Government Social Research

If you're naturally curious about why people behave the way they do or want to understand the "how" and "why" behind social issues, you could be perfect for a career in social research.

Our degree apprenticeship programme offers a fee-free Applied Social Research degree from the University of Kent alongside working in a government department. This scheme allows you to earn whilst you learn. No research experience is necessary, just a desire to learn!  

Picture yourself designing surveys that capture what entire populations think, running focus groups that dive deep into people's experiences, or analysing data that reveals otherwise hidden patterns in how society functions. You might be evaluating whether a new policy is helping people find jobs, researching what makes communities feel safer, or investigating why some educational programmes succeed whilst others don't.  

Social research helps government make better policy and deliver better services, using data and research to guide government decisions and delivery. 
Learn more about Government Social Research, our recruitment schemes, and the benefits of working as a government social researcher. 

What does a Government Social Researcher do?

Being a Government Social Researcher involves studying and analysing various aspects of society, like people’s behaviour, views, and needs. This then helps the government make informed decisions. Social researchers in government work on a wide variety of programmes and projects and are at the heart of building better policy that can improve people’s lives. 

To do this, social researchers use a range of methods; for example, they design and gather data through surveys that aim to quantify a population’s views. They also conduct interviews, and lead focus groups that explore what people think in greater depth, and run experiments to decide what kinds of social programmes work best. Alongside this, social researchers often make use of transferable and in demand coding skills to analyse and visualise large amounts of data. 

They use these results to provide recommendations to policymakers. Social research helps government make better policy and deliver better services, using data and research to guide government decisions and delivery.

What is the Government Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme (GSRDAP)?

On the GSR Degree Level Apprenticeship, you'll spend four days a week working alongside experienced social researchers in a government department or agency, then dedicate one day a week to online study with the University of Kent. It's hands-on learning that puts you right where decisions are made, giving you real experience that will set you apart.
We offer: 

• Meaningful work where you can directly improve people's lives 
• A fee-free Applied Social Research degree from The University of Kent 
• A paid government role
• Opportunities across England 
• An inclusive and diverse working environment 
• A permanent government role upon successful completion of the programme

Can I choose which department I will work for?

Successful candidates may be allocated to any of the participating departments, though we will take your location preferences into consideration.

Who will I be studying with? 

Apprentices will typically spend one day a week being taught by some of the world’s foremost social research experts at the University of Kent via online distance learning. On successful completion of the programme, apprentices will receive an honours degree in Applied Social Research from this university. Most learning will take place virtually.   

Apprentices will work closely with academic methods experts and peers remotely through weekly online live lectures and seminars, and face-to-face through an annual residential on campus. These are occasions for both in depth learning and socialising with fellow apprentices. Throughout the degree, apprentices will have access to one-to-one coaching and guidance from a dedicated course tutor.   

During the course, apprentices will also be fully registered as students at the University of Kent, giving them all the benefits that come with this.

What will I be studying?

This is the UK’s first ever social research undergraduate degree apprenticeship. You will develop transferable and applied knowledge, skills and behaviours that will set you up for a long career in modern social research. The course will cover a broad range of contemporary quantitative and qualitative social research methods and skills, alongside how they can be applied to bring about real-world change and help government and organisations make better decisions.  

This includes, but is not limited to: how to collect and use data for analysis in a range of different social contexts; how to design impactful research projects that could inform some of society’s most pressing questions; how to make use of modern social research software that will also bring you transferrable skills in coding; and you will have the opportunity to undertake an independent research project in an area of relevant interest to you.

When will it start?

Apprentices usually start in September of each year.

Academic requirements:​ 

• You must have a minimum of five GCSEs (including Maths at grade C (4) or above and English Language at C (4) or above) or equivalent. 
   
• You must have, or expect to a gain, a minimum of 96 UCAS points under the 2017 tariff point system (e.g. CCC at A Level or equivalent qualifications, not including General Studies). Calculate your UCAS Tariff Points. ​ 
   
• Please note - you are not eligible for this scheme if you have a further education qualification at level 6 (degree level) or above. 

Nationality requirements:​ 

• You need to have the right to work in the UK.​  
   
• You need to have resided in the UK for at least the previous 3 years before the start of the apprenticeship.​  
   
• You need to meet the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
   
• We do not offer sponsorship for this programme.​ 

What benefits will I enjoy?

The GSR DAP offers you a unique opportunity to earn while you learn. Our apprentices benefit from:  

• A fee-free Applied Social Research degree from The University of Kent 

• A paid government role 

• Opportunities across England 

• Meaningful work that makes a difference to society 

• An inclusive and diverse working environment 

• A permanent government role upon successful completion of the programme

What hours will I work?

Working weeks are 37 hours. 80% of this time is spent on GSR work, and 20% of this time will be for learning. 

What happens once I complete my apprenticeship?

Upon successful completion of your apprenticeship and after passing the End-Point Assessment, you will receive a full honours degree in Applied Social Research from the University of Kent and a guaranteed permanent graduate job as a social researcher and a member of the Government Social Research community.

Contact point for application

If you have any questions about this scheme or our recruitment processes, please contact the GESR Recruitment Team on gesrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk or follow us on social media.