Advanced Research Methodology in Security Studies – Methods, Techniques, Research Tools and Their Application 1600-SZD-SPEC-ZMD-NB
The aim of the course is to familiarize doctoral students with the advanced methodology of research in security studies, with particular emphasis on methods of strategic analysis, design, and forecasting in security policy. Participants will learn advanced research tools used to formulate objectives, plan actions, and develop security concepts at both the national and international levels.
Course topics:
Methodology of research in security studies – logic of scientific inquiry, research problems, hypotheses, operationalization of concepts, and directions in the development of security research methodology in light of changes in the 21st-century security environment.
Methods of strategic analysis – selection of the national security environment model, methods for identifying threats and opportunities, strengths and weaknesses, SWOT analysis.
Designing and forecasting in security research – strategic foresight methods, analysis of trends and megatrends, risk assessment, and scenario-building.
Method of formulating security policy objectives – models of strategic planning, management by objectives (MBO), low- and high-integration goals.
Method of planning operational concepts in the field of security – tools for operational and strategic planning in security institutions, methods of evaluation and strategic reasoning.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge | The graduate knows and understands:
WG_01: the global theoretical and methodological achievements in the field of security studies, enabling the revision of existing paradigms.
WG_02: main developmental trends in research methodology in the social and security sciences.
WG_03: principles and techniques of scientific research used in strategic analysis and security forecasting.
Skills | The graduate is able to:
UU_02: design and conduct research using methods of strategic analysis, forecasting, and planning in the field of security.
Social competences | The graduate is ready to
KO_01: fulfill the social obligations of a researcher in analyzing public security issues.
KK_1: critically assess the achievements within the discipline of social sciences.
Assessment criteria
Description of requirements related to participation in classes, including the permitted number of explained absences: No prerequisites. A maximum of one justified absence is allowed. Attendance is mandatory.
Principles for passing the classes and the subject (including resit session): Course completion is based on a written paper (a methodological analysis of a selected research problem in the field of security, 8–10 pages). In case of failure, a resubmission is possible on a date agreed with the instructor.
Methods for the verification of learning outcomes: Evaluation of the written paper (selection and application of research methods). Assessment of participation and engagement in discussions. Optional: presentation of a selected research tool.
Evaluation criteria:
60% – quality of the written paper (methodological accuracy, application of methods, argumentation);
30% – participation and engagement in discussions;
10% – preparation of a presentation or example of research method application.
Bibliography
Szulc B.M. (2024). Bezpieczeństwo a nauki o bezpieczeństwie. Warszawa: Adam Marszałek.
Glen A. (2025). Poznanie bezpieczeństwa podmiotu. Prawda, metafory, myślenie, język. Uniwersytet w Siedlcach.
Wiśniewski, B. (red.) (2021). Bezpieczeństwo w teorii i badaniach naukowych. Wydanie III uzupełnione i poszerzone. Wyższa Szkoła Policji w Szczytnie.
Gierszewski J. (2024). Sprawiedliwość, wolność i subsydiarność jako komponenty bezpieczeństwa społecznego. Warszawa: Difin.
Kitler W., Wiśniewski B., Wołejszo J. (2024). Metodyka ćwiczeń podsystemu niemilitarnego w systemie obronnym RP. Teoria i praktyka. Towarzystwo Wiedzy Obronnej.
Jurczak J. (2024). Projektowanie jako narzędzie planowania strategicznego w dziedzinie bezpieczeństwa. Warszawa: Difin.
Wiśniewski B., Polko P. (2024). Contemporary Understanding of Security and Its Contexts. Peter Lang.
Bryman, A. (2016). Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. SAGE Publications.
Baylis, J., Wirtz, J., Gray, C. S. (eds.) (2018). Strategy in the Contemporary World. Oxford University Press.
Salter, M.B., Mutlu, C.E., & Frowd, P.M. (Eds.). (2023). Research Methods in Critical Security Studies: An Introduction (2nd ed.). Routledge.
De Goede, M., Bosma, E., & Pallister-Wilkins, P. (Eds.). (2019). Secrecy and Methods in Security Research: A Guide to Qualitative Fieldwork (1st ed.). Routledge.
Finden, A., López C.Y., Ike T., Gaudino U., Oando S. (Eds.) (2025). Methodologies in Critical Terrorism Studies. Gaps and Interdisciplinary Perspectives. Routledge.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: