It’s one thing to understand how to extract data but how do you communicate this information back to humans when you’re not a robot? (You’re not a robot, are you?)  

When the world is swimming in data and it feels like AI is getting ready to take over, if you can look at the numbers and tell their story, you’ll hold powerful insights in your grasp and become Lord of the Data Key (forget Rings).

Data and storytelling? Don’t worry if writing words is not your thing. If you prefer to surround yourself with stats, see patterns in everything or are more of a visual learner (rather than a word-y one), you could craft some epic data tales that transform how the world operates.

And, as every business – profit or purpose-based - is hungry for data insights (and what to do with them all), as a business analyst you could steer business digital transformations in a never-boring, always-stimulating career.

What does it take to become a business analyst?

Career proof points from industry

As a business data analyst, you can work across a range of industries, including:

  • Finance and banking
  • Information technology and communications
  • Marketing, particularly market research
  • Healthcare
  • Retail
  • Government and not-for-profit organisations
     

What skills do you need to become a business analyst?

To become a business analyst, you need analytical skills and the technical know-how to organise and extract using a range of software platforms including:

  • JavaScript, Python, SQL and Tableau,
  • Database technologies, query building and modelling languages,
  • Business intelligence and data visualisation,
  • Process modelling and automation,
  • AI and machine learning,
  • Web platform development software
  • Industry-relevant training in cyber security, technology governance and data ethics.
     

You'll also need interpersonal prowess as you collaborate with your peers and stakeholders to grow essential soft skills, you’ll use throughout your career including:

  • Analytical and critical thinking4
  • Communication and interpersonal skills4
  • Decision-making skills4

Why study business analytics and business at Swinburne?

1Seek

2Seek

3National Skills Commission

4Occupational Information Network

Steps to becoming a business analyst

If you’re considering a career as a business analyst, here’s how to quickly get with the program.

1. Get qualified.

Just because you’re a whiz at Excel doesn’t mean you can crash course Business Analytics 101 in six weeks and expect to land a high-paying job. By committing to three years of study you’ll be able to speak a second language fluently by the time you graduate (it’ll be programming, not French).

Undergraduate degrees
Business Analytics and Analysis BA-BAA
Duration

3 years full-time  or equivalent

Part-time available  -  could be extended due to WIL
Delivery

On-campus

Online 

Flexible learning
Entry 

2023 Guaranteed Entry ATAR: 65

Or, via Early Entry Program – range of criteria with school recommendation. Head here for more info on this program and the VTAC code associated with this entry pathway. 
 
Qualifications

One of:

  • Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.
  • Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including Certificates IV (completed), Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Associate Degrees and Degrees).
  • Applicants without a formal qualification may be considered for entry upon completion of the STAT test.
     

Course Prerequisites

VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent.
Work Experience 

Work Integrated Learning opportunities: 

  • Industry project
  • Internship
  • Work placement 
  • Study tour
Advanced study pathways   Postgraduate study by coursework or research.  
Scholarships Yes
Industry memberships Accredited by Australian Computer Society (ACS).
Postgraduate degrees

Master of Business

Information Systems

MA-BIS

GC-BIS1
Career Pathways
  • Chief Information Officer
  • ICT Business Analyst
  • ICT Architect
  • ICT Project Manager
  • Systems Analyst
Duration 1 year, 1.5 years or 2 years full-time or equivalent part-time (dependent on prior qualifications and experience)
Delivery

On-campus

Online

Flexible learning
Entry Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Learn more about RPL.
Advanced study pathways Postgraduate study by coursework or research.
Scholarships Yes
Industry Memberships Accredited by Australian Computer Society (ACS), and endorsed by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA).
TAFE courses
VE Pathways to Bachelor of Business Analysis and Analytics
Duration Typically 12 months
Delivery 

On-campus 

Online 

Flexible learning 
Entry 

Year 12, applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply.
Work Experience Dependent on the pathway
Advanced study pathways  N/A
Skills First Government-subsidised place

You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
Concession rates for vocational students Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative. 
 
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time. 
 
Find out if you’re eligible for a fee concession.

2. Connect and collaborate.

Soak up every opportunity to collaborate with your peers/future colleagues/data business trailblazers. This is one of the best ways to grow essential problem-solving, interpersonal and communication skills, as well as your network.

3. Get industry experience.

With every industry wanting to harness the power of data, get your data geek on and find a variety of opportunities to test your business analytics and analysis skills. Would your part-time job benefit from some insights, or a local community group? Or perhaps you could shake up a Student Club, hello Swinburne Entrepreneurship Club?

Plus, with a Swinburne bachelor degree, a real industry experience is guaranteed. And it could help you discover what industry resonates with you most, so you can get to transforming it for the better.

4. Network.

Consider joining the Australian chapter of International Institute of Business Analysis to connect with future collaborators, mentors and employers.

Kick-start your business analytics and analysis career at Swinburne

Ready to get down to business? Browse our business courses to find the one for you. Tomorrow, you’ll be glad you started today.

Change of Preference Expo

Explore your options and get personalised advice based on your Year 12 results. Friday 13 December, Hawthorn campus. 

Register now

Search for a Business course