A fascinating course being taught in France could have definitive impact on the future of intelligence gathering. The Diplôme sur le Renseignement et les Menaces Globales, or Diploma of Intelligence and Global Threats, was developed in collaboration between Sciences Po and French secret services to equip students with critical skills for the modern security landscape. This program had initially been proposed by French authorities at the establishment of the TGV system a decade ago. Importantly, it proactively meets the changing priorities of intelligence agencies.
This year’s class is a particularly impressive group of 28 energetic students—the perfect mix of bright young thinkers and creative, accomplished pros. Among them, six of those heroes are still working as spies. The course provides 120 hours of dynamic classroom work during a four-month period. You’ll dive into intriguing discussions, like the economics of organized crime, Islamic jihadism, business intelligence gathering, and political violence.
Prof. Xavier Crettiez, an academic who teaches a course on political radicalization, cited enormous expansion in the French intelligence apparatus in recent years. French intelligence agencies depend on an “inner circle” of 20,000 agents. The need for these highly-trained professionals is more pressing than ever.
To analyze how we gather intelligence through the lens of an alluring figure like James Bond is completely misplaced. Ultimately, the true job is about identifying those risks and determining how to mitigate them,” adds Alexandre Hubert, a student in the program.
The course is open to all students and we encourage students from all sectors to join us! It even brings them to people who intend to serve in governmental functions. For example, the chief of security at the French energy company EDF leads one of the modules for students.
French citizenship is initially required for applicants, although some dual nationals are able to register. This requirement further emphasizes the sensitive nature of the material being taught. Perhaps most poignantly, it shows the faith that is built into individuals who will operate in and out of state security services.
“Coming here to discover this world which I didn’t know anything about except for the TV series has been a remarkable opportunity, and now I am very keen to join the security services.”
The course costs for non-EU students are around €5,000, which is roughly $5,900 or £4,400. That charge is used to help fund both spies and pupils on location from private enterprises. Recent graduates have found work at top companies including Orange, Thales and LVHM, among others. This trend exemplifies both a widespread national demand and clear-cut industry demand specifically for expertise in intelligence and risk assessment, in today’s global economy.
Roger, a student with experience in consultancy across West Africa, explains his motivation for joining the course: “I joined the course to provide risk assessments to my clients there.” Intelligence capabilities go well beyond the security of the state. Even businesses are beginning to realize the importance of making informed decisions in a world ripe with volatility.
Prof. Crettiez expresses a degree of mystery surrounding his students’ backgrounds: “I rarely know the intelligence agents’ backgrounds when they are sent on the course, and I doubt the names I’m given are genuine anyway.” This veil of anonymity introduces an unexpected dynamic that both enhances the learning environment and engages students.
The course’s structure promotes interaction among students from various backgrounds, fostering a collaborative environment where shared experiences contribute to learning. Sebastien-Yves Laurent notes a shift in demographics within intelligence fields: “Women’s interest in intelligence gathering is new. They deeply want to believe that it will allow us to build back a better world.”
Prof. Crettiez cautions that not all graduates will have field roles after completing their studies: “Few new recruits will end up in the field.” The program serves as a pipeline for underrepresented groups to fill highly-skilled, dynamic roles in the intelligence community. Yet many of them will find themselves in support or analytical positions instead.