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

For some officer roles you'll need specific qualifications and experience, for example:

• a degree in science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) to be an air engineering officer
• an approved degree in medicine to join as a medical officer

You can start applying before you finish your studies, as the process can take up to 6 months. If you're accepted, you'll attend Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, Devon, to begin officer training.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

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 18 and 42
• 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.

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 qualifications

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.

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

You'll need to:

• be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen
• have a good level of fitness
• pass a medical check
• pass security checks
• pass enhanced background checks
• be at least 145cm tall

As a Royal Navy officer, your duties will depend on your role. 

You could:

• gather intelligence to support operations planning
• navigate a ship or submarine
• pilot aircraft and helicopters
• manage the maintenance of a vessel's engines, weapons systems and communications
• co-ordinate the delivery of supplies and equipment
• provide medical care to staff and their families on ships, submarines and ashore

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

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

You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.