Why work in Data Analytics?

Businesses across a myriad of industries are in need of skilled professionals who can help them make sense of their data and use this insight to improve their performance. As such, Data Analytics is becoming an increasingly popular choice for ambitious professionals looking for a career shift. 

With many Master’s courses open to graduates of any subject, a wide range of related jobs roles available, some of which provide the flexibility to work from home, a career in Data Analytics is well suited to a diverse range of people, from career changers to stay at home parents to those with more generalist computer science experience.

A group of professionals having a business meeting.

But once you’ve graduated and developed your Data Analysis skills, what job opportunities will be available to you? Here are five career paths for Data Analytics Master’s graduates.

  1. Data Analyst
  2. Data Scientist
  3. Machine Learning Engineer
  4. Big Data Architect
  5. Business Intelligence Developer

Data Analyst 

A Data Analyst uses specialist tools to gather, organise and analyse data to identify trends. This insight can then be used to drive decision making, combat challenges and monitor progress. 

This role is in-demand across a wide range of sectors, from education to finance to manufacturing, which means there are a variety of roles available in all types of organisations. 

Data Scientist 

A Data Scientist is a more advanced role than a Data Analyst; the role involves using advanced statistical techniques and software to analyse large and complex datasets. 

In addition to data analysis, Data Scientists are often also responsible for developing new methods for collecting data in the first place, by designing predictive models and machine learning algorithms to mine large datasets. 

A person wearing a headset, working at a computer.

Machine Learning Engineer  

A Machine Learning Engineering role combines data analysis and software engineering and crosses over with a variety of disciplines such as artificial intelligence, computational statistics and predictive analytics.  

Some of the key responsibilities of a Machine Learning Engineer are designing and developing machine learning systems and algorithms, which enable automated and predictive processes, as well as conducting tests and experiments to optimise the performance of these systems and processes. 

Big Data Architect  

A Big Data Architect is responsible for managing an organisation’s data and data strategy. This involves building and maintaining its Big Data infrastructure, as well as developing policies, procedures, models and tools to gather, organise, hold and retrieve data.  

It is a role that can come with a high salary, with the average salary for a Big Data Architect in the UK, falling between £65-105k per year (source: Glassdoor, 2024).  

A person working at a computer.

Business Intelligence Developer  

A Business Intelligence Developer is responsible for developing and maintaining business intelligence solutions such as data analytics platforms, data visualisation tools and reporting software. 

With these business intelligence solutions in place, a Business Intelligence Developer can transform an organisation’s raw data into meaningful insights which can be used to aid business decision making and drive improvement.  

Studying a Master’s in Data Analytics 

A Master’s in Data Analytics can open the door to an exciting range of career paths, which will allow you to make a meaningful contribution to the successful running of businesses. 

At the University of Huddersfield, we offer a range of Master’s level study options for Data Analytics, including full and part-time, distance learning and in-person to give you the flexibility to choose the study mode which aligns best with you and your lifestyle.  

Our Data Analytics courses follow training from industry leading data analytics organisation SAS, and as part of your studies you will have the opportunity to use its analytics platform.

Shamaila Iram, Senior Lecturer, Data Analytics, delivering an online class. Shamaila Iram, Senior Lecturer, Data Analytics

Our Data Analytics MSc course is meticulously designed to facilitate career transitions or advancements by providing industry-standard tools and methodologies for effective data exploration. From fundamental analytical principles to advanced predictive modelling and interactive visualisation dashboards, each module is precisely tailored to meet industry demands. With our distance learning course, you have the flexibility to undergo training at your convenience, time, and space." - Shamaila Iram, Senior Lecturer, Data Analytics

Explore our Master’s in Data Analytics: 

Data Analytics MSc (Distance Learning) 

Data Analytics MSc (In-person) 

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