OSINT Course

An online self-study experience that will teach you how to perform Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) for a variety of educational and professional objectives. You will learn the tools, methods and best practices for collection and validation, but also broader knowledge about analytical tradecraft. You will receive a certification of completion as a testimony of your new abilities.

Who is this course for?

For everyone. Knowmad assumes no prior knowledge of intelligence or OSINT. Students, researchers, and professionals in political science, international relations, security, intelligence, and journalism will benefit the most. Having OSINT skills will boost your research skills and employability.

Employees of non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and businesses are also strongly encouraged to enroll. OSINT skills are highly sought-after for digital investigations, environmental protection, human rights monitoring, law enforcement, international travel advisory, the maritime industry, and other fields.

What will I learn?

Knowmad introduces you to analytical tradecraft, the intelligence collection disciplines, and OSINT collection tools. You will learn how to track aircraft, vessels, and satellites, collect and analyze satellite imagery, exploit social media channels, authenticate media material, and conduct other digital forensics processes.

Knowmad provides step-by-step guides, practical tutorials, and exercises. You will learn how to think and write like an intelligence analyst.

How is the course structured? 

The course consists of seven modules that introduces you to the principles of open and covert intelligence, analytical tradecraft, and the five collection disciplines (geospatial intelligence, signals intelligence, imagery intelligence, human intelligence, and social media intelligence).

How will the course be taught?  

We'll enroll you in a learning management system, which will give you access to instruction videos (lectures, walkthroughs, and demonstrations - total run time aprox. 250 min), assignments, and quizzes. Knowmad is a modular self-study course. You can complete the lessons at your own pace.

How much time do I have to complete the course?

Participants have 12 months to complete the course.

Will I benefit from interaction with an instructor?

Yes! You can communicate with your assigned instructor at any time. Your instructor will be happy to answer questions and provide feedback for your assignments.

What is the course’s teaching language?

The teaching language is in English.

Are there any requirements?

You'll need a digital device with internet access (ideally a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet), a functioning email address, and basic computer skills. All tools and web resources featured in this course are free and openly accessible.

Are there any restrictions?

You are not allowed to share your login credentials or course materials. It is forbidden to copy or distribute the course materials.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants will receive a certificate of completion after they complete at least 70% of the course materials.

Please make sure to provide a functioning email address to register you for the course.