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Intelligence analyst

Alternative titles for this job include Criminal intelligence analyst

Intelligence analysts use data to detect and prevent crime and to 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 an intelligence analyst

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You could do a degree in a subject that includes data analysis, for example:

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

Other subjects may be accepted.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

The following apprenticeships may be relevant to this role:

  • Level 4 Intelligence analysts
  • Level 4 Cyber intrusion analysts
  • Level 4 Cyber security technologist
  • Level 6 Serious and complex crime
  • Level 6 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, for example as a researcher or language specialist, and apply to join an intelligence officer training programme.

You could also apply to become a police intelligence officer, if you're working in a police force. Each 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

Further information

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

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

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

With experience, you could work as a senior analyst, giving specialist advice and assessing trends to work with managers on future priorities.

Employers usually offer clear career paths to more senior roles.

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

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Cyber Security Analyst Apprentice

  • Wage: £12,000.00 - £16,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Milton Keynes

Cyber Security Apprentice

  • Wage: £225.00 Weekly
  • Location: Leeds
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Network Engineering (Cyber Security) - Foundation Degree (Subject to Validation)

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 14 September 2021
  • Location: Blackpool

Computing and Cyber Security

  • Provider: HAVANT AND SOUTH DOWNS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2021
  • Location: Waterlooville
Find courses near you

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