Requirements

Business analyst - requirements

Business analysts help organisations by analysing data and finding ways to improve business performance. Find out more information about this role, what it includes day to day and how to get a job.

Know what you'll need to land a job below.

What qualifications do you need to be a business analyst?

It’s a competitive area, so even though an undergraduate degree isn’t necessary to get a job, one in a relevant business or mathematical subject will give you an advantage.

Subjects to consider include:

Degree apprenticeships are also available. These pay and teach you on the job while you earn a degree.

Please note this is a beta version. We'll continue to improve our suggestions here so that we show you the most relevant subjects.

Do you need a postgraduate qualification to be a business analyst?

A postgraduate qualification can help when applying for jobs, even though having one isn't required by all employers. If your undergraduate degree is not in business or IT, you could look to do a postgraduate qualification in one of these subject areas.

Examples of courses at postgraduate level include:

Business administration
Business analytics and consulting

What skills do you need to be a business analyst?

As well as an interest in business analytics, you’ll need a passion for finding solutions and working within a team.

Hard skills usually include:

Business management
Commercial awareness
Data analysis
IT

Soft skills include:

Analytical thinking
Flexibility
Initiative
Organisation
Problem solving
Teamwork

Do you need work experience to be a business analyst?

You’ll need to demonstrate strong examples of work experience, especially if you want to progress to more senior roles. You should be able to gain experience during your degree, as courses often include industry placements. Or, you can contact companies directly for internship opportunities.

Any customer service, data analysis or project management experience will be valuable when applying for jobs.