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Systems analyst

Alternative titles for this job include

System analysts review companies' software, hardware and IT processes and develop plans to improve or replace them.

Average salary (a year)

£34,000 Starter

to

£65,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You could get into this job through:

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

University

You could do a degree or postgraduate qualification in a subject like:

  • computer science
  • information management systems
  • business information systems
  • software development and engineering
  • maths and operational research

You could also search for courses accredited by techskills, which works with employers to offer training that meets the requirements of the IT industry.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

  • Business Analyst Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Digital and Technology Solutions Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Systems Engineer Level 7 Apprenticeship
  • Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship

These can take between 2 and 4 years to complete and combine work-based training with academic study.

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

More Information

Work

You could work as an assistant analyst, programmer or software developer and move into systems analysis through further work-based training and promotion.

More Information

Career tips

You'll find it useful to have an understanding of agile project management methods.

Professional and industry bodies

While working, you may find it helpful to get an industry certification to demonstrate your skills and expertise.

Further information

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

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of systems analysis and development
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to work well with others
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • maths knowledge
  • 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

As a systems analyst, you could:

  • work with employers and clients to understand what they need
  • analyse existing technology and identify issues and problems
  • work out the costs and time needed to complete projects
  • collaborate with IT architects and programmers to plan and build systems
  • work with testers at each stage of development
  • continue to run checks after the new or upgraded system goes live
  • document the decisions and steps taken during development
  • write technical guides for new 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:

  • become a senior systems analyst
  • move into a more strategic role, such as technical or enterprise architecture
  • specialise in a particular field like big data, AI programming or cloud computing
  • work as a contractor or freelance consultant

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Cyber Security Degree Apprentice

  • Wage: Competitive Annually
  • Location: Melbourn, Royston

IT Engineer Degree Apprentice

  • Wage: £29,064 a year Annually
  • Location: Stockport
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Certified Information Systems Auditor

  • Provider: NET SECURITY TRAINING LIMITED
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: London

Information Technology Level 3

  • Provider: LINCOLN COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2026
  • Location: Lincoln
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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