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Systems analyst

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£62,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays

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How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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 Tech Partnership 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, or equivalent, 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 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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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 a good level of computer and business skills.

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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

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day work, you may:

  • define the business needs of your employer or client
  • draw up plans to improve or replace an IT system
  • calculate the costs and time needed to make your plans work
  • work closely with programmers and software developers to build systems
  • oversee testing to find problems before the system goes live
  • train staff
  • write 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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Digital Services Apprentice (Degree Level)

  • Wage: £144.30 Weekly
  • Location:

Apprentice Business Analyst

  • Wage: £18,000.00 Annually
  • Location: HIGH WYCOMBE
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Foundation Diploma in Information Systems - Level 3

  • Provider: DCG
  • Start date: 07 September 2021
  • Location: Derby

Level 2 Extended Certificate IT Networking and Systems Support

  • Provider: NEWHAM SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2021
  • Location: London
Find courses near you

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