Intelligence analysts use data to detect and prevent crime and protect UK security and the economy.


Typical Salary

£20,000 – £52,000

per year

Working Hours

37–40

hours per week

Career Area

Business and related research professionals

View related courses

Day-to-day tasks

As an intelligence analyst you'll:

  • collect and analyse national and international data using specialist software
  •  build a picture of activities in a specific area and monitor the behaviour of individuals and groups
  •  present information to managers and other agencies
  •  review the effectiveness of your analysis
  •  act as an expert witness in court
  •  update records and keep up to date with security and confidentiality rules

Skills needed

  • 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

How to get into this role

You can get into this job through:

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

Career progression

With experience, you could work as a senior intelligence analyst. You would give specialist advice, assess trends and support managers to make decisions.

To get to senior intelligence analyst roles, you would usually follow an established career path created by the organisation you work for.

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