A new business analysis course is now live on the Government Digital and Data Hub
If you have ever wondered what business analysts do in government, the Business Analysis in Government: Getting Started is your chance to learn more.
As part of the governments ambition to build a modern digital government, there’s a growing need to invest in skills, talent and capability. The Government Digital and Data (GDD) profession plays a central role in this with a goal to double its size and equip civil servants with the expertise needed to deliver better public services.
To support this, the Government Digital Service is expanding access to high-quality learning opportunities, available to all, including the new introductory course in business analysis.
This course is open to everyone, whether you work as a business analyst already and would like to develop some skills, are simply curious about the field, or are maybe even considering a career in government.
This course is the latest instalment in our “Getting Started” series and has been created in collaboration with business analyst colleagues from across government and is hosted on the new Government Digital and Data Hub where you can find a range of learning, from business analysis to user research.
Why learn about business analysis?
Business analysis is the process of solving problems and finding opportunities to deliver solutions that create value for users and stakeholders.
In government, business analyst is one of the most in-demand roles in Digital and Data, which is why it's available as one of the four Digital Fast Stream paths, alongside Product Manager, User Researcher and Delivery Manager.
The course content was produced by a cross-government team of business analysts from the Department for Education, the Department for Work and Pensions, and the Ministry of Justice, bringing real world experience to the learning.
The topics covered in the course will also be useful for anyone who would like to:
- identify and develop skills and knowledge relevant to their current role
- decide whether they would like to work towards a role in business analysis
- collaborate effectively with business analysts in multidisciplinary teams
Learn in a way that works for you
This course is structured over three weeks with a recommended learning time of three hours per week. It is self-directed so you can learn at your own pace, and you can join and start learning at any time. The course will include:
- the basic terms and concepts of business analysis
- stakeholder analysis and management
- working with requirements
- domains of change and adding value
- process modelling
- how business analysis works in a government context
It’s also hosted on the FutureLearn platform, which means you can:
- discuss ideas with other learners
- share experiences
- learn collaboratively
All courses on FutureLearn focus on learning through a mix of reading, completing tasks, and watching educational videos produced by business analysts working in government. You can keep track of your progress by taking quizzes and end-of-week tests, and by completing the learner tasks throughout the course.
Register on FutureLearn now You can join the course at any time and learn at your own pace, completely free. If you want to go further, there’s also the option to upgrade for permanent access, complete assessments, and receive a certificate to showcase your learning.
Find more learning o pportunities on the Government Digital and Data Hub
Launched in November 2025, the Government Digital and Data Hub is a national online platform bringing together digital and data professionals from across the UK public sector.
Whether you’re an experienced specialist or just starting your journey, the Hub offers a dynamic space to access world-class learning, share ideas, and engage with a growing network of professionals committed to public service innovation.
Alongside our new Business Analysis course, the hub brings together a range of community-led learning that can help you build skills and develop in your current role or kick-start your digital career in Government. Topics include accessibility, content design, product management and user research.
The hub also offers an exciting range of free, digital and data industry-led learning from leading technology suppliers. Subjects include Artificial Intelligence, Cloud and Platforms, Data, and Cyber Security.
Stay connected
You can also find out more about upcoming learning opportunities and events by subscribing to our updates.
If you have any queries or would like to collaborate with the team on our future courses, please contact the GDS Learning & Engagement team at gddlearningteam@dsit.gov.uk.
