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
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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
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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 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:
- International Institute of Business Analysis UK
- The Chartered Institute for IT
- Institute of Consulting
You can find out more about government business analysts in the Civil Service on GOV.UK.