree-level or equivalent), good character, history of personal and professional responsibility and an ethical and justifiable reason to study may attend. Historically, the programme has attracted the following representation:

	Internationals: Representatives from EU, UN and other international agencies, missions and institutions.		Nationals: National intelligence, military and law-enforcement delegates attending on behalf of European states.
	Non-Profits: Functionaries in a position of public trust representing the media, NGOs, charitable and other third sector organisations.		Others: Professionals from the private sector, academia and other organisations.

Learning Objectives

	ECIM Concepts: Explain the intelligence cycle, the European Criminal Intelligence Model (ECIM), primary roles, responsibilities, systems and organisation.
	Security: Apply operational security and recognise the potential and consequences of a security breach. Understand how to handle, evaluate, sanitise and disclose intelligence material.
	Basic Research: Identify sources of information and conduct research using telephone data and other sources. Record and search information in key EU intelligence systems.
	Surveillance Law: Understand European counter-terrorism policy, types of surveillance (inc. property interference), prepare applications for authorisation and preserve surveillance products as evidence.
	Surveillance Ethics: Recognise the principles of justification, proportionality, necessity and collateral intrusion, and be able to ensure that these issues are correctly addressed. Understand covert surveillance ethics and law and obtain useable surveillance imagery accordingly.
	Intelligence Briefing: Formulate prevention, intelligence and enforcement (PIE) policy options to address contemporary threats to European security. Conduct briefings, debriefings and risk assessments.
	Covert Support: Covertly collect information of intelligence value, provide support to counter-intelligence functions and understand and support the full spectrum of covert action available within the intelligence environment.

Course Format

The EU Intelligence Operations Course is designed to develop regional skills and knowledge as an intelligence officer so you can more easily work across nation states. To develop these skills a variety of formats and delivery methods have been used including:

1. Flexible Delivery: Workshops and exercises as well as traditional lectures.
2. Coaching & Mentoring: Career advice in the security sector from recognised experts, assistance and support with course content and sustained aftercare.
3. Blended Learning: The latest iteration of the course combines preparatory training via our e-learning platform with consolidated learning in an intensive attendance programme.

Part 1 - e-Learning

Prior to attendance each candidate must pass a preparatory e-learning programme delivered over no less than two months. Candidates are free to sign up and begin study at any time and on their own schedule.

Part 2 - Residential/Online School

After completion of the e-learning programme in Stage I, an intensive one week hybrid residential and online school consolidates learning over five consecutive days. The majority of the school is Ex. CAPSTONE, a live training exercise and capability assessment during which candidates take on the role of intelligence operatives. Candidates can choose to attend on-site in Vienna or by video-conferencing online.

Dates & Times

Candidates are free to sign up and begin studying the e-learning component at any time and on their own schedule. The hybrid residential school runs once a year, beginning on the first Monday in July and running for 5 consecutive days. Candidates may not be admitted to the hybrid residential school without having achieved a passing grade on the e-learning element. Therefore, candidates should ensure they are enrolled by no later than the first week in April to provide sufficient time to complete distance-learning and access to all available scheduled events. Applications take approximately 4 weeks to process but security vetting may take up to 6 months to complete for applicants who lack a current security clearance.

Assessment

Assessment may be by any valid and accredited competency assessment meeting course requirements. However, competency is most commonly evidenced through the following combination of assessment methods:

• A pre-selection dossier including validated: security vetting, professional/academic reference checks, higher education certification (degree-level or equivalent), fitness/medical checks and evidence of a relevant career history and assessed knowledge in European security.
• A score of greater than 49% on the intelligence operations section of the MCPE or an equivalently balanced examination of similar content.
• Submission of a portfolio of work satisfying the criteria for at least a pass according to the candidate handbook.
• An approved assessor's independent testimony of observed competency across the intelligence operations domain of the Integrated Competency Framework (ICF) for Intelligence throughout at least 10 hours of supervised professional practice.

Standards

Credentials are fully accredited for compliance with international standards. For further details on Institute requirements, international standards and accreditation, view the Accreditation page.

Certification

The EQF Level 3 Award in EU Intelligence Operations accompanying this credential is earned after accruing 6 credits at approximately 60 guided learning hours.

Fees & Discounts

Not including accommodation, the course is delivered at a cost of €1750. Payment is accepted by bank transfer, card or PayPal. The following pricing options are available:

	Distance-Learning Rate: Gain an additional €500 discount by electing to complete the residential element of the course online instead of attending on-site.
	Group Rate: If you are booking on behalf of a group, further incentives may apply. Please contact the head of the training and directing staff for further details.
	Induction Fees: Candidates using the Institute to obtain a security clearance for the first time must also complete the Intelligence Security (INTSEC) awareness course. Those who have not studied with the Academy before must complete the Intelligence Foundations (INTFND) selection and induction course. Fees for these online short-courses are €350 and €150 respectively.

Downloads

 IEIS Candidate Handbook (PDF, 352KB)

 EUIOC Syllabus & Curriculum (PDF, 191KB)

Location

Vienna or Online.