Data Analyst (IT Focus)

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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

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:

• The Chartered Institute for IT
• Institute of Consulting

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