With more than 150 Civil Service departments and agencies and nearly half a million staff across the country, it is difficult to sum up the role of a civil servant.
With more than 150 Civil Service departments and agencies and nearly half a million staff across the country, it is difficult to sum up the role of a civil servant.
Most simply, civil servants work for the government to develop and implement policies and provide services to the public.
The diverse nature of the Civil Service and the range of professional disciplines it encompasses means that there is a huge variety of roles and opportunities, including generalist policy and service development, finance, legal, IT and digital, commercial, communications and research.
There are several ways you can join the Civil Service.
School leavers can apply for the Civil Service Fast Track Apprenticeship. This is a two-year programme with six career routes covering key government business needs.
You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C (or the new grade 4) and above, including English Language and Maths. Some routes also require at least two A-levels at grade D and above.
If you are a recent graduate or in the last year of your degree, you can apply for the Civil Service Fast Stream, a structured three- or four-year accelerated learning and development programme divided into a range of specialisms and business areas.
Competition for the Fast Stream is high, with many specialisms requiring at least a 2:1 degree to be eligible to apply. You will also have to go through a rigorous assessment process.
You can also apply for roles directly with government departments if you have the relevant experience and skills.
While graduates from any discipline can apply to become a civil servant, many find that a degree in politics or a related subject is useful, providing a grounding in how policy is developed, implemented and evaluated in response to social and economic issues faced by governments.
At City, University of London we offer a range of single and joint honours degrees in Politics that will prepare you for a successful career in the civil service.
What can I expect from a career as a civil servant?
You can expect a career with a clearly defined structure and opportunities for training and professional development.
Your day to day responsibilities will depend on your department and area of work.
Flexible and part-time working patterns are common, making the civil service a good option for people who want to manage their careers around family commitments.
Who can I work for as a civil servant?
As a civil servant, you will be employed by Her Majesty’s Civil Service.
What about work experience as a civil servant?
Some government departments and agencies offer sandwich course placements and work experience opportunities during the holidays. Depending on your area of interest, you could consider approaching departments individually.
There are also short and summer internship opportunities for undergraduates from diverse backgrounds.
What are my prospects as a civil servant?
Progression within the Civil Service is encouraged and you will have access to learning and development opportunities throughout your career.
If you are working within a specialist area, you may also be able to work towards professional qualifications.
Related courses at City
Whatever your level of interest in becoming a civil servant, City's courses can help you take one step closer to a career as a civil servant, develop specialisms that'll set you apart from the field or broaden your horizons with study in related subjects.
- BSc (Hons) International Political Economy
- BSc (Hons) International Politics
- BSc (Hons) Politics
- MA Global Political Economy