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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 an intelligence analyst

You can get into this job through:

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

University

Intelligence services recruit graduates from a wide range of subjects. You could gain particularly relevant skills from a degree in a subject that includes data analysis, for example:

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

Being able to speak different languages may also be useful for more specialist roles.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

The following higher apprenticeships may be relevant to this role:

  • intelligence analyst
  • cyber security technologist

You could also gain some of the skills and knowledge required through degree apprenticeships like:

  • serious and complex crime investigator
  • police constable

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 may be able to start in a related job in the security services then apply to join an intelligence officer training programme. Related jobs include researcher or language specialist.

You could also apply to become a police intelligence officer, if you work for the police. Each police force sets its own application 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 may 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 prepared to answer questions about your personal life, relationships, family and finances.

More Information

Career tips

Look out for information on student placements and summer internship schemes. These are a great way to find out more about the role and the recruitment process.

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

In this role, you'll:

  • collect national and international data
  • analyse data using specialist software
  • build a picture of activities in a specific area by studying data trends
  • present your intelligence to managers and other agencies
  • monitor the behaviour of individuals or groups
  • update intelligence records on databases
  • review the effectiveness of your analysis
  • act as an expert witness in court
  • 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 analyst. You would give specialist advice, assess trends and support managers to make decisions on organisational priorities.

To get to senior 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

Cyber Security Apprentice (Durham DH7)

  • Wage: £18,486.00 Annually
  • Location: Not known

Cyber Security Technologist Apprentice (LGC Ltd)

  • Wage: £16,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Teddington, Middlesex
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Extended Diploma in Cyber Security

  • Provider: HALESOWEN COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2023
  • Location: Halesowen

Cyber Security Principles - Level 3

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 12 January 2023
  • Location: Blackpool
Find courses near you

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