Intelligence analysts in the UK are responsible for gathering, assessing, and interpreting information from various sources to identify threats, risks, or opportunities related to national security, crime, or corporate interests. Their work involves analysing data, creating reports, and presenting findings to decision-makers who rely on accurate intelligence to inform policies and actions. Analysts may use technology, open-source information, and human sources to piece together patterns and trends. They often work closely with law enforcement, military, or other government departments, and sometimes in private sector roles focused on corporate security or fraud prevention.
Intelligence analysts in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £45,000 per year. Senior roles can reach up to £60,000 or higher.
There are over 3,000 intelligence analyst roles across the UK, with most positions found in government agencies, police forces, and security companies.
Key employers include MI5, MI6, GCHQ, the Metropolitan Police, and private security firms.
Focuses on gathering and analysing information about cyber threats to help protect organisations from hacking and online attacks.
Specialises in collecting and interpreting data to identify and prevent terrorist activities, working closely with law enforcement agencies.
Conducts detailed research and analysis on military and defence matters to support decision-making within government or armed forces.
Work towards GCSEs and A-levels, prioritising subjects like Maths, English, History, Politics, IT, or Languages.
Strong academic qualifications are highly valued. Subjects that develop analytical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills are particularly useful. A language or IT-based subject can be especially advantageous, as many intelligence roles require these skills.
Practise analysing information, notice patterns, and get comfortable with technology and computer software.
Try taking part in school clubs like debating, coding, or chess to enhance your analytical mindset. Learn to use spreadsheet and presentation tools, as you’ll often present findings and work with data in the role.
Apply for university courses in fields like Criminology, International Relations, Computer Science, or Languages. Alternatively, consider government apprenticeships in intelligence analysis.
Many intelligence analysts have a degree, but some government agencies offer Higher or Degree Apprenticeships that provide on-the-job training. Research the entry requirements for different organisations, as some may have specific preferences.
Look for internships, summer placements, or voluntary roles with police, security services, or public sector organisations.
Experience working with sensitive information or in fast-paced environments is valuable. Consider roles in research, data analysis, or even administrative positions that expose you to relevant skills.
Submit applications to organisations such as MI5, MI6, GCHQ, or law enforcement agencies for junior analyst positions.
Prepare a strong CV highlighting your analytical skills, relevant education, and any experience. Be ready for a rigorous selection process that may include assessments, interviews, and security vetting.
Complete background checks and attend any required training upon receiving a conditional offer.
All intelligence roles require a thorough security clearance process. This checks your background, financial history, and suitability for handling classified information. Training will cover legal, ethical, and operational aspects of intelligence work.
Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.
Click on any card to be redirected to their vacancy page.
Royal Navy
( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 100 positions available )
Being a Warfare Specialist (Submariner), means working with some of the most advanced computer systems available to identify, track and, if required, destroy potential threats. This will involve the covert monitoring of all other vessels (surface and sub-surface, friend or foe) within range of the advanced array of different sensors onboard.
Closing date: in 7 months
Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026
Royal Navy
( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 28 positions available )
We need to make the seas safe. For our warships, for civilian ships, for everyone. And that’s where you come in. You’ll be at the heart of these missions whether they’re in a Mediterranean port, or on operations in the Persian Gulf. As a Mine Warfare Specialist you’ll lead the way for our fleet, clearing any mines in its path.
Closing date: in 7 months
Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026
Royal Navy
( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 20 positions available )
Being a Intelligence Analyst means you’re vital to the Royal Navy's intelligence gathering operation. The go-to for information that shapes the operational decision-making process. Your insight will transform raw data into an indispensable analysis of the situation. You’ll also use your keen eye for detail to prepare briefings for senior officers.
Closing date: in 7 months
Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026
HEYGATES LIMITED
( Added 29 Jul 2025 - 1 position available )
A fantastic opportunity has become available for an IT support trainee to join the team, reporting to the Head of IT. This new and challenging role will give the opportunity to work with a wide range of enterprise technologies and potential to travel to other sites in the UK. An exciting and varied role.
Closing date: in 1 month
Possible start date: 13 Dec 2025
BUBBLE IT SOLUTIONS LTD
( Added 12 Aug 2025 - 1 position available )
As an IT Support Engineer Apprentice at Bubble IT, you’ll be the first point of contact for customers needing technical help. You’ll gain hands-on experience resolving a range of IT issues and developing your knowledge across hardware, software, and network support.
Closing date: in 11 days
Possible start date: 10 Nov 2025
BV Dairy
( Added 27 Aug 2025 - 1 position available )
First line business support, onsite, resolving issues such as forgotten passwords, connection and printing issues, and general problem identification. Covering customer service, system maintenance, and security, preparing you for more complex technical support roles.
Closing date: in 8 days
Possible start date: 03 Nov 2025
FORESIGHT (NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE)
( Added 08 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )
Are you organised, detail-oriented, and passionate about making a difference behind the scenes? As a Data Processor, you’ll play a key role in keeping things running smoothly, from managing vital records to coordinating services that support the community every day.
Closing date: in 16 days
Possible start date: 22 Nov 2025
INTERM IT (UK) LIMITED
( Added 08 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )
This is an IT Level 3 Apprenticeship role - split 80/20 between employment with the employer, and remote learning - gaining qualifications with Solveway Apprenticeships! We are looking for motivated, hard-working people who are passionate about technology. Our apprenticeship programme is intended for candidates who are looking for a career in IT.
Closing date: in 1 month
Possible start date: 29 Nov 2025
This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.
Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.
Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.
These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!
A business analyst is most similar to an intelligence analyst because both roles involve evaluating data to inform decision-making and strategic planning. They require strong analytical skills, understanding of contextual information, and the ability to communicate findings effectively.
You can get into this job through:
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:
You'll usually need:
You could do an apprenticeship such as:
You'll usually need:
a degree in a relevant subject
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.
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.
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.
You can find out more about a career in intelligence from:
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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