Intelligence analyst

You can become an intelligence analyst with a degree in a wide range of subjects. However, you could gain useful skills from a degree that includes data analysis, for example:

• computing
• maths and statistics
• social science
• psychology
• criminology

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could do an apprenticeship such as:

• Intelligence Analyst Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Cyber Security Technologist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Digital Forensic Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Serious and Complex Crime Investigator Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
• Advanced Digital Forensic Professional Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

• a degree in a relevant subject

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• apprenticeship levels|https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/about-apprenticeships#UnderstandingApprenticeshiplevelsandqualifications

You might be able to start in a related job in the security services like researcher or language specialist. You could then apply to join an intelligence officer training programme.

If you work for the police, you could apply to become a police intelligence officer . Each police force sets its own entry requirements.

You could apply for MI5's Intelligence and Data Analyst Development Programme if you have a degree or relevant work experience.

You might also be able to apply through the Civil Service Fast Stream or to the National Crime Agency .

Applications can take up to 9 months. As part of the process, you'll need to be ready to answer questions about your personal life, relationships, family and finances.

Career Tips

Summer internship schemes and student placements are a useful way to find out more about the role and the recruitment process.

In more specialist roles, you might find it useful  to be able to speak a different language.

Further Information

You can find out more about a career in intelligence from:

• Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ)
• Secret Intelligence Service , often known as MI6
• Security Service , often known as MI5
• National Crime Agency
• UK Cyber Security Council

As an intelligence analyst you'll:

• collect and analyse national and international data using specialist software
• build a picture of activities in a specific area and monitor the behaviour of individuals and groups
• present information to managers and other agencies
• review the effectiveness of your analysis
• act as an expert witness in court
• update records and keep up to date with security and confidentiality rules

You could work in an office or in a court.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and you may spend nights away from home.