Bodyguard

Career path and progression

With experience, you could specialise in surveillance, driving or residential security, or move into risk assessment consultancy or bodyguard training.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of public safety and security
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• concentration skills
• leadership skills
• physical fitness and endurance
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• have a good level of fitness
• have a first aid certificate
• pass enhanced background checks
• be over 18 years of age
• have a Security Industry Authority licence
• have a full driving licence

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Physical Education - Bodyguards need a high level of physical fitness and endurance to protect clients, sometimes over long and demanding shifts. They may need to physically intervene in dangerous situations, restrain individuals, or move clients quickly to safety, all of which require strength, stamina, and agility.
• Psychology - Bodyguards must read people's behaviour and body language to spot potential threats before they escalate. Understanding how people behave under stress – including crowd dynamics and the psychology of aggression – helps them anticipate danger and defuse tense situations.
• Law - Bodyguards need to understand the legal boundaries of using force, making citizen's arrests, and protecting someone's privacy. They must operate within the law at all times, including knowing their rights and responsibilities under UK legislation around self-defence and security.

Also relevant

• Politics - Bodyguards who protect politicians, diplomats, or high-profile public figures need to understand the political landscape and potential threats that come with it. Awareness of political tensions, protest movements, and international relations helps them assess risk more effectively.
• Geography - Bodyguards plan travel routes, assess unfamiliar locations, and need to understand the layout of buildings and public spaces to identify escape routes and vulnerabilities. When working internationally, knowledge of different regions, cultures, and local conditions helps them prepare for potential risks.
• Modern Foreign Languages - Bodyguards often work with international clients or travel abroad, where being able to communicate in another language is a real advantage. Understanding what people around them are saying can also help them pick up on potential threats in foreign settings.
• Business - Bodyguards frequently work as self-employed contractors, managing their own client relationships, negotiating daily rates, and marketing their services. Understanding how to run a small business is important for those who want to build a successful career in close protection.
• Sociology - Bodyguards work in diverse social environments – from celebrity events to corporate settings – and need to understand how different social groups behave. Recognising how factors like crowd behaviour, social status, and media attention can create risks helps them plan their protection strategies.