LLM module to feature guest speaker from the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ)

This year’s Aspects of National Security Law module will be the first year in which it welcomes a guest speaker who is a serving member of the intelligence services. The Director of Legal Affairs and International Relations at GCHQ will be talking to students about the legal challenges in a post-Snowden world.

GCHQ is part of the team which protects the UK, along with law enforcement and the other intelligence agencies. Working with HMG and industry, GCHQ defends Government systems from cyber threat, provides support to the Armed Forces and strives to keep the public safe, in real life and online.

In addition, Charles Cory-Wright QC, a leading Special Advocate in national security litigation, will also be giving a seminar on the work of Special Advocates.

Dr Tom Hickman, who convenes the module, said:

“This is a unique module which aims to give students an insight into national security law as it operates in practice. Historically it would not have been possible for a member of the intelligence community to participate on a university course, but we are delighted that in the new era of openness GCHQ has agreed to make such educational opportunities possible. It will be an exciting course this year."

The module examines the growth of national security law as a discipline and the various tensions with the rule of law and human rights that occur when seeking to adjudicate national security issues.

Find out more about the module

Photo credit: Tim Crocker