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Government & Politics

Policy Analyst

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A policy analyst is someone who researches, reviews, and develops policies to help organisations or the government make better decisions. They look at issues like health, education, or the environment and use evidence and data to suggest changes or improvements to existing policies. Policy analysts spend a lot of time researching, writing reports, and sometimes meeting with others to discuss their findings. Their work often has a real impact on the way society operates, as their ideas can shape new laws or government strategies.

Policy Analyst

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Policy analysts in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £45,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning up to £60,000.

Job Opportunities

There are around 5,000 to 7,000 policy analyst positions in the UK, employed by government departments, charities, and private organisations.

Typical Working Hours

Most policy analysts work full time, usually around 37 to 40 hours per week.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Environmental Policy Analyst

Focuses on researching and developing policies related to the environment, such as climate change, recycling, and wildlife protection.

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Education Policy Advisor

Works on creating and suggesting improvements to policies in schools and colleges to help students and teachers.

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Healthcare Policy Researcher

Studies and suggests changes to healthcare rules and laws to help improve hospitals, doctors, and patient care.

Build Your Knowledge Foundation

Focus on Relevant School Subjects

Concentrate on subjects like Politics, History, Geography, Economics, and English during your school years.

These subjects help you develop research, analytical, and writing skills, which are important for policy analysis. You can also look for extra-curricular activities such as debate clubs or student councils to practise communicating ideas and understanding different viewpoints.

Aim for Good GCSEs and A-levels

Achieve strong grades in your GCSEs, and consider A-levels or equivalent qualifications in social sciences or humanities.

Most policy analyst roles require a good academic record. Universities often expect A-levels in subjects that involve critical thinking and essay writing. If your school offers BTECs or similar qualifications in related areas, these can also be helpful.

Gain Higher Education and Experience

Study for a University Degree

Apply for a relevant degree, such as Politics, Economics, Social Policy, Law, or International Relations.

Most policy analysts have a degree, and some roles may require a postgraduate qualification. During your degree, choose modules that focus on research methods, data analysis, and public policy. Some universities also offer placements or internships as part of the course.

Get Work Experience

Look for internships, voluntary roles, or part-time work with organisations involved in policy work.

Gaining experience in places like local councils, government departments, think tanks, or charities will help you understand how policy is developed and implemented. You can also look for summer schools or work shadowing opportunities to boost your CV.

Start Your Policy Analyst Career

Apply for Entry-Level Analyst Roles

Search for job openings such as Policy Assistant or Junior Policy Analyst in government, charities, or private sector organisations.

Entry-level roles may involve supporting senior analysts, collecting data, or writing reports. Highlight your education, skills, and any relevant experience from placements or volunteering when applying.

Continue Learning and Progress

Develop your skills further with on-the-job training and consider postgraduate study if needed.

Many policy analysts progress by gaining experience and taking on more responsibility. Some choose to specialise in specific policy areas or complete a Masters in Public Policy or a related subject to access more senior positions.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Policy Analyst. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A Policy Analyst and a Business analyst both evaluate data, policies, and procedures to inform decision-making and improve organisational outcomes. Both roles require strong analytical skills, an understanding of regulatory or organisational contexts, and the ability to communicate findings effectively.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

University

Any degree that teaches analytical skills can be useful for this role.

Some employers might prefer you to have a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject such as:

  • business information systems
  • business management
  • computing and systems development
  • computer science

Experience during your degree

You may have an advantage if your degree course lets you get some business experience.

This could be through:

  • internships
  • work placements
  • a year in industry

It may also be useful to get experience of managing projects and analysing data.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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Apprenticeship

You could gain some of the skills and knowledge needed for this role through an apprenticeship.

For example, you could do the Business Analyst Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship or the Project Manager Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got several years' experience in project management, consulting or IT.

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Career tips

To become a business analyst, it might be useful to know about agile project management or other similar methods.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a business analyst from:

You can also find out about government business analysts in the Civil Service on GOV.UK.

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