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Data analyst-statistician

Also called Statistics officer.

Data analyst-statisticians collect data and statistics to identify trends, create forecasting models and help organisations to improve their service.

Potential salary
£28,000 starter to £65,000 experienced per year
Typical hours
37 to 40. Working pattern: between 8am and 6pm.
Career area
Digital and data
Where they might work
You could work in an office.
A typical task
help to design scientific research studies
Subjects that may help
2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
Typical route
You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification in:
Interest area used here
Asking questions and research, Organising information and detail

Career actions

What you might do

  • help to design scientific research studies
  • gather and organise data ready for analysis
  • check the quality of data and remove exceptions
  • use analytical tools and techniques to find patterns, trends and relationships
  • develop artificial intelligence methods to automate work on large datasets
  • create models to predict likely outcomes, for example in weather forecasting
More tasks (3)
  • prepare analyses in different formats, such as graphs
  • present findings to clients and policy makers to help them make decisions
  • use and store data in line with data protection and information security standards

Could this suit me?

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

  • maths knowledge
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • persistence and determination
More skills
  • the ability to work on your own
  • concentration skills
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Routes into this career

University route

  • You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification in:
  • statistics
  • mathematics
  • economics
  • operational research
  • psychology
  • You may be able to apply for jobs if you have a degree in a subject that included statistics as part of your course, for example social science or geography.
  • Courses that give you the chance to spend a year in industry or get work experience through placements, internships or real business projects may give you an advantage when you are looking for graduate jobs.
  • You'll usually need:
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • student finance for fees and living costs
  • university courses and entry requirements

University courses that could lead to this career

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

  • Computer science

    Alternative route. Statistics degrees are closer for the statistician title.

  • Data science

    Common route. Closer to the analyst title. The statistician title often expects a stronger mathematics or statistics degree.

  • Financial Mathematics

    Alternative route. Possible where the statistics content is strong.

  • Mathematics

    Common route. A strong route, especially with statistics options.

  • Statistics

    Direct qualifying route. A statistics degree is a direct academic route into statistical work.

Explore university routes

Apprenticeship or vocational route

  • You could apply for an apprenticeship to get a trainee position, such as:
  • Software and Data Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
  • Data Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Data Analyst Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Data Scientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • If you want to work in health data analysis, you may be able to do a Medical Statistician Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.
  • You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.
  • If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:
  • have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
  • are in care or have been in care
  • are in prison or have been in prison
  • You'll usually need:
  • no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
  • 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
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • guide to apprenticeships

Other routes

  • You may be able to start in a junior position after completing a college course. Relevant courses include:
  • maths
  • statistics
  • computing
  • economics
  • T level in Digital Data Analytics
  • 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
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • funding advice
  • guide to T Levels
  • search for courses
Career progression
  • You can use your skills to work in a lot of different areas, for example healthcare, finance, environment, sports and e-commerce.
  • With experience, you could:
  • become a senior or lead data analyst, or data team manager
  • work as a freelance consultant
  • move into teaching and academic research
  • become a data scientist , developing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help businesses overcome challenges and be more efficient

Subjects that may help

Subject guidance

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
  • no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
  • 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

What you could do next