Operational researcher

You'll usually need a degree in operational research, maths or other relevant subject, for example:

• statistics
• computing
• economics
• management science

Some employers may prefer you to have a postgraduate qualification in operational research or management science.

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

You may be able to get into operational research if you've got related experience from industry, for example in research and development or project management.

Professional and industry bodies

Joining a professional body like The Operational Research Society may improve your career prospects.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in operational research from The Operational Research Society.

You'll need:

• business management skills
• maths 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
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

In your day-to-day tasks you may:

• observe staff and managers, and interview them about their jobs
• collect and analyse data, using mathematical and statistical methods
• apply business theories
• identify areas for improvement and recommend changes
• advise managers on making changes
• check to see how changes are working
• set up and test solutions to problems, using statistical and computer forecasting
• present findings to the organisation

You could work in an office or from home.