Security Service personnel

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

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:

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

Entry requirements:

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.

Entry requirements:

DirectApplication

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.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

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
• complex problem-solving skills
• customer service skills
• knowledge of psychology
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to read English
• excellent written communication skills
• concentration skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

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

Your day-to-day duties will vary according to your role. You could:

• collect information on threats to national security
• watch and report on suspects' movements and actions
• use specialist IT or electronics equipment to record and observe activities
• make decisions about potential threats
• support and troubleshoot IT systems
• develop software systems
• provide administrative support in departments like finance or HR

Location : You could work at a police station, in an office or in a control room.
Environment : Your working environment may be emotionally demanding, outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £22,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

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 (Secret Intelligence Service MI6) and GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters).