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Intelligence analyst

Alternative titles for this job include Criminal intelligence analyst, intelligence officer

Intelligence analysts use data to detect and prevent crime and protect UK security and the economy.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£52,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays at short notice

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Intelligence analyst

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • a graduate training scheme

University

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

Apprenticeship

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

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

More Information

Work

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.

Other Routes

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.

More Information

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:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of English language
  • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • be over 18 years of age
  • be a British citizen
  • have lived in the UK for the last 3 years
  • pass enhanced background checks
  • have a good level of fitness
  • pass a medical check

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could work as a senior intelligence analyst. You would give specialist advice, assess trends and support managers to make decisions.

To get to senior intelligence analyst roles, you would usually follow an established career path created by the organisation you work for.

You could also move to a related area of work within your organisation, for example applying to become a police officer.


Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

The Royal Navy - Intelligence Analysist - Intelligence Analyst Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £20,400 a year Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire

RAF Intelligence Analyst- Full Time Career with Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £25,200 a year Annually
  • Location: Carterton
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Cyber Security - Certificate of Higher Education

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 19 January 2026
  • Location: Blackpool

Extended Diploma in Cyber Security

  • Provider: HALESOWEN COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Halesowen
Find courses near you

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