How to become an intelligence officer
Gather, investigate, and interpret information that impacts organisations' programs and operations.
What does an intelligence officer do?
Intelligence officers usually work for the government, performing analysis in the areas of crime and defence. They compile critical information into briefs that organisations use to make informed decisions.
Duties and tasks
- Work out what information needs to be collected.
- Develop a plan to gather intelligence using appropriate surveillance and secrecy measures.
- Compile findings into briefs, reports, and other formats for distribution within the organisation.
- Liaise and cooperate with other organisations on joint or cross-border operations.
- Observe security and classification requirements.
Industry bodies
Related jobs
- Cybersecurity professional
- Police officer
- Policy analyst
- Policy and planning manager
- Project and program administrator
- Research officer
Discover related degrees
PostgraduateMAQ-ITL-MAS
Make an impact on complex global intelligence challenges
Develop advanced skills to lead today’s intelligence environment. Learn how to interpret data, identify threats, and communicate your findings. These abilities help inform critical decisions in policing, defence, and global security.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
UndergraduateMAQ-BSS-DEG
A degree designed in consultation with security industry stakeholders
Scrutinise risk analysis, intelligence, emergency responses and national resilience. Apply analytical tools to contemporary security, defence and policy challenges. Graduates pursue government graduate intake programs or careers in the private sector.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Graduate Certificate in Investigations and Intelligence
PostgraduateQUT-INV-GCE
Learn how to investigate, analyse and act with confidence
From frontline to policy, unlock careers in growth areas in policing and justice. Be objective and ethical. Communicate clearly. Build capabilities in regulatory investigations and intelligence analysis. Developed in consultation with professional bodies.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Master of Data Science (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning)
PostgraduateUSQ-AIM-MAS
Harness big data to make big decisions
Steer your career towards the dynamic AI industry. You’ll explore data mining and learn how to manage what you find. Dive deep into deep learning. Unpack the techniques of natural language processing. You’ll also look at programming and project management.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 2 years full time or part time equivalent
Discover related subjects
Global Food Security and Resource Governance
UndergraduateUNE-LAW213
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 22 Feb 2027
Surveillance from Modernity to the Present
UndergraduateUNE-HIST390
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 22 Feb 2027
Creativity and Artificial Intelligence
UndergraduateUNE-CREA300
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 21 Jun 2027
Scandal, Crisis, and Security in Classical Literature
UndergraduateUNE-CLLA305
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 22 Feb 2027

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