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What does a Government Social Researcher do?

Being a Government Social Researcher involves studying and analysing various aspects of society, like people鈥檚 behaviour, opinions, 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鈥檚 lives.听

To do this, social researchers use a range of methods; for example, they design and gather data on surveys that aim to quantify a population鈥檚 views, conduct interviews, and 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.听

They use these results to provide recommendations to policymakers. Social research helps make society better and fairer by using data and research to guide government decisions.

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

The Government Social Research Degree Apprenticeship Programme (GSRDAP) is a four-year programme which offers an opportunity to gain real experience working on some of the government鈥檚 most impactful projects, while gaining a BA undergraduate degree in Applied Social Research.

Where will I be working?

Salaries and locations vary by government department. Learn more about the departments offering apprenticeships in 2025 in our department job descriptions here: (ODT, 186 KB)

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. Please note: while we will make every effort to allocate you to a department within a preferred location - this is not guaranteed.

Some departments require candidates to have a UK footprint for 5 years to get security clearance including the Home Office, Office for National Statistics, and some other departments.

Who will I be studying with?听

Apprentices will typically spend one day a week being taught by some of the world鈥檚 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.鈥疢ost learning will take place virtually.鈥�鈥�听

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.鈥�鈥�听

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鈥檚 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.听听

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鈥檚 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.

How do I apply?听听

Applications usually open in January of each year. Please鈥�.

Who can apply?

The GSRDAP is open to a wide variety of candidates from school leavers to career changers, and lots of people in between. Prospective apprentices can apply from as early as their last year of school.听You will need a minimum of five鈥疓CSEs鈥� (including Maths at grade C (4) or above and English Language at C (4) or above) or equivalent.听

You will need a minimum of 96鈥疷CAS鈥痯oints under the 2017 tariff point system (e.g. CCC at A Level or equivalent qualifications, not including General Studies). You can check how many鈥疷CAS鈥痯oints you have by using the鈥� 听

We don鈥檛 expect you to have studied any social research or social sciences previously, but we are keen to know what interests you about the subject.听

This apprenticeship is open to applicants from all backgrounds and demographics.听

What鈥檚 the salary?

The minimum salary for our 2025 cohort was 拢26,337 nationally, or 拢28,576 in London. Salaries vary according to department and location.

What benefits will I enjoy?

The鈥疓SR DAP鈥痮ffers you a unique opportunity to earn while you learn. Our apprentices benefit from:鈥�听

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

• A paid government role听

• Opportunities across England听

• Meaningful work that makes a difference to society听

• An inclusive and diverse working environment听

• A permanent government role upon successful completion

What hours will I work?

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

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 member of the Government Social Research Service.