What qualification should I study to become a data analyst?

A Bachelor of Science majoring in Data Analytics is the most direct route at Waikato, and a Bachelor of Climate Change with the same major suits those wanting to apply data skills to environmental and climate contexts.

Which major suits data analyst work best?

Data Analytics is purpose-built for this career, and pairing it with a Business Analytics minor adds hands-on experience with industry tools like Power BI and Tableau.

Can I specialise further with postgraduate study?

Yes. A Master of Data Science lets graduates build deeper technical expertise in data analysis, modelling, and machine learning.

Is there a faster route if I already have a degree?

Yes. The Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics or a Master of Data Science both let you build data skills onto an existing qualification.

How long does it take to become a data analyst?

A Bachelor of Science takes three years of full-time study. If you're building on an existing degree instead, the Graduate Certificate route is considerably shorter.

Data analyst career

Kaitātari raraunga

Data analysts help organisations collect and examine data to improve an organisation's operations.

$54,000 – $148,000 per year

Data quality analyst, operations analyst, systems analyst, data intelligence specialist, data and insights consultant, business intelligence analyst

Where our data comes from

What would you do as a Data analyst?

Data Analysts

usually work regular business hours
usually work in offices, and may travel locally
need to be methodical, accurate and identify and solve problems

Tasks

make sure data is reliable
find useful and accurate data
analyse data trends and patterns
understand data to get insights
talk to clients about needs
prepare reports and evaluations
use data software for analysis

How can you become a Data analyst?

You usually need experience and a qualification to become a data analyst.

You may need

experience in similar work
a relevant tertiary qualification in computer science, economics and econometrics, mathematical sciences or similar area

If you're in school

You usually need NCEA Level 3 to do the study or training for this job.

Study a Data Analytics major in our Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Climate Change. You'll learn to manage large data sets and turn them into useful information. Like all our undergraduate degrees, both include work-integrated learning.

If you already have a degree, our Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics builds your skills with big data tools such as SQL and Google BigQuery. Our Master of Data Science takes you further, with endorsements including artificial intelligence, business analytics, health analytics and statistical modelling.

BSc

Data analyst FAQs

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to help with the cost of studying at Waikato. Options are available across a wide range of subjects and study levels, including scholarships for new students, current students and specific areas of study.

Find a scholarship

QS rankings

QS World University Rankings 2027

Waikato is ranked equal 293rd globally, placing us in the top 1.5% of universities worldwide, and 2nd in New Zealand by citations per faculty.

QS Ranking - Business & Management Studies

Waikato is ranked among the top 350 universities worldwide for Business & Management Studies in the QS World University Rankings.

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Data analyst career