/prod01/university-of-lincoln-cdn-pxl/media/responsive2017/coursepage/backgrounds/MSc,ISR,Header.jpg )
Welcome to MSc Innovation in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
The Innovation in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance MSc (ISR) is designed to bring together practitioners from a wide area of ISR systems in a comprehensive academic programme. The programme has been developed to provide a route by which military personnel of appropriate experience and expertise can obtain an in-service academic qualification.
The course is designed to integrate military training and education within an academic framework. Students combine the study of specialist subject matter within an academic framework, which provides opportunity for critical and analytical engagement. Through this programme, students can validate their expertise and experience and obtain recognised qualifications which also have credibility outside the military sphere.
Please contact Programme Leader, Dr Steven Paget for more information at SPaget@lincoln.ac.uk.
How You Study
This course aims to develop the knowledge, skills, and a critical understanding of ISR within the wider Intelligence Systems environment. It also provides the opportunity to develop a thorough technological understanding of hardware and software systems, in a range of environments and across a wide range of platforms used in this field. This can be achieved by studying and researching a range of key disciplines, reflecting, researching and critically evaluating doctrine and procedures within the ISR sphere of operations.
Students experience a combination of different techniques including a hands-on practical approach to scenarios and workshops, debates, lectures, and personal research. Students will be expected to examine and professionally evaluate operational and technical aspects of ISR management by reflection and the preparation of essays, presentations, and research projects.
Analytical skills are developed by critically evaluating thinking, action, and structural factors operating in the area of ISR, including underlying assumptions, and identifying implications for wider systems that extend the area of practice. The development of practical skills is progressive and is supported with mentor guidance and supporting material. Individual lecturers will have different areas of expertise and will employ a wide variety of teaching strategies enhancing the experience and providing a range of teaching approaches to the programme.
An Introduction to Your Modules
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
How you are assessed
Assessments take place towards the end of the study module encouraging consolidation of knowledge and skills developed during the module intensive delivery period. All study modules include coursework elements for both summative and formative assessment.
Reports and assignments are used to assess knowledge and understanding, critical analysis, development of reasoned argument, and synthesis of conclusions. Oral presentation skills are assessed in the context of consideration of professional issues when students present to peers the results of some group work. Practical implementation assignments assess both programming and design skills.
Feedback on coursework may be provided via written comments on work submitted, by provision of 'model' answers or through discussion in tutorials.
Career Opportunities and Professional Development
This course has been developed in order to provide a route by which military personnel of appropriate experience and expertise can obtain a credible in-service academic qualification. Students combine the study of specialist subject matter within an academic framework, which provides opportunity for critical and analytical engagement. Through this programme students can validate their expertise and experience and obtain recognised qualifications which also have credibility outside the military sphere.
International Applications
Please note that this programme is now closed for international applications for September 2023 entry.
Entry Requirements 2022-23
This programme is only available to those applicants who are currently serving military personnel with ISR experience, or those who have recently left the armed forces but are employed in an associated relevant profession. Normally applicants will have a first degree (usually at 2:1 or above) and/or appropriate experience in the related military field.
Available to those with a minimum of eight years of military service in relevant roles, credit can be awarded via a process known as APEL - Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning. Applicants provide documentary evidence of their experience and learning and this is considered by the APEL Board. Successful students are then invited to attend a one-week research methods course at the University of Lincoln.
Within one month of the research methods course, students are expected to submit their research project proposal for assessment. The two-year part-time MSc then continue as students research their chosen project and write a 20,000 word project report. Students are supported throughout this process by their personal academic supervisor and have regular meetings and discussions either face-to-face or via email and video conferencing. Successful completion and assessment of the project and its associated report leads to the award of the MSc.
Funding Schemes
A number of funding schemes are available to assist military students in financing their studies.
These include:
- Standard Learning Credit (SLC)
- Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC)
- Publicly funded Further and Higher Education for Service leavers (PF FE/HE).
All of these schemes are administered by the Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS). Further information on eligibility and entitlements are available from your education staffs and the MOD’s ELCAS information website.
The University of Lincoln is a registered ELCAS provider: 1283
Fees and Funding
For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.
Programme-Specific Additional Costs
For each course you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required. With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.