Armed forces, defence and security services
This page has been designed to give a starting point for those looking into careers in the armed forces, defence and security services.
- What are careers in the armed forces, defence and security services?
- How do I get into the armed forces, defence and security services?
- Brighton and Sussex Universities Service Units
- Further information
You may also be interested in our page on careers in the Emergency Services.
What are careers in the armed forces, defence and security services?
The armed forces of the United Kingdom are made up of the Royal Navy, the Army, and the Royal Air Force. There are a variety of roles within each of the armed forces.
Their prime task is the defence of Britain, of Britain's interests and Britain's dependencies.
In addition to the armed forces, defence and security services include government agencies such as MI5 and HM prisons service. Combined these services protect the interests of Britain.
For further information about each area of the armed forces visit their websites.
- AGCAS Industry Insights - Armed Forces/Emergency Services (pdf 153kb)
- Prospects
Prospects is a graduate careers website with job profiles, including armed forces officer - operational, armed forces officer - support/administrative, armed forces officer - technical, armed forces officer - training and education. - For further information about security and prisons services visit the following websites.
- MI5 Security Service
The Security Service (MI5) is responsible for protecting the United Kingdom against threats to national security. - Secret Intelligence Service (SIS)
SIS operates around the globe to collect secret intelligence in support of British government policy.
How do I get into the armed forces, defence and security services?
There are a large variety of positions available in the armed forces, from engineering and IT and communications to healthcare and logistics. All three of the armed forces have websites containing comprehensive careers information.
- Army careers
This site gives comprehensive information on careers in the army. - Royal Air Force careers
This site gives comprehensive information on careers in the RAF. - Royal Navy and Royal Marines careers
This site gives comprehensive information on careers in the Navy. - Ministry of Defence Police
The main role of the MoD Police is to apply constabulary powers and civil police training to combat the principal risks of crime and disorder faced by the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Find out more about working for the MoD Police. - You may also be interested in:
- Civilian careers in the Ministry of Defence
- The MOD Faststream
The Fast Stream Development Programme offers graduates with exceptional ability a means to make a flying start in the MoD. You have the opportunity for rapid development and accelerated promotion in varied, challenging and fulfilling careers.
There are two Fast Stream Development Programmes in the MOD - one for administrative appointments, the other for engineers and scientists. - Defence Engineering and Science Group
The MOD recruits engineering and science graduates into the Defence Engineering and Science Group (DESG). The DESG is a community of 9,000 professional civilian engineers and scientists working within MOD Civil Service to equip and support UK Armed Forces
Prison service
- Prison service
This is the HM Prison service careers section which gives and overview of working for the Prison service, what to expect and how to apply. - Scottish Prison Service
- Home Office
This site covers the prison, police and fire services. - Skills for Justice
This is the sector skills council for justice, which includes; courts, policing and law enforcement, prisons, probation, prosecution and voluntary sector. You will find information about different areas of the sector and case studies of people already in the role. There is also information on industry trends and advice and guidance organisations who you can contact to discuss your career options.
The websites of the SIS and MI5 mentioned above have careers sections which detail the roles they recruit for and how to go about applying.
Brighton and Sussex Universities Service Units
Undergraduate students at the Universities of Brighton and Sussex and partner colleges have the opportunity to join the:
- Brighton and Sussex Universities Royal Naval Unit
- Brighton and Sussex Universities Officer Training Corps
- Brighton and Sussex Universities Air Squadron.
Membership of these organisations is only available while studying at the University of Brighton, Sussex University or partner colleges. Applicants must be 18 years old and citizens of the UK or Commonwealth. Places are limited. Early application is necessary as demand always outstrips supply.
Brighton and Sussex Universities Royal Naval Unit
The Brighton and Sussex Universities Royal Naval Unit (URNU) provides an opportunity for you to experience a little of life in the Royal Navy without any commitment to join the armed forces.
Members have the opportunity to go to sea in the warship, HMS RANGER, at the weekends during term and for weeks at a time during the university holidays. HMS RANGER visits towns and cities as close as Brighton and Newhaven and as far afield as Saint Petersburg and Tallinn, with her students taking responsibility for navigating the ship between her ports of call.
The URNU has an active social scene with events ranging from nights out in the costal towns of southern England to receptions at ambassadors’ residences overseas.
For more details email susurnu@sussex.ac.uk
Brighton and Sussex Universities Officer Training Corps
Membership of the Universities Officer Training Corps (UOTC) detachment provides an opportunity to develop your leadership potential, while at the same time developing skills in field craft, orienteering, map reading, skill at arms, abseiling, developing social skills, fitness, sport, rock climbing, night exercises, parachuting, canoeing and many more activities.
Membership is restricted to 50 officer cadets and there is no obligation to join the armed forces on completion of your degrees. However, there are opportunities to join the Regular Army or Territorial Army on completion of your studies, should you be interested.
For more details email UOTC@brighton.ac.uk
Brighton and Sussex Universities Air Squadron
The Southampton University Air Squadron (UAS) recruits students from a number of universities including Brighton, Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Southampton and Sussex.
Recruits are presented with many exciting opportunities – not only do we offer military flying training, but members can take part in adventurous training and sports including rock climbing, football, sailing, rugby, mountaineering, hockey, mountain biking, ski touring, sky diving and much more. These activities and opportunities are offered with no commitment to join the Royal Air Force after university.
For more details email UAS@brighton.ac.uk
Further information
The Moulsecoomb Careers Centre holds a selection of careers information videos on recruitment and training in the armed forces.
Liaison Officers from the armed forces attend our annual careers fair in November and also organise visits to the university to meet with interested students. For more information, please visit your careers centre.
Local information
Armed Forces Careers Office
120-121 Queens Road
BRIGHTON
BN1 3WB
01273 327438
Armed Forces Careers Office - TA Centre
Cinque Ports Way
St Leonard's on Sea
East Sussex, TN38 0AJ
Tel: 01424 426254
