How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- a graduate training scheme
- specialist courses run by professional bodies
University
You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification that includes data analysis, like:
- maths and statistics
- marketing and analytics
- business and marketing
- data science
Some market researchers focus on understanding what customers think and feel to get insights into products and services. Relevant degree subjects for this role include:
- psychology
- social sciences
- sociology
If you want to specialise in an area like medical or economic market research, you'll find it useful to have a postgraduate master's degree or PhD in statistics or applied statistics.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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College
You could take a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need to get a job as a data assistant or data officer. Courses include:
- data analytics
- maths and statistics
- T Level in Digital Data Analytics
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
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Apprenticeship
You may be able to apply for a place on an apprenticeship, such as:
- Data Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Market Research Executive Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Data Analyst Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Social Researcher Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
These can take around 2 to 4 years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 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
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Work
You could start as a research assistant and move into statistical work after getting more experience and doing qualifications on the job.
The Market Research Society offers training courses at different levels, depending on your job role and responsibilities.
Graduate training scheme
You could apply for a place on a graduate training scheme with a market research company and start as a junior analyst. You'll need a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification to apply.
Other Routes
You could get a marketing qualification like those offered by The Chartered Institute of Marketing, which often include a market research focus.
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Career tips
A knowledge of social media and website analytics will be useful.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Royal Statistical Society and The Market Research Society, for professional recognition and training opportunities.
Further information
You can find out more about working in market research from: