Market research data analyst

You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification that includes data analysis, like:

• maths and statistics
• marketing and analytics
• business and marketing
• data science

Some market researchers focus on understanding what customers think and feel to get insights into products and services. Relevant degree subjects for this role include:

• psychology
• social sciences
• sociology

If you want to specialise in an area like medical or economic market research, you'll find it useful to have a postgraduate master's degree or PhD in statistics or applied statistics.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could take a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need to get a job as a data assistant or data officer. Courses include:

• data analytics
• maths and statistics
• T Level in Digital Data Analytics

Entry requirements

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You may be able to apply for a place on an apprenticeship, such as:

• Data Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Market Research Executive Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Data Analyst Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Social Researcher Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These can take around 2 to 4 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• apprenticeship levels|https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices/about-apprenticeships#UnderstandingApprenticeshiplevelsandqualifications
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could start as a research assistant and move into statistical work after getting more experience and doing qualifications on the job.

The Market Research Society offers training courses at different levels, depending on your job role and responsibilities.

Graduate training scheme

You could apply for a place on a graduate training scheme with a market research company and start as a junior analyst. You'll need a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification to apply.

You could get a marketing qualification like those offered by The Chartered Institute of Marketing , which often include a market research focus.

Career Tips

A knowledge of social media and website analytics will be useful.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the Royal Statistical Society and The Market Research Society , for professional recognition and training opportunities.

Further Information

You can find out more about working in market research from:

• The Market Research Society
• Royal Statistical Society
• Social Research Association

As a market research data analyst, you could:

• speak to clients to understand their needs
• write proposals, describing how research will be carried out
• manage relationships with clients and project manage teams
• advise researchers about survey methods and design
• check the quality of the data collected
• analyse data using statistical software and computer models
• present results through talks, written reports, graphs and tables
• explain findings to organisation and company executives

You could work in an office.