Study Fee: Click here to view the t(/study-fee)uition and subscription options.(/study-fee)(/study-fee) Monthly study plans start from €499 per month, depending on the program and level of academic support selected.

Study Method: This program is delivered 100% online, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world with flexible scheduling. Students may also have the option to attend the graduation ceremony in Switzerland, subject to visa approval and travel regulations.

Study Language: The program is delivered in English. Students are expected to have sufficient English language proficiency to complete the coursework and academic requirements.

Applications can be submitted online through our admission portal.(/apply)(/apply) Applicants may also contact or visit our offices in different regions, including: • Europe: Switzerland • GCC: Dubai (UAE) • Asia: Bishkek Our admissions team will guide you through the application and enrollment process.

Programs are offered through a flexible monthly subscription system, allowing students to progress at their own pace while maintaining access to academic resources and support services.

This program has a minimum study period depending on the academic level and program structure. Students may complete the program at their own pace while maintaining an active monthly subscription.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should meet the academic entry requirements for the respective program level. Typical requirements may include: • A previous academic qualification relevant to the program level • A copy of passport or national ID • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume • Completed online application form Additional documents may be requested depending on the program and the institution delivering the program.

Certification / Degree Awarded

Upon successful completion of all academic requirements, students will receive the corresponding certificate or academic degree issued by the responsible institution within the VBNN Smart Education Group network.

Doctorate in National Security and Intelligence

Feb 20
2 min read

This doctorate study program is a 100% research-based academic pathway designed for senior professionals, strategic analysts, policymakers, and researchers who aim to contribute original knowledge to the fields of national security, intelligence studies, and global risk governance. Positioned at a study level equal to EQF Level 8 and aligned with the Third European Cycle, the program emphasizes advanced theoretical frameworks, high-level analytical capabilities, and independent scholarly research addressing complex security challenges.

Structured over a duration of +18 months (with a defined minimum period and flexibility for extension), the program enables participants to balance professional responsibilities while engaging in rigorous academic research. The research-intensive structure ensures the development of strategic thinking, methodological depth, and the ability to design, execute, and publish impactful research within national and international security contexts.

The curriculum consists of seven modules, carefully organized to ensure academic depth and specialization:

Four research-focused modules covering advanced research design, quantitative and qualitative methodologies, intelligence analysis models, strategic forecasting, and security risk assessment.
Two general modules addressing governance, ethics in intelligence operations, leadership in security institutions, and global policy environments.
One specialized module in National Security and Intelligence, focusing on geopolitical strategy, counter-intelligence, cybersecurity threats, counterterrorism frameworks, crisis management, hybrid warfare, and international security architecture.

The program culminates in a comprehensive thesis and structured research activities that allow candidates to produce original contributions to the discipline and influence policy, institutional practice, or academic discourse in security and intelligence studies.

This doctorate study program is particularly suited for high-level professionals in defense sectors, intelligence agencies, cybersecurity leadership, diplomatic services, strategic consulting, governmental advisory roles, and academic researchers seeking to advance to the highest level of scholarly and strategic expertise in national security and intelligence.