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Systems analyst

Systems analysts look at a company's IT infrastructure and work out where to make improvements.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£62,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays

How to become a systems analyst

You could get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You could do a degree in a relevant subject like:

  • computer science
  • information management systems
  • business information systems
  • maths and operational research

Some universities offer an Information Technology Management for Business degree in partnership with TP Degrees.

If you have a non-IT degree, you could complete a postgraduate conversion course which focuses on business skills as well as technical ability.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More information

Apprenticeship

You could do an information systems business analyst higher apprenticeship, or a digital and technology solutions degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and college qualifications like A levels for a higher or a degree apprenticeship

More information

Work

You may be able to take a job in IT or business and build up your experience and qualifications while working. You could do this through online training or by attending short, intensive courses with IT training organisations.

You'll need highly developed computer and business skills.

More information

Professional and industry bodies

You may find it helpful to get certification of your skills and expertise once you're working.

Further information

You can find out more about working and training in computing from The Chartered Institute for IT and Tech Future Careers.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • business management skills
  • this job requires a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

  • working out the business needs of your employer or client
  • drawing up plans to improve or replace an IT system
  • working out the costs and time needed to make your plans work
  • working closely with programmers and software developers to build systems
  • overseeing testing to find problems before the final version of a system goes live
  • training staff and writing instruction manuals for new or upgraded systems

Working environment

You could work in an office, at a client's business or from home.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could be promoted to senior analyst. You might also move into project management or strategic business planning.

You could become a specialist analyst in a particular field like finance or retail.

You could set up your own business and work on a contract or consultancy basis.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship - Financial Services Software Engineer

  • Wage : Competitive salary
  • Location: London E14 9SG

Apprentice Software Engineer (Digital and Technology Solutions)

  • Wage : £20,000.00 Annually
  • Location: CM20 2GY
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Foundation Diploma in Information Systems - Level 3

  • Provider: DERBY COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 August 2019
  • Location: Derby

Computing and Information Systems BSc (Hons)

  • Provider: Bradford College
  • Start date: 02 September 2019
  • Location: Bradford
Find courses near you

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