How to become Security Service personnel
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
Different roles in the security services have different entry routes.
University
To enter the Security Service with a degree, you'll need a pass at upper second class or higher. Relevant degree subjects include:
- history
- languages
- politics
- economics
- maths
- law
With a degree you can apply for job roles, like:
- intelligence analyst
- internet and computer technology specialist
- security exploitation officer
- foreign language analyst
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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Apprenticeship
You could apply for one of the MI5 technical apprenticeships like:
- infrastructure engineering apprenticeship
- software engineer degree apprenticeship
You will need to apply directly to the Security Service MI5 to gain a place on one of these apprenticeships.
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Direct Application
For some roles within the Security Service, like foreign language analyst or security guard, you would not need any specific qualifications. Entry would be based on the experience and skills you could bring to the role, for instance fluency in a language like Russian or Mandarin.
There could also be opportunities for you if you have technical, vocational or professional qualifications in subjects like electronics or accountancy.
For support jobs such as business officer or administration assistant, you may need five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent including English and maths, or have relevant office-based experience.
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Further information
You can find out more about careers and training in this field from the Security Service MI5.