Open Source Intelligence Pathway (OSINT)
Open Source Intelligence Pathway (OSINT)

Open Source Intelligence Pathway (OSINT)

Internship 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Learn OSINT skills to analyse and interpret publicly available information for security and investigations.
  • Company: SaluteMyJob, supporting veterans in transitioning to civilian careers.
  • Benefits: Fully funded training, remote learning, and academic credits from Abertay University.
  • Other info: Gain real-world experience and connections to employers seeking talent from the Armed Forces community.
  • Why this job: Join a growing field with high demand for intelligence and cybersecurity professionals.
  • Qualifications: Open to all with IT skills and a willingness to learn about cybersecurity.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Built for the Armed Forces Community | Fully Funded | Remote Delivery

For more than a decade, SaluteMyJob has supported veterans, Service leavers and military families to transition from uniform into high-impact civilian careers. As part of our expanding Pathways Programme, we’re proud to offer the Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Pathway – designed specifically for the Armed Forces community and delivered in partnership with Abertay University and the Scottish Cyber and Fraud Centre.

This pathway equips you with the skills, mindset and practical experience needed to move into intelligence, cybersecurity, law enforcement, corporate security and risk management roles – sectors where demand is growing rapidly.

Why OSINT – and Why Now?

82% of businesses globally now rely on Open-Source Intelligence to support security, investigations and risk-based decision-making. From counter-terrorism and cyber threat intelligence to fraud detection and corporate investigations, employers are actively seeking individuals who can find, analyse and interpret information hidden in plain sight.

Veterans are uniquely suited to OSINT roles – bringing:

  • Analytical thinking
  • Attention to detail
  • Operational security awareness
  • Structured investigation skills

This course turns those strengths into commercially valuable intelligence capability.

What Is OSINT?

Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) involves gathering, analysing and interpreting publicly available information to develop insights that inform security, investigative and operational decisions. This includes information from:

  • Websites and online databases
  • Social media and forums
  • News outlets and public records
  • Open technical and geospatial sources

OSINT is a critical capability used to:

  • Identify and understand threats
  • Strengthen defences against cybercrime
  • Support investigations and intelligence operations
  • Inform national security and corporate risk decisions

What Is the SaluteMyJob OSINT Pathway?

The SaluteMyJob OSINT Pathway is a fully funded, employment-focused training programme built specifically for the Armed Forces community. It is designed to help you:

  • Translate military experience into intelligence and cyber careers
  • Develop practical OSINT tools, techniques and procedures (TTPs)
  • Gain academic credit from a leading cyber university
  • Learn from ex-military OSINT practitioners
  • Build a foundation for roles in intelligence, cyber, law enforcement and security

OSINT Course Overview

Start Date: Date to be confirmed
Duration: 8 weeks
Credits: 15 academic credits
Study Time: Approx. 150 hours
Delivery: Fully remote, tutored, flexible learning

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of OSINT from both practical and theoretical perspectives, equipping students with a deep understanding of:

  • The history and evolution of OSINT
  • Legal and ethical boundaries
  • Modern OSINT tools and workflows
  • Operational security (OPSEC) and personal security (PERSEC)
  • National security and threat intelligence applications

Who Is This Course For?

This pathway is ideal for individuals interested in roles involving online investigation and intelligence analysis, including:

  • Cyber Threat Intelligence
  • Law Enforcement & National Security
  • Corporate Security & Risk Management
  • Fraud Detection & Financial Crime
  • Digital Forensics
  • Research & Investigative Roles

If you are a competent IT user, willing to learn, and interested in cybersecurity or intelligence work, this pathway is for you.

Why Veterans Excel in OSINT

Your military background already gives you a strong foundation for OSINT work, including:

  • Strategic and analytical thinking
  • Pattern recognition and sense-making
  • Information handling and reporting
  • Understanding of OPSEC and risk
  • Working within legal and ethical frameworks

This course builds directly on those skills and translates them into civilian intelligence capability.

Module Structure & Indicative Content

  1. Introduction to OSINT
  2. Legality and Ethics
  3. Modern OSINT Tools & Techniques I
  4. Modern OSINT Tools & Techniques II
  5. The Dark Web
  6. OSINT and National Security
  7. The Future of OSINT
  8. Assessment Week

Teaching, Learning & Assessment

Pre-recorded lectures studied in your own time, weekly virtual labs providing hands-on OSINT experience, weekly summative quizzes to track progress, final 200-word investigative essay, applying both theory and practice. By Week 5, students will propose an essay topic aligned to their personal interests within OSINT. Successful completion provides a strong foundation for intelligence, cyber and investigative careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours is the course?
The course involves approximately 150 hours of learning over an 8-week period, equivalent to a 15-credit academic module.

