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