Professions
Whether practical or strategic, you’ll play a key part in global naval operations and help protect our nation’s interests.
career / joining options
What’s right for me?
Everyday in the Royal Navy is different. That’s why we need people who are different. People like you. So, whatever your background, interests or walk of life, there could be a role for you.
Joining options
Select the level of education you have, or are likely to have by the time you apply:
Engineering
Work with some of the most state-of-art technology on the planet and ensure it’s ready and reliable in any situation.
Logistics & Catering Personnel
Take charge of what we need, when we need it, wherever we are in the world, and keep operations running smoothly.
Healthcare & Medical
Provide professional care in the most extraordinary circumstances and train at the highest level, at sea or on base.
Warfare
Get into the thick of the action. Identify targets and threats, and analyse, plan, and execute essential global operations.
Levels of entry
There are two distinct routes into the Royal Navy. You can either join as a Rating, or an Officer.
Ratings
Ratings get the job done. Whichever profession you choose, you’ll get the training to succeed. Perfect if you’ve left school, want to develop your skills, and learn while you work.
Officers
Officers are the managers and leaders of the Royal Navy. If you graduated from university or did well at A-levels, there are several careers available in your chosen profession.
Graduates
Unlock your potential with a career as a Royal Navy Officer. If you’re at the end of a degree programme or have excellent A-levels, this is the track for you.
Apprenticeships
Earn a salary while you learn on the job. Get the skills and qualifications to succeed in your profession and world-class training that gets you out of the classroom.
Reserves
Get more out of life and serve part-time. Go all in on skills development and qualifications that help you go further in both military life and civilian life.
Funding & scholarships
Get paid to study and a full-time position, in your chosen profession, waiting at the end. A range of financial support is available, from A-level to degree.
Commonwealth and non-British
While we’re limited in the number of Commonwealth recruits we can take each year, we encourage you to register your interest in available professions.
Rejoining
Play your part in protecting our nation’s interest again. Enjoy a fulfilling second career, an enviable benefits package, and access to further qualifications.
Other ways to join
Royal Marines
Go to your absolute limit, every day. That’s what you’ll need to do when you wear the legendary green beret. You’ll join an elite fighting squad as a Commando, Officer, or Musician, working in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA)
As part of a non-combat civilian crew you’ll get training throughout your career and see places you never thought you'd visit. This is life at sea like you ‘ve never imagined, with a range of opportunities and a unique ‘3 months on, 3 months off’ work pattern.
Got a question?
Need help finding your ideal role?
Our virtual recruiter is available to answer your questions 24 hours a day
