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Security Service personnel

Security Service personnel protect the UK against threats to national security.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become a Security Service personnel

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

University

To enter the Security Service with a degree, you would need to have a degree classification of at least a 2:1 or equivalent. Relevant degree subjects include:

  • history
  • languages
  • politics
  • economics
  • maths
  • law

With a degree you could apply for a number of different job roles, such as:

  • intelligence analyst
  • internet and computer technology specialist
  • security exploitation officer
  • foreign language analyst

Apprenticeship

You could enter some roles through a higher apprenticeship in intelligence operations.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and college qualifications like A levels for a higher or a degree apprenticeship

More information

Direct application

For some roles within the Security Service, such as 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.

More information

Further information

You can find out more about careers in this field from the Security Service MI5. 

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • Being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

  • be over 18 years of age
  • meet strict residency and nationality criteria
Due to the sensitive nature of the work, you would have background checks carried out, which could include detailed questions about your life. You would also have to provide work and character references. You can get more information about the vetting process and eligibility from the Security Service MI5.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

  • collecting information on threats to national security
  • watching and reporting on suspects’ movements and actions
  • using specialist IT or electronics equipment to record and observe meetings, conversations or activities
  • reading emails and letters and checking social media
  • deciding if something poses a potential threat

Working environment

You could work at a police station, in an office, in government or in a control room.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding, outdoors some of the time and you'll travel often and spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

With experience and a good performance record, you could move into management. You could also move to another station in the UK or apply for opportunities with SIS and GCHQ.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Security Service personnel right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a Security Service personnel?

Search for training courses near you.

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