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Data analyst-statistician

Alternative titles for this job include Statistics officer

Data analyst-statisticians collect numerical information to identify trends, create models and present results.

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£70,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings occasionally

How to become a data analyst-statistician

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • a graduate training scheme

University

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

Apprenticeship

You could start in a junior data analysis role through a data technician advanced apprenticeship.

You could go on to complete a data analysis higher apprenticeship or data scientist degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 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

Volunteering

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.

Other Routes

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.

More Information

Further information

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • persistence and determination
  • the ability to work on your own
  • concentration skills
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Depending on the industry or sector, you might:

  • help to design scientific research studies
  • use statistical software to analyse risk, for example in insurance
  • look for trends and patterns to help organisations and government make policy decisions
  • investigate market research into consumer habits and feedback
  • analyse results from clinical trials
  • create models to predict demand for services or goods
  • check quality control standards in areas like drug and food testing

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Career path and progression

You can use your skills to work in a lot of different areas, for example healthcare, finance, environment, sport and e-commerce.

With experience, you could progress into management, move into academic teaching and research or work as a freelance consultant.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Real Time Data Analyst Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £117.00 Weekly
  • Location:

Data Systems Administrator Apprentice

  • Wage: Unwaged Unspecified
  • Location: Essex
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Statistics

  • Provider: BIRKENHEAD SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2021
  • Location: Birkenhead

Statistics A Level

  • Provider: SHREWSBURY COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 01 September 2021
  • Location: Shropshire
Find courses near you

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