Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SOC3128: Introduction to Open-source Intelligence (OSINT)

This module descriptor refers to the 2022/3 academic year.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year-to-year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following themes:

  • Introduction: What is Open-source intelligence? What is its role in contemporary law enforcement investigations? Preparing your computer for OSINT work.
  • OSINT methodology and workflow, documentation, and ethics
  • Search engines and online communities
  • Social media part 1
  • Social media part 2
  • Email, usernames, telephone numbers, and search engines
  • Online maps, geolocation, and documents
  • Images and videos
  • Domain names and IP addresses
  • Government and business records and virtual currencies
  • Data breaches and leaks
  • Wrap-up revision, and the future of OSINT

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
221280

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching activities2211 x 2 hour practical sessions
Guided independent studies44Course readings and other multi-media content
Guided independent study25Reading/research for essay
Guided independent study59Group work/research for technical report

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).