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How to become an investment analyst

Investment analysts research companies, industries and markets to help traders, stockbrokers and fund managers decide what to buy and sell.

You could work for an investment bank, a fund manager, an insurer, a pension fund or a stockbroker. Many roles are in large cities, particularly London.

Most analysts join through a graduate scheme and take an FCA-recognised exam, such as CFA UK's Investment Management Certificate (IMC), at work.

  • Degree usually expected
  • FCA-recognised exam
  • Competitive

2 routes into this career

Each route is a real, published way in. None is guaranteed, and requirements vary by employer. Select up to 3 to compare side by side.

  • Route AUniversity

    University degree, then a graduate trainee role

    For those who want to study economics, maths, finance or another subject, then join an investment firm as a graduate trainee.

    Starting requirements

    • Usually a degree at upper second class (2:1) or higher; most subjects are accepted
    • A placement year or summer internship is recommended
    • Graduate trainees must pass an FCA-recognised exam such as CFA UK's Investment Management Certificate (IMC)

    Pathway outline

    1. Study a degree (economics, maths, business, accountancy or finance are relevant)
    2. Do a placement year or summer internship
    3. Join an investment bank, fund manager or stockbroker as a graduate trainee
    4. Pass the IMC or another FCA-recognised exam
    5. Work as an investment analyst
    Estimated duration
    About 3 years of study, then training at work
    How we estimate this

    A typical full-time bachelor's degree in England takes 3 years. CFA UK recommends about 240 hours of study for the two IMC units.

    Estimated direct study costs
    £30,405Paid up front by you: £1,035Up-front figure assumes a Tuition Fee Loan pays the tuition. The loan is repaid from future earnings above a threshold, so it is shown separately as a loan balance.Published fees only, at the lower and upper ends of official ranges. Training provider fees are extra. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    Usually after graduating; internships are often paid.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route BApprenticeship

    Investment operations apprenticeship, then analyst roles

    For those who want to start in an investment firm after school or college, with training paid for.

    Starting requirements

    • You apply for an apprenticeship job with a bank, regulator or investment firm; each employer sets its own requirements
    • The National Careers Service says higher apprenticeships usually ask for 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 and A levels, or equivalent
    • Vacancies are limited and competitive

    Pathway outline

    1. Apply for an Investment operations specialist (Level 4) apprenticeship
    2. Work and train; your employer and the government pay for the training
    3. Complete the end-point assessment
    4. Pass the IMC or another FCA-recognised exam
    5. Move towards analyst roles as your experience grows
    Estimated duration
    About 18 months, then experience
    How we estimate this

    Find apprenticeship training lists Investment operations specialist (Level 4) at 18 months. Moving into analysis depends on your employer.

    Estimated direct study costs
    Up to £10,035 of training (funding band maximum), paid for youPaid up front by you: £0 — training and assessment are fundedApprentices do not pay for training or assessment. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    From day one — apprentices are employees and are paid a wage.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

Choose “View full journey” on a route to see every step, cost and source.

Good to know

Questions people ask

Do I need a finance degree?

No. The National Careers Service says most subjects are accepted, although economics, maths, business, accountancy and finance are relevant. Employers usually ask for a 2:1 or higher.

What is the IMC?

The Investment Management Certificate from CFA UK is a Level 4 exam in two units. It is an FCA-appropriate qualification for managing investments. For 2026/27 the exams cost £365 and £390.

Sources

Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026. Every fee and requirement on this page links to one of these.

UK reference: median full-time pay for all employees was £39,039 in April 2025 (ONS ASHE, provisional).

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