Is this course free?
Yes. This pathway is fully funded for eligible members of the Armed Forces community. There are no course fees, and you do not need to use ELC or IRTC funding.

Is the course remote?
Yes. The course is fully online, with pre-recorded lectures, virtual labs and tutor support – designed to fit around work, family and transition commitments.

What certification will I receive?
Successful completion awards 15 academic credits from Abertay University and provides a recognised foundation for progression into intelligence, cybersecurity and security-related roles.

Will this help me get a job?
Yes. This pathway is designed as a route to employment, aligned with employer demand across cyber, intelligence, law enforcement and corporate security sectors. We will seek to arrange paid work placement and/or employment opportunities provided by employer partners. We cannot guarantee a placement or job; however, we’re working with employers specifically seeking talent from the Armed Forces community to fill their skills gaps. And the skills you’ve acquired, both from your Service and wider experience, will ensure you’re a strong candidate. You will be assured of our very best efforts to help you find the right role in the right organisation.

Our Partners

We’re proud to deliver this pathway in partnership with:

  • Abertay University – the UK’s leading provider of ethical hacking and applied cyber education
  • Scottish Cyber and Fraud Centre

Ready to Take the Next Step?
Start date: 24 February 2026 and take your next step into one of the fastest-growing and most mission-critical careers in the UK.

What Is the SaluteMyJob Pathways Programme?

The SMJ Pathways Programme is built specifically for the Armed Forces community and designed to help you:

  • Translate military skills into high-demand cyber careers
  • Gain industry-recognised training and academic credit
  • Access mentoring, confidence-building and employability support
  • Secure real-world experience through Forces-Friendly employers
  • Build direct links into live job opportunities

The Scottish Cyber Pathways Partnership (SCPP)

Our 2026 Pathways build on the proven success of the Scottish Cyber Pathways Partnership (SCPP) – developed with Abertay University from the award-winning Cyber Jumpstart programme.

Impact to date:
3,000+ veterans supported into cyber-aligned careers
460+ participants across Scotland

The SCPP focuses on:

  • Scotland’s most urgent cyber skills gaps
  • Strong partnerships with SMEs and remote/hybrid employers
  • Expanded access for spouses, families and cadets
  • Free education, specialist upskilling, mentoring and employer-funded work placements

Open Source Intelligence Pathway (OSINT) employer: Kenexa Implementation Template

SaluteMyJob is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering the Armed Forces community through fully funded, remote training programmes like the Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Pathway. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer unique opportunities for veterans to translate their military skills into high-demand civilian careers in intelligence and cybersecurity, all while fostering a supportive and flexible work culture that prioritises personal and professional development.
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Contact Detail:

Kenexa Implementation Template Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Open Source Intelligence Pathway (OSINT)

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the military and civilian sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for OSINT roles. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Get your online presence sorted! Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your new skills from the OSINT Pathway. Join relevant groups and engage with posts to show you're active in the field.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Use the tools and techniques you've learned in the course to conduct mock investigations. This will not only sharpen your skills but also give you real examples to discuss in interviews.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’re working with employers who are eager to find talent from the Armed Forces community. Don’t miss out on those opportunities – get your applications in!

We think you need these skills to ace Open Source Intelligence Pathway (OSINT)

Analytical Thinking
Attention to Detail
Operational Security Awareness
Structured Investigation Skills
Information Handling and Reporting
Understanding of Legal and Ethical Frameworks
Pattern Recognition
OSINT Tools and Techniques
Cyber Threat Intelligence
Risk Management
Investigative Skills
Digital Forensics
Communication Skills
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your military experience aligns with the OSINT pathway. Use specific examples that showcase your analytical thinking and attention to detail.

Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise skills that are directly applicable to OSINT roles, like operational security awareness and structured investigation skills. This will help us see how you can transition smoothly into this field.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This makes it easier for us to understand your strengths.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.

How to prepare for a job interview at Kenexa Implementation Template

✨Know Your OSINT Basics

Before the interview, brush up on your understanding of Open-Source Intelligence. Familiarise yourself with key concepts, tools, and techniques that are relevant to the role. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also demonstrate your commitment to the field.

✨Highlight Your Military Experience

Make sure to articulate how your military background has equipped you with skills that are directly transferable to OSINT roles. Focus on your analytical thinking, attention to detail, and operational security awareness. These are qualities that employers in this sector highly value.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Practice how you would approach real-world OSINT challenges, such as identifying threats or conducting investigations. This will help you showcase your problem-solving skills and practical knowledge.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that reflect your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the tools they use, the team dynamics, or the types of projects you might work on. This shows that you’re genuinely interested and engaged.

Open Source Intelligence Pathway (OSINT)
Kenexa Implementation Template

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