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Systems analyst

System analysts look at a company's IT structure to work out how to improve it.

Annual Salary

£28,000 to £62,000

Average UK salary in 2022 was £33,200
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

37 to 40 a week

You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays;

2.4%
Future employment

There will be 2.4% more Systems analyst jobs in 2027.

Day to day tasks

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

  • define the business needs of your employer or client
  • create plans to improve or replace an IT system
  • work out the costs and time needed to make your plans work
  • work with programmers and developers to build the systems
  • test to find problems before the system goes live
  • train staff and write instruction manuals for new or upgraded systems

Working environment

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

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 a degree in Information Technology Management for Business. This degree is Tech Industry Gold accredited.

Postgraduate courses

If you have a degree that's not in an IT or computer subject, you could complete a postgraduate course.

You should choose one which focuses on business and computer skills.

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
For more information
Apprenticeship

You could do either 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
For more information
Work

You could start with any job in IT or business then build up your experience and qualifications while working.

You could train online or attend short intensive courses with IT training organisations. You'll need some computer and business skills.

More information

Career tips

You can get some of the skills and knowledge you need for this job by doing free online courses in the Skills Toolkit.

Professional and industry bodies

You may find it helpful to get a business analysis certification to show 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 techskills.

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With experience, you could:get promoted to senior analyst; become a project manager; specialise in a particular field, such as finance or retail; set up your own business; work as a contractor or consultant

For roles linked to Systems Analyst, you can do an IT Degree Apprenticeship with employers such as SSE.

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

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

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

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
  • the ability to read English
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
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