Royal Navy Officer

Typical Salary

£27,273 To £45,984

Typical Hours

Variable variable

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How To Become a Royal Navy Officer

You can get into this job through:

a university course
applying directly

College / University

If you have a degree, you can apply through the Direct Graduate Entry route.

as an air engineering officer, you'll need an engineering degree
to join the medical support services as a doctor, you need to have or be working towards an approved degree in medicine
to be a chaplain you must be ordained with 3 years' experience and have a theological degree

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

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You can apply directly for officer training.

You'll need a minimum of:

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
2 A levels or equivalent

Age limits vary depending on which officer role you're interested in.

If your application is accepted, you'll be invited to talk to someone at your local armed forces careers office about what you want to do. You'll also have a medical and fitness check.

There will be further assessments and interviews to complete and if you're successful, you'll be offered a place on a full officer training programme.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

leadership skills to manage and motivate personnel
excellent verbal communication skills
thinking and reasoning skills for making quick decisions
persistence and determination
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
concentration skills
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
the ability to work well with others
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

You'll be responsible for the welfare and management of those in your squadron or unit, and you'll also have a specialist role, like:

warfare officer, controlling weapons and defence systems, and assisting with navigation
air fleet officer, as part of ground support, making sure the ship’s aircraft are ready to fly when needed
Navy pilot flying aircraft and helicopters
engineering officer, overseeing the maintenance of a vessel's engines, weapon delivery systems, detection sensors and communications equipment
logistics officer, managing the control and delivery of supplies and equipment
medical or nursing officer, providing medical care to staff and their families on ships, submarines and ashore

Working Environment

You could work at a military base, in a warzone or on a ship.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

With experience you could be promoted to sub-lieutenant, lieutenant and the higher ranks.

You can go into a wide range of careers after leaving the navy. The type of career open to you will depend on the skills, training and qualifications you've gained while serving.

The Career Transition Partnership, Quest and Troops to Teachers have more information on careers outside the armed forces.

Volunteering Opportunities

You can join the Royal Navy Reserve to get some experience of what life is like in the service, and to learn new skills at the same time. You'll need to be:

between the ages of 16 and 42
able to commit to basic training which includes a 2-week course at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth

If you're between 12 and 18 years old, you can join the Sea Cadets.

Tips & Information

Further information

You'll find more details about how to become an officer from the Royal Navy.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen
be at least 151.5cm tall
have a good level of fitness
pass a medical check
pass security checks
pass enhanced background checks