Data analyst-statistician

You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate award in

• statistics
• mathematics
• economics
• operational research
• psychology

Other subjects may be acceptable if they include formal training in statistics as part of the course, for example social science or geography.

Some university courses offer an industrial placement or sandwich year, which allows you to work in industry or commerce as part of your studies. This could be useful when you look for jobs after you finish your course.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
• 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

The Royal Statistical Society advertise volunteering opportunities, which give you the chance to use your skills to help community organisations and charities. This is a good way to increase your understanding of how statistics can be put to good use in wider society.

You can apply to join the Government Statistical Service (GSS) as a trainee through the Civil Service Fast Stream programme. You'll need a good degree pass or postgraduate qualification to do this.

The GSS also directly recruits graduates, and those with equivalent and relevant experience, into positions like statistical officer.

Career tips

Some employers will expect you to have a working knowledge of statistical software packages, like Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

Further information

You can find out more on careers in statistics from the Royal Statistical Society.

You'll need:

• maths knowledge
• analytical thinking skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

In other industries or sectors, you might be involved in:

• looking for trends and patterns to help companies make business decisions
• analysing market research and trends in consumer feedback
• opinion poll analysis
• predicting demand for services or goods
• checking quality control standards in areas like drug and food testing

You could work in an office.