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Practical knowledge for intelligence and investigation professionals.
The IMSL resource centre brings together useful content for customers, practitioners, and organisations working across intelligence, investigations, risk, security, technical delivery, and training.
Visitors can explore current thinking through articles, find direct answers in our FAQs, or see how methods and services translate into practice through examples.
Insight and commentary from IMSL specialists.
Explore analysis, viewpoints, practical guidance, and emerging issues across intelligence, investigations, technology, risk, security, and training.
The dark web, a term that evokes images of shadowy corners of the internet, is
The future of Open-Source Intelligence will be AI-supported, but analyst-led AI is no longer just
Open-source intelligence (OSINT) has been a crucial part of intelligence gathering and analysis for centuries,
Straightforward answers to common questions.
Find concise answers about IMSL services, delivery models, intelligence, investigations, training, technical support, and how we work with customers.
How does the ‘Online, self-paced’ course work?
The online course includes video teaching, examples and case studies with online support and feedback to succeed. You won’t be required to sit on any live webinars and can start and stop your study time at any point, so you can fit it around your work and personal life. You will have access to a personal tutor for 1:1 support throughout the duration of the course.
What is the refund policy?
Cancellation more than 28 days before the course commences: Full refund or rebooking available.
Cancellation 14-28 days before the course commences: 50% refund or rebooking available.
Cancellation up to 14 days before the course commences: Non-refundable, rebooking available.
Who can benefit from these OSINT courses?
These qualifications are ideal for professionals involved in internet research including intelligence analysts, law enforcement, corporate security, KYC teams, due diligence investigators, and anyone needing to improve their online research skills.
What is the best way to get to the training centre in Box from Bath?
If staying in Central Bath and travelling by car or taxi, please allow 40 mins to get to Box due to traffic congestion in and around the Bath area. We can forward details of bus/coach details if requested).
Does the Level 3 course include Level 1?
Yes, it does. For the classroom-based course, the first 3 days are Level 1 content and the remaining 2 days are the Level 3 content. If students want to gain the Level 3 accreditation, then they need to attend for the 5 days.
Is accommodation included in the cost of the course
No, it’s not, unfortunately! We suggest fully flexible travel/accommodation and can provide a list of recommended accommodation in Box, Bath and surrounding area upon request.
How many guided learning hours does each course consist of?
Level 1 is 16 guided hours
Level 3 is 40 guided hours
What is the difference between the Level 1 and Level 3 OSINT courses?
Level 1 provides a foundational introduction to open source intelligence (OSINT), covering basics like Boolean search, legal considerations, and investigating people or organisations.
Level 3 includes all Level 1 content plus advanced modules such as dark web research, web scraping, whistleblowing sites, and social media analysis across platforms like X, Instagram, and Telegram.
How are the courses delivered and what is the format?
Courses can either be delivered in person (classroom-based) or online (self-paced).
Our classroom courses combine 50% instructor-led theory, 40% practical exercises, and 10% classroom discussion. Students access additional resources and submit assignments through our online platform.
Our online option is self-paced and not confined to any set dates/location. This course option is delivered entirely through IMSL’s virtual platform, Moodle.
What are the Level 1 and Level 3 courses equivalent to?
The Level 1 Award is equivalent to a GCSE Grade 1-3 or European Qualification Level 2.
The Level 3 Award is equivalent to an A Level or European Qualification Level 4.
See how IMSL capability translates into practice.
Explore concise, practical examples that show how IMSL approaches intelligence, investigations, consulting, technical delivery, and training challenges.
Is Automation Worth It for OSINT Collection? Balancing Manual vs. Automated Approaches
One of the most common questions new OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) teams face is whether
Understanding the Dark Web and Cryptocurrency: Turning Risk into Investigative Advantage
For many organisations, the dark web and cryptocurrency remain poorly understood and frequently underestimated. Often
Economics Student Enhances Employability Through Level 3 OSINT Training
While many assume open-source intelligence (OSINT) and Intelligence Analysis is only relevant to security professionals
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