Career pathway

Data Analyst

Develop practical skills in spreadsheets, SQL, statistics, visualisation and Python for real-world data analysis.

7 stages3–5 monthsData Science
What this pathway builds

Turn business and research questions into clear analysis.

The aim is not simply to complete the stages below. Each stage should add a capability that makes the next one easier and moves you closer to independent application.

01
Clean and organise real datasets

Develop this capability progressively as you move through the roadmap.

02
Analyse data with Excel and SQL

Develop this capability progressively as you move through the roadmap.

03
Use statistics appropriately

Develop this capability progressively as you move through the roadmap.

04
Build effective visualisations

Develop this capability progressively as you move through the roadmap.

05
Communicate findings clearly

Develop this capability progressively as you move through the roadmap.

06
Develop practical portfolio work

Develop this capability progressively as you move through the roadmap.

Your roadmap

7 stages from foundation to application.

Follow the stages in sequence unless you already have strong evidence that you have mastered an earlier requirement.

01
Stage 1

Data literacy

Course available

Build the foundation required for the rest of the pathway. Spend enough time here that data literacy feels usable rather than merely familiar.

FoundationView course
02
Stage 2

Excel for Data Analysis

Course available

Develop your capability in excel for data analysis and connect it with the knowledge from earlier stages before progressing further.

ProgressionView course
03
Stage 3

Statistics foundations

Course available

Develop your capability in statistics foundations and connect it with the knowledge from earlier stages before progressing further.

ProgressionView course
04
Stage 4

SQL for Data Analysis

Course available

Develop your capability in sql for data analysis and connect it with the knowledge from earlier stages before progressing further.

ProgressionView course
05
Stage 5

Data visualisation

Develop your capability in data visualisation and connect it with the knowledge from earlier stages before progressing further.

06
Stage 6

Python foundations

Course available

Develop your capability in python foundations and connect it with the knowledge from earlier stages before progressing further.

ProgressionView course
07
Stage 7

Portfolio analysis

Bring the earlier stages together through portfolio analysis. The aim is to demonstrate independent application rather than isolated technical knowledge.

How to use this roadmap

Progress by mastery, not by calendar.

The suggested duration is a guide. Move faster through skills you already have and spend longer where your foundations are weaker.

01

Diagnose

Identify your starting point

Review the early stages and decide which foundations you genuinely already understand.

02

Learn

Build concepts carefully

Use structured courses, explanations and practice to build the skills required at each stage.

03

Test

Check independent understanding

Move on when you can explain and apply the ideas without following a worked example step by step.

04

Apply

Build something real

Complete analyses, projects, research workflows or technical tasks that combine multiple stages.

Pathway support

Hit a difficult stage?
Get expert help without abandoning the path.

Use tutoring for difficult concepts, technical troubleshooting, project feedback, research methods or guidance on what to learn next.