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Business analyst

Alternative titles for this job include Process analyst, business systems analyst

Business analysts investigate situations and problems to find improvements for businesses.

Average salary (a year)

£22,000 Starter

to

£55,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a business analyst

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 may 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

Apprenticeship

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

  • business analyst higher apprenticeship
  • project management higher or 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

Direct Application

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

More Information

Career tips

To get into this career, it may 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 find out more about government business analysts in the Civil Service on GOV.UK.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • business management skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You could:

  • speak to managers to learn what their business needs are
  • write down what the business does and how
  • analyse your findings to suggest changes and improvements
  • explain the possible effects of changes, such as the costs, benefits and risks
  • agree the best way to make changes
  • organise testing and quality checks
  • support staff making changes

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • become a project manager
  • work as a consultant
  • work in different industries
  • set up your own company
  • work freelance

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

L4 Business Analyst Apprentice (Micro Nav Ltd)

  • Wage: £18,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Seabourne Road, Bournemouth, Dorset

Business Analyst Apprentice

  • Wage: £18,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Birmingham, UK
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

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Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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