For many kids growing up, being a spy was the ultimate cool job. James Bond, Jason Bourne, Jack Ryan and Ethan Hunt are some of the most popular fictional spies in the world.
But espionage isn't just for film – it's an important and highly secretive profession.
Instead of introducing themselves as Bond, James Bond, a spy will likely have multiple aliases, and be a tad more discreet than Ian Fleming 's protagonist.
So how does a person go about becoming a spy? And how many are there in the UK?
Here we take a look, ahead of the series Secrets of the Spies, which airs tonight at 9pm on Tuesday, August 9.
What is a spy?
A spy is a very general term that refers to a number of roles in the UK's intelligence services.
It's often used to describe intelligence officers, who acquire, assess and recommend what should be done in order to defend national security.
In the UK, the largest intelligence services are:
- National Crime Agency (NCA)
- Military Intelligence, Section 5 (MI5)
- Military Intelligence, Section 6 (MI6)
- Defence Intelligence (DI)
- Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ)
According to MI5, spies working for states fall within two categories – intelligence officers and agents.
Intelligence officers will be "highly trained in espionage techniques and the use of agents".
Meanwhile, an agent, formally known as a "covert human intelligence source", provides information to an intelligence officer.
How to become a spy
Becoming a spy is in theory very simple. Like any other jobs – you have to apply and then be selected and considered a right fit.
You can do this through the intelligence services websites.
However, this is where the simplicity ends – the recruitment process for becoming a spy is very strict.
Anyone who is considered for the job will be vetted intensely, and subjected to the highest level of clearance checks.
This will not only involve yourself, but invasive checks of your family and friends.
In order to be considered for the job, you need to possess skills such as honesty and integrity, have exceptional analytical capabilities, be interested in other cultures, and have sound judgement.
Not only that, the intelligence sciences rarely accept candidates with less than a 2:1 university degree.
Which specific degrees are required depends on the specific role, however, they may include language degrees, a STEM degree or humanities degree.
In order to apply for MI5, you need to be a British Citizen, be 18 years or older, and be a UK resident.
On their website, it also says: "Discretion is vital. You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a close family member."
How to apply
Becoming an intelligence officer in either MI5 or MI6 can take up to nine months from start to finish.
After each stage of the process your suitability will be assessed before going to the next stage.
The process involves completing a short application, completing an online test, filling out another application form including a competency based question, completing an online analysis exercise, attending a virtual interview, completing a written exercise, attending a one day assessment centre, and then attending a final selection interview.
If successful, you will receive a conditional job officer, depending on passing security vetting.
Security vetting can take on average 90 working days. You will also have to complete an online medical questionnaire before you receive a formal job offer.
