How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- a graduate training scheme
University
You can study for a degree in a wide range of subjects. Courses that include data analysis can prove to be useful, for example:
- computing
- maths and statistics
- social science
- psychology
- criminology
You can do a postgraduate qualification, if you have a related degree.
It's worth checking with universities, as industry experience and professional certifications may also count towards course entry requirements.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a related degree or several years' relevant experience
More Information
Apprenticeship
You could apply to 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
These can take between 2 and 3 years to complete. They are a mix of work-based training and study with an approved learning provider.
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 once you've gained some experience.
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 in data analysis.
You may also be able to apply to the National Crime Agency, or for a place on the Civil Service Fast Stream scheme.
Applications can take several months. As part of the process, you'll be asked questions about your personal life, relationships, family and finances.
More Information
Career tips
Summer internship schemes and student placements with intelligence organisations are a good way to find out more about the profession and the recruitment process.
In some specialist roles, it could be useful if you're able to speak more than one language.
Further information
You can find out more about a career in intelligence from the